Human back are a complex structure made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, joints and nerves. In many cases it is very difficult to determine the exact cause of pain, as pain can radiate also from other body parts into the back.
Everyone at some point of their life have problems with their back. Back pain is one of the most common symptom for which people seek medical help, regardless of its cause. Worldwide, back pain is the leading cause of disability among people, usually affecting people of a young age. However, some people are at a greater risk of suffering from back pain and problems related to their back and upper or lower extremities than others. Some of the risk factors for back pain include: being overweight, lack of exercise, being over the age of 30 or 40, lifting heavy things and especially improper lifting of heavy things, bad posture, etc.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain can be divided into acute and chronic back pain. Acute back pain usually lasts no longer than six weeks, while chronic back pain usually lasts longer than six weeks, sometimes for months and even years.
Conditions that more commonly are associated with back pain include:
- Disc herniation – is also known as a slipped disc. It usually occurs from a wear or a tear of the disc, which is followed by a protrusion of the soft tissue between the discs. The pain usually occurs in the lower part of your back, as this part of the spine is more affected. However, the pain can spread from the back, toward the buttocks, upper thigh, legs and to the fingers, as the nerve gets compressed.
- Ruptured discs – lead to a bulge of the soft material inside of the disc, which compresses the nerves, causing pain.
- Muscle strain or ligament strain – lifting heavy things, sudden movements can strain the muscles and ligaments of your back causing various signs and symptoms, among which is also back pain.
- Osteoporosis – is most common among women than men. Compression fractures due to osteoporosis lead to back pain.
- Skeletal malformations and irregularities – like scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis can cause back pain.
- Arthritis – can affect the lower part of the back, causing often the so called stenosis of the spine, where the space around the spinal cord is narrowed.
- Vertebral fractures – fractures due to a trauma, fall or any other back injury are accompanied by pain of the affected part. Vertebral fractures are also common in cases suffering from osteoporosis due to a bone weakness.
How is Back pain diagnosed?
Usually back pain occurs due to minor problems like muscle strains, exercises, etc., so normally it will resolve on its own with over the counter painkillers and self - care. However, in cases when something more serious is causing it, or when it is accompanied with other signs and symptoms and is getting worse, medical help and proper diagnosis is necessary. Some of the recommended tests and medical examinations for diagnosing back pain include: physical examination of your back, evaluating also the movement range of your back, the ability to sit, stand or walk. X-Rays of the back and MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are also recommended.
How is Back pain treated?
Treatment will depend from its cause, its severity and the period that you have had the pain. In most of the cases no treatment is necessary as the pain will resolve on its own. Usually taking over the counter painkillers and using hot or cold compression packs will be enough. Remaining as much active as possible is also a good thing. However, in some serious conditions and if the pain does not go away or is getting worse with time, you should seek medical help.
Once it was believed that bed rest is the best option for treating back pain. However, today it is recommended to stay as much active as you can. People who remain active are more likely to recover faster. Even though it might sounds strange and at first the pain can be severe, try to do little things daily in order to get well faster.
In more severe cases treatment usually requires stronger painkillers, exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back, manual therapy like physical therapy, chiropractic or osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.
Spinal surgery is the last treatment option when all other treatment method has failed. The type of surgery will depend from the cause of back pain. Two usually performed surgical procedures include: discectomy where parts of the discs are removed in order to stop it pressing on nerve roots, and spinal fusion where two or more vertebrae are joined together in order to stabilize the spine and reduce the pain as much as possible. However, keep in mind that these surgical procedures are not always successful and the recovery requires some time. There is always the possibility for complications like nerve damage which can result in weakness in one or both legs, numbness, and even paralysis.
How to prevent Back pain?
Back pain is something that can be avoided or its recurrence can be prevented. Having strong back is the most important thing in order to prevent back pain. Maintaining normal body weight, regular physical activity and exercise as well as good posture and proper lifting are very important. Little changes in our daily routine will usually be enough to keep our back strong and healthy.
Regular physical activity increases the endurance of the back as well as their strength. Walking or swimming, are a perfect way to protect your back.
Being overweight is known to put extra pressure on the back, especially the muscles but also to the rest of the body. Losing some weight is important in order to protect your back.
Wearing comfortable shoes, which are flat and with cushioned soles may also help reduce the pressure on the back, which will reduce the back pain. Wearing uncomfortable shoes and especially high heels for a long period of time daily is not recommended.
Sudden movements should also be avoided as they can cause muscle strain.
Maintain good posture. Keeping a good posture is one of the most important things for having strong and healthy back. You should stand upright, with your back straight, balancing the weight on both feet. Sit upright in a comfortable chair which has support for the lower back. Your feet should be flat on the floor. While sleeping the mattress needs to be firm enough in order to support your back. If you need to sit or stand for a couple of hours daily try to change your position often. If you are sitting get up and move at least every half an hour. This will reduce the pressure on your back. If you stand try to place one foot on a low footstool, alternating the feet from time to time.
Avoid lifting heavy things. If you need to lift things try to do it properly with your knees and not with your back. Bend your knees, keep your back straight and hold the thing that you are lifting close to your body. Do not twist.
