Everything You Need To Know About Back Pain
Back Pain is one of the most common complaints in the healthcare system, with at least 80% of the population having (or struggling with) this medical problem at least once in their lives.
The causes of back pain are numerous and varied, as some are caused by illness, injury and an unhealthy lifestyle. Although the causes of back pain are different, the symptoms often present themselves the same way.
Here are a few common causes of back pain:
- Muscle/Ligament Strain
- You can strain your back muscles and your spinal muscle ligaments by executing an abrupt and awkward movement, or by repeatedly lifting heavy objects (such as weights) in an incorrect manner.
- If your physical condition is poor, then constant back strain will lead to agonizing muscle spasms
- Bulging/Ruptured Disks
- Disks are located between the vertebrae in your spine, and on occasion the soft material found in a disk may bulge out or rupture and press against a nerve. Bulging or ruptured disks do not always equate to back pain, and most people do not even realize that they have this condition until they undergo an X-Ray for another condition.
- Osteoporosis
- Compression fractures found on your vertebrae may lead to pain. Osteoporosis is common in individuals with brittle and porous bones.
- Pregnancy
- 50% of pregnant women experience lower back pain, and in the most severe cases back pain may pre-dispose women to disability and pain in later pregnancies.
- Nerve and Muscle Problems
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Trauma
- Accidents and sports injuries
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Skeletal Irregularities
- Infections/Inflammatory Diseases
Back pain can occur suddenly and without prior warning, or it can be chronic pain. Additionally, it can be constant or occur in intermittent periods, and it can stay in one place or spread out to other areas of your body. Though the experience of pain differs throughout different individuals, there are a few common symptoms which you should look out for.
Common Symptoms of Back Pain:
- Dull aches, sharp sensations, or burning feelings in your muscles
- Pain that radiates into your arms and hands, as well as down your legs or feet
- Limited flexibility in your back and restricted range of motion
- Inability to stand up straight without experiencing muscle spasms and shooting pains in your lower back
- Tingling sensations in your muscles
- Weakness and/or numbness
The treatment for back pain will vary depending on the type of pain you have, as well as the cause of the pain you are having. Most back pain will go away after a few weeks of treatment and attentive home care, however if this does not occur then you should seek medical attention; especially if you experienced back pain after an injury.
Recommended Treatments for Back Pain:
- Cold Compression Therapy – This treatment is recommended for individuals experiencing backs spasms, as well as sub-acute and acute lower back pain. Cold Compression Therapy is used to alleviate pain and swelling due to inflammation and has been known to provide relief in people suffering from back pain. The Breg Polar Care Kodiak is a safe and effective way to administer a continuous flow of cold.
- Bracing – Many doctors feel the daily use of a supportive brace can help their patients with activities of daily living long-term or for surgical pre- and post-operative use. Bracing specifically targets the area of concern needing the support by using either rigid, or semi rigid materials designed into the brace to reduce or alleviate pain.
- Custom Orthotics – Problems with the feet can negatively affect the way a person walks or stands and over time this can place strain on the lower back, causing pain. Custom Orthotics for the Foot and/or Feet are professionally made to correct abnormal foot patterns by aligning the foot and ankle. With proper alignment pain can be decreased and in some cases eliminated.
- TENS/Neuromuscular Electrical Simulator – The Neurotech Recovery Back System is a product designed for Lower Back Pain. It provides pain management and muscle rehabilitation. This device, while relieving pain and strengthen your muscles, also helps to relax muscle spasms and increase local blood circulation.
- Physiotherapy & Massage Therapy – Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy provide rehabilitation including a wide range of modalities such as joint manipulation, exercise programs, acupuncture, dry needling, and other conservative treatments.
- Exercise – Exercise helps strengthen your back, improve your flexibility and posture, and toughen your abdominal muscles.
- Injections – Anti–inflammatory medications such as cortisone can be injected into your epidural space (space surrounding your spinal cord), in the case that other treatments fail to work. The hope is that inflammation will be decreased around nerve roots; however this pain relief only lasts for a few months. Injections are normally taken by individuals experiencing pain radiating down their leg and only prescribed by a doctor.
- Medication – Doctors often recommend pain relievers to alleviate back pain. These medications include anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. It is cautioned for individuals taking these medications to use them as instructed, in order to avoid side effects. In the case that mild back pain is not relieved with these medications, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants- these often cause drowsiness and dizziness.
When back pain cannot be resolved by conservative treatments, alternative treatments might be explored as a way to ease the symptoms of back pain. You should discuss alternative therapy with your doctor before you start it.
As you can see, there are various methods of relieving back pain which will not interfere with your day to day activity. Additionally, you can take steps to prevent back pain by learning and putting into place the proper body mechanics, as well as improving your overall physical condition.
If you experience back pain, or have any questions regarding back pain, then please feel free to contact the Arthritis & Injury Care Centre.
