Back Pain

WHAT EXACTLY IS BACK PAIN?

Back pain is not just back pain but it is also related to other parts of the back namely lower back pain, upper back pain. Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit doctors or miss work, and also it is seen as one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Apart from all these sufferings, we also have an option of prevention. Fortunately, you can take measures to prevent or relieve most back pain sufferings. If prevention fails, simple home remedies, proper body mechanics, or another physiotherapy often will heal your back within a few weeks and keep it functional. Surgery or any kind of operation is rarely advised to treat back pain.

SYMPTOMS OF BACK PAIN

Just like any other disease or suffering, back pain too has few symptoms. Moreover here is a list of symptoms that on observation preventions are taken. Back pain may range from a muscle aching to shoot, burning, or stabbing sensation adding to it the pain may radiate down your leg or worsen with bending, twisting, lifting, standing, or walking.

CAUSES OF BACK PAIN

Back pain often develops without a cause that your doctor can identify with a test or imaging study. The human back is composed of a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, tendons, disks, and bones, which work together to support the body and enable us to move around. The segments of the spine are cushioned with cartilage-like pads called disks. Problems with any of these components can lead to back pain. In some cases of back pain, its cause remains unclear. Damage can result from strain, medical conditions, and poor posture, among others.

1. STRAIN - Back pain commonly arises from strain, tension, or injury. After this, let’s understand few common causes of frequent back pain are:-
   

• Strained Muscle or strained ligaments
  
• Muscle spasm
  
• Damaged disks
  
• Injuries, fractures, or falls.
  

Activities that can lead to strains or spasms include:

• Lifting something improperly
  
• Lifting something that is too heavy
  
• Making an abrupt and awkward movement
  

Infection of the spine: A fever and a tender, warm area on the back could be due to an infection of the spine.

Other infections: Pelvic inflammatory disease, bladder, or kidney infections may also lead to back pain.

• Sleep disorders: Individuals with sleep disorders are more likely to experience back pain, compared with others.
  
• Shingles: An infection that can affect the nerves may lead to back pain. This depends on which nerves are affected.
  

RISK FACTORS OF BACK PAIN

Lower back pain also tends to be more common in women as compared to men possibly due to hormonal factors. Stress, anxiety, and mood disorders have also been linked to back pain. The following factors are linked to a higher risk of developing low back:

• occupational activities
  
• pregnancy
  
• a sedentary lifestyle
  
• poor physical fitness
  
• older age
  
• excess weight
  
• smoking
  
• strenuous physical exercise or work, especially if done incorrectly
  
• genetic factors
  
• Medical conditions, such as arthritis and cancer
  

Diagnosis

Back pain usually resolves with rest and home remedies, but sometimes medical treatment is necessary. Physical therapy also can be included in the ailment of back pain which includes applying heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation as well as some muscle-release techniques to the back muscles and soft tissues that may help alleviate pain. As the pain improves, the physical therapist may introduce some flexibility and strength exercises for the back and abdominal muscles. Techniques for improving posture may also help. The patient will be encouraged to practice the techniques regularly, even after the pain has gone, to prevent back pain recurrence. National guidelines suggest that doctors should use a common-sense ‘wait and see approach when diagnosing back pain before deciding if you need further treatment, especially as most cases of back pain improve by themselves. As a patient, this approach can sometimes be frustrating, but you may find that if you keep up your self-help measures, you won’t need further treatment anyway.

Should you need further treatment, your GP will be able to assess your back pain by discussing your symptoms with you. Most problems can be diagnosed after a simple examination, and it’s unlikely that any special tests will be needed.

Summary

The causes of back pain are many. While strains, sprains, ruptured disks, sciatica, and spinal arthritis are common causes, there are others that do not involve the back muscles or the spine at all. The diagnosis of back pain involves a physical exam and a review of your medical history. Based on the findings, lab and imaging tests will be ordered to help narrow the causes. Back pain is often treated with rest, ice or heat application, and pain medications. People with persistent back pain or a severe back injury may benefit from physical therapy. Spinal surgery may be used when all other attempts to resolve the pain have failed.

Author

Dr. Om Prakash Gupta(MBBS, MS)

Orthopedics (Bones & Joint)