What is back pain?
Pain which is felt in your back is called back pain. Normally, it originates from your joints, bones, nerves or muscles. Back pain can be chronic or you can experience sudden onset pain.
Moreover, you may have irregular or constant, stay in a particular place or spread to any other area of your body. You may feel a minor ache, or a burning or sharp sensation. Furthermore, the pain can also spread into your hands, arms, feet or legs.
Preventive measures can help lessen or prevent the episodes of back pain. In some cases, home treatment can also help healing your back pain. In rare cases, surgery is recommended.
What are the symptoms of back pain?
Symptoms include:
- Stabbing or shooting pain.
- Muscle ache.
- Pain that can spread to other body parts.
- Limited motion range of your back.
- Limited flexibility.
- Standing up straight can be difficult.
What causes back pain?
Usually, back pain occurs without a particular cause. Certain conditions associated with back pain are:
- Ligament or muscle strain.
- Ruptured disks.
- Arthritis.
- Skeletal irregularities.
- Osteoporosis.
What are the risk factors of back pain?
Any individual, regardless of age and sex can experience back pain. As per the beliefs, improper lifting and excess weight is blamed to trigger back pain, yet researchers have not proved the myths to be true till date.
Individuals with specific psychological disorders are less likely to have back pain, for example people who have anxiety or depression, though, why is that so, is still a mystery!
How is back pain diagnosed?
The doctor will assess the patient’s ability to walk, stand, sit and lift his or her legs. He will also examine his back and test his reflexes. In case he doubts a particular condition for causing the back pain, then he is more likely to suggest the following tests:
- CT scans and MRI.
- X-ray.
- Bone scan.
- Nerve studies (EMG or electromyography).
How is back pain treated?
Many instances of back pain tend to become better with careful attention and home treatment for some weeks. The doctor can suggest over-the-counter pain relievers for improving the back pain. Moreover, few treatment options for back pain include:
- Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen; Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve) or pain relievers for example acetaminophen (tylenol). Clearly, such medications are effective enough for relieving your back pain.
- Physical therapy: Your doctor can recommend a physical therapist that can help you learn certain therapies for treating your back pain such as muscle-release techniques, ultrasound therapy, heat therapy and electrical stimulation.
- Injections: cortisone injection.
- Surgery.
Prevention:
For keeping your back strong and healthy:
- Regularly exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Build muscle flexibility and strength through exercises.
- Gaining healthy weight is important.
- Sit smart, stand smart and lift smart.
- Avoid using advertised products that promise relieving or preventing back pain.
By : Natural Health News
