Back Pain Relief
Low back pain is one of the top three reasons why people see their doctor. It affects individuals of all ages and health. Low back pain may be result from a muscle sprain and/or strain, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, as well as disc herniations.The foundation of your back is built around the spinal cord, a stack of 24 individual bones called vertebrae. It is your body’s main structural support system. The types of vertebrae include the cervical vertebrae (7 bones forming the upper part of the spine), thoracic vertebrae (12 bones between the neck and lower back), lumbar vertebrae (5 bones in the lower back between the chest and hips), and the sacrum and coccyx (bones at the base of the spine). As you can imagine, an injury sustained from contact sports, falls, heavy lifting, or motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of problems, ranging from muscle strains to spine fractures. Repetitive habits such as poor posture or long hours spent sitting at a desk are also common causes that lead to back pain.
Signs and Symptoms of Back Pain
Back pain can manifest in various ways depending on the underlying cause. Identifying these symptoms early is key to effective treatment.
- Dull, aching sensation in the lower back
- Sharp, localized pain in the spine
- Stiffness that limits range of motion
- Pain that radiates down to the legs
- Muscle spasms and tension
- Difficulty standing straight or walking
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Weakness in the legs or feet
Common Causes of Back Pain
Muscle or Ligament Strain
Repeated heavy lifting or sudden awkward movements can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments.
Bulging or Ruptured Disks
Disks act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. Sometimes the soft material inside can bulge or rupture.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord.
Skeletal Irregularities
Conditions like scoliosis, where the spine curves to the side, can also cause significant back pain.
Osteoporosis
The spine's vertebrae can develop painful fractures if your bones become porous and brittle.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine.