According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, almost 75 to 80 Americans experience back pain at some point in life. This is a common clinical manifestation of several health concerns that can be debilitating.
Jersey City back pain management offered by orthopedic doctors can alleviate painful symptoms, and reclaim your life.
Introduction to back pain and possible caused
Your back is a structure comprising muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, bones, joints, nerves, and spinal discs that work together during movements you make. An injury to any component of your back can impact the entire system which leads to pain, fatigue, and loss of range of motion. This impairs your ability to perform your normal routine activities.
Back pain can vary in intensity and frequency. It can either be acute (lasting for weeks), subacute (lasting for months) or chronic (long-lasting).
Frequent causes of back pain include:
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Strain
- Lifting improperly, or something too heavy
- Making an abrupt awkward movement
-
Poor posture
- Prolonged sitting
- Straining the neck forward
- Driving for lengthy periods without a break
-
Structural problems
- Ruptured discs
- Sciatica
- Osteoporosis
- Unusual curvature of the spine
-
Certain medical conditions
- Infection of the spine
- Cancer of the spine
- Kidney problems
- Sleep disorders
- Shingles
- Myofascial dysfunction
- Arthritis
- Spinal stenosis
Risk factors for back pain
There are certain contributing factors that may increase your risk of back pain. These include:
- Old age
- History of trauma or injury
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking, excess alcohol consumption
- History of genetic conditions like osteoporosis, scoliosis
- Participation in repetitive strenuous activities
Clinical manifestations of back pain
Mild back pain can resolve over a period of time. However, seek medical help for the following symptoms:
- Inflammation or swelling in the back
- Numbness around the anus, genitals, buttocks
- Fever
- Radiating pain in the legs
- Urinary incontinence
- Fecal incontinence
- Weight loss
- Sleep disturbances
Managing back pain
Your doctor will design a customized treatment plan for you based on your symptoms, medical history, and results of the diagnostic tests (X-ray, bone scan, MRI, or CT scan). These include:
Home care
- Rest
- Hot and cold therapy
- Medications (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy to improve muscle strength
- Stress-reducing techniques like yoga
Non-surgical approach
- Lumbar interlaminar or Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
- Lumbar Facet Block
- Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Intrathecal pain pump
Bottom line
Back pain is a prevailing clinical manifestation of several health conditions. It is essential to manage the pain at an early stage before it becomes chronic.
Preventive steps like an active lifestyle, proper posture, healthy weight, and good sleep can keep back pain away. However persistent pain may require medical attention.
