Back pain is a common reason people miss work or visit the doctor. Its symptoms range from stabbing, shooting, or burning sensation. Besides, the pain can radiate to your legs or limit you from lifting, bending, twisting, walking, or standing.
When to visit a doctor?
Several times the back pain vanishes or decreases with home remedies and self-care within 3 to 4 weeks. However, make an appointment with the doctor at South Valley Neurology Clinic if back pain –
- Is severe
- Persist more than a month
- Spreads between legs or below the knees
- Accompanies sudden weight loss
- Causes tingling, numbness, or weakness in your leg/s
Back pain can even indicate grave medical conditions. Nevertheless, it is rare but if you experience seek emergency help.
- Back pain accompanies fever.
- Causes bladder or bowel issues.
- Back pain is due to a blow in the back of a fall or an injury.
Different causes of back pain
Back pain has caused disability even in adults aged less than 45. There are many things, which can cause back pain.
Spine-related issues
When something is not right in the way spinal joints, discs, nerves, and muscles connect with one another and move then the doctor will check for –
- Slipped or herniated disc – There are soft tissues between joints that get torn due to wear & tear. Herniated disc triggers pain in the lower back, whenever the nerves in that area are pressed.
- Bulging disc – It is a bulge or protrudes, which is not as severe as the herniated disc. Patients feel pain when the nerve root is pushed.
- Degenerative discs – Discs are shock absorbers between the vertebrae of the spine that tear or shrink. It causes friction between two bones.
- Sacroiliac joint inflammation – It is situated at the intersection of the pelvis and spine. It hardly moves but is crucial because it moves the upper body load is proportionate to the lower body. There can be wearing away and swelling of joint cartilage due to injury, arthritis, pregnancy, or infection.
- Spinal stenosis – When the spinal canal constricts it adds pressure on the spinal nerves. This numbs your shoulders and legs. Senior citizens experience this issue.
- Spondylolisthesis – When single or more vertebrae from the spine slip out of their place, it causes spondylolisthesis.
- Cervical radiculopathy – It is also called a pinched nerve. Usually, it is triggered by a herniated disc or bone spur.
- Spondylosis – When the spine undergoes degenerative change, especially in the lower back spondylosis occurs.
Accidents & injuries
Injuries can accidents can cause physical issues and even back pain.
Vertebral or spine fracture – Spine fracture can be due to falling, getting hit, or a bone weakness condition [osteoporosis].
Sprains & strains – Ligaments, tendons, and muscles support the spine and joints. Injuries to these due to lifting and twisting or accidents can cause back pain.
Spasms – When the tendons and muscles in the lower back are torn due to playing sports or weightlifting spasms occur.
Lifestyle triggers
- Lifting heavy objects
- Slouching posture
- Overweight
- Smoking
- Ignoring exercise
- Wearing high heels
Never underestimate stress because it can cause muscle tension in your back. Anxiety and depression can worsen back pain.