Back pain is one of the most commonly found among teenagers and adults. It can make you feel very uncomfortable. It is always a common reason you may have to be absent from your work or seek medical intervention.
Back pain is a term that usually refers to the pain in your lower back. The pain is generally felt anywhere in your spine.
Causes of back pain
Various factors and conditions can develop back pain. Some common causes of back pain are given below:
Muscle sprain/strain
The most common causes of back pain are muscle sprains and strains. A sprain refers to the tearing of the ligament, while strain refers to the tearing of a tendon or muscle. Lower back pain (caused by muscle sprains or strains) can range from mild to debilitating. Different activities can lead to strains or sprains, including:
- Lifting something too heavy
- Lifting something improperly
- Making an abrupt movement
Spondylosis
It is a part of the aging process. As we grow older, the spine’s ligaments, discs, and bones can naturally weaken. In this condition, the discs in the spine become thinner, and spaces between the vertebrae become narrower.
Sciatica
Sciatica can also develop pain in the lower back. People with sciatica may experience numbness and tingling feeling in their legs. This issue occurs due to a nerve in the spine being squeezed or pressed on. A regular back pain exercise in Toronto, ON, can help ease sciatica’s symptoms.
Posture and sudden movements
A poor sleeping or sitting posture can develop lower back pain. Sudden abrupt movements such as sneezing, coughing, over-stretching, and twisting can often contribute to pain in the back.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis can develop pain in the hip, lower back, and other places. This joint disease can cause swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort.
Spasms
You can experience spasms when your lower back tendons and muscles are torn. It usually happens when you are playing a game or weightlifting.
Kidney problem
Infection or stones in the kidney can also result in back pain.
Lifestyle triggers
- Not exercising
- Working on the same desk for a long time
- Being overweight
- Lifting heavy objects
- Wearing high heels
- Smoking
Other causes
- An infection such as a kidney infection
- Bone issues like a fracture
- A tumor
- Cancer of the spine
- shingles
- Pelvic diseases
- Inflammation
- Endometriosis
- Abnormal spine curvature
- Sports injury or accident
- Fibromyalgia
- Discitis or osteomyelitis (infection in the bones and discs of the spine)
- People with a sleep disorder can also experience back pain
- Cauda equina syndrome
Treatment options for back pain
There are different home remedies and treatment options available to relieve back pain. Most people recover entirely by doing back pain exercises in Lafayette, LA. If your back pain is affecting your work and life, you can try the following treatment options:
Hot therapy
Applying a heat pack can improve blood flow and promote the body’s natural healing process. It will also help reduce inflammation, stiffness, and chronic pain.
Cold therapy
You can apply an ice pack to your lower back to relieve pain. It can help you to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Physical therapy
Your doctor or physical therapist may recommend this treatment option to stretch and strengthen your back muscles, improve function and mobility and reduce your back pain.
It is a non-invasive treatment approach to ease pain from the root. Physical therapists include manual therapy and back pain exercises to manage your pain and enhance flexibility and range of motion.
Your physical therapists will work with you and teach you to prevent future back injuries and pain. They may also offer low-impact back pain exercises in Toronto, ON, to restore your ability to do your favorite activities and regular work.
Aquatic therapy
Aquatic exercises and therapy can help to decrease chronic back pain and improve flexibility. This treatment technique can also strengthen your core muscles and develop balance.
Medication treatment
To relieve your back pain, your doctor may recommend the following
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
- Muscle relaxants
- Epidural spinal injections
- Topical pain relievers
- Duloxetine
Mindfulness and meditation
Some relaxation practices like meditation and yoga can help your brain deal with back pain. Meditation is one of the best options to relieve stress levels and inflammation.
Conclusion
Back pain can be classified as either acute or chronic, depending on the duration of your symptoms. If the symptoms last for less than three months, it is referred to as acute pain; if it lasts more than three months, it is referred to as chronic pain. A trained and certified physical therapist can be beneficial in providing the proper treatment for various conditions contributing to your back pain.