BACK PAIN

Back pain is a form of discomfort that can be caused by many factors, which leads to muscle strains. It is among the leading cause of disability, and patients must seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Back pains are categorized into two. Acute and chronic. Acute injuries occur when ligaments present have been overstretched, while chronic back pain usually occurs longer than six months, and pain persists even after treatment. With new technology preventing and reliving backaches has been made easier. Also, some proven techniques that can be used in the comfort of your home to help relieve back pain.

Symptoms

Back pain symptoms can vary depending on the cause of the injury and the patient. Some can experience muscle aching or a burning/stabbing feeling. The pain can also spread from the back to the leg or even the neck.

Sudden movement can make it worse, causing discomfort to the patient. Patients are recommended to seek medical help if the pain experienced last for more than a few weeks, becomes more unbearable even after rest, spreads to the legs & causes numbness and sudden weight loss. Back pains or injuries can cause alarming health issues followed by a bad fall and, in extreme circumstances, can cause bladder and bowel problems.

Causes

Ligament or Muscle strain
Excessive heavy lifting, vigorous movement, or lousy posture can strain the spinal ligaments and the back muscles. Back injury resulting from ligament or muscle strain may either be an acute injury that is short-term or a chronic one if it persists. As a result of this painful back pain, other conditions can come up, like painful muscle spasms or even worse.

Ruptured or Bulged disks
Disks are in the spine between bones. The substance in the disk can rupture or bulge and cause discomfort by pressing on the nerve. The ruptured disk can cause discomfort. The ruptured disk can be visible when MRIs, CT scans, and spine X-rays are done.

Arthritis 
Arthritis is the tenderness and swelling of joints, which cause joint pain & stiffness and affects the back, mainly the lower back. Arthritis can progress to the spine, which leads to a contraction in the area surrounding the spinal cord. It also puts pressure on the nerves in the spine, affecting the spine and the neck. This condition is spinal stenosis. It is a result of wear and tear of age.

Osteoporosis
This condition weakens the bones in the body to the point of breakage. It affects the hipbone and the wrist but primarily the backbone and spine. Osteoporosis is known as a silent disease because you may experience mild pains, but it’s only once the bone breaks you know the osteoporosis is serious.

Risk factors

Anyone can have back pain and it affects people of all ages. These factors can increase the risk of emerging back pain:

• Age- with age, back pain can become chronic. At around age 30, and also the older one gets, without medical treatment, it worsens.
• Lack of exercise- not exercising enough can cause weak muscles all over the body and the back, which lead to back pain. When going back to exercising, take it slow; if not, back injury may result.
• Disease- diseases like cancer and arthritis can contribute to back pain.
• Excess weight- being overweight causes stress to the body, more so the back, leading to back pains and aches.
• Heavy Lifting- Lifting should be done with the legs, not the back. If the back is strained when lifting, it causes back injury and pain.
• Psychological conditions- People with mental conditions like depression and anxiety tend to have a high risk of backaches. Muscle tension can be caused by stress, which leads to back pain.
• Smoking- Smokers have a high risk of experiencing back pain. Smokers tend to cough a lot, which leads to herniated disks. This then causes back pains. Smoking also reduces blood flow to the spine and increases the risk of osteoporosis.

Prevention

Improving one’s physical condition and practicing how to treat the body might prevent back pain. To keep the back strong here one needs to make sure to implement some or all of the following.

Physical therapy. Physical therapy can be a great way to prevent back injury and pain. If the pain is pre-existing, the Physical therapist and Chiropractor at Spine & Sports Center will assess the injury and formulate a personalized treatment plan.

Exercise. A way to reduce back pain is by participating in low-impact activities. They should not strain your back and are meant to increase endurance, strength & mobility in the back and ensures proper working of the muscles. Other activities like swimming, walking, and riding a bicycle can be a great way to prevent back injury and pain.

Building muscle strength. Exercises that work the back and abdominal muscles are meant to strengthen the core. With a strong core, the muscle can support the back, eliminating back pains.

Healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way in back stability. Being above the required body weight can strain back muscles.

Quit smoking. Quitting smoking should reduce the chances of having back strains, reducing back pain and experiencing back injury.

Avoid movements that strain the back:

• Posture. when it comes to standing and sitting, don’t slouch. Try to maintain a neutral position when standing for a long time. A Good posture can lessen the stress on back muscles. When sitting, select a chair with lower back support, an armrest, and a base. Placing a pillow on the lower back can maintain its curve. Changing the sitting position every so often can also help.
  

• Lift Properly. Avoid heavy lifting, if possible; if not, lift with your legs to not stress the back. The back should be straight and bend at the knees. Find someone to help you raise it if it is heavy; if not, hold the weight close.