All About Back Pain

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All About Back Pain

21 Jul 2005 Medical News Today

Back pain is one of the most common ailments people endure and is one

of the most frequent reasons for visits to the chiropractor or

orthopedic doctor. There are many factors that can contribute to back

pain. Among the most frequent today are obesity and lack of exercise,

each of which can be reversed.

Most commonly, back pain occurs in the lower back. However, there are

many structures and tissue in the back that can become damaged for a

number of reasons. Pain can be present in localized, specific areas,

however depending on the condition it may radiate elsewhere

throughout the back or lower body.

The spinal column consists of four different sections; the cervical

spine (neck), thoracic spine (directly behind the chest), lumbar

spine (lower back), and the sacral spine (which connects to the

pelvis). These areas are composed of bones called vertebrae.

Vertebrae protect the spinal cord and nerve roots which are composed

of extremely sensitive tissue. Separating these bones are discs of

cartilage which serve as shock absorbers during movement. Surrounding

the spinal column is other tissue including muscles, tendons, and

ligaments, each aiding the back during movement and providing

support.

Sometimes, back pain is the result of damage to nerve tissue along

the spinal column. This is usually caused neuopathically or

nociceptively. Neuropathic pain is caused when a nerve becomes

directly pinched, most commonly as a result of a herniated disc. This

type of pain can become severe and it also can radiate to other parts

of the body as well, even affecting the lower extremities.

Nociceptive pain results from a type of trauma or blow to the back as

well as from disease which does not directly damage nerve tissue.

This type of condition often results from back sprains. These types

of pain do not have to occur independently of each other, and can

occur simultaneously.

Whatever condition affects the back, the pain is often categorized as

either chronic or acute. An occurrence of chronic back pain causes

constant or aching pain. This type of pain tends to last for long

periods of time, and may or may not be localized to a specific area

of the back. This type of long-term, serious pain can significantly

impact your lifestyle since working, standing for long periods of

time, and even sitting can generate pain.

Pain that is referred to as acute is generally less severe than

instances of chronic pain. This type of pain can be sharp and severe,

but it is usually localized to a specific spot on the back. In most

cases of acute back pain, the aching or throbbing is not constant and

occurs intermittently. Unlike causes of chronic back pain, acute pain

can almost always be relieved through conservative treatment methods.

Diagnosis of back pain can consist of several methods. First, a

physician can use x-ray imaging to determine problems that have

developed in the back. Although many causes of back pain may not show

up on an x-ray, it may still be used in order to rule out other

possible sources of pain. CAT and MRI scans are also commonly used.

MRI scans are among the most commonly used devices to take images of

the back and spine. A myelogram is a procedure in which a dye is

injected into the dura, or sacs, within the spinal column which will

enable nerves to show up in x-rays. Additionally, bone scans may also

be used to determine the presence of tumors, fractures, or other

abnormalities within the bones which may be responsible for back

pain. This method of diagnosis consists of injecting a radiographic

material into the bones, allowing abnormalities to become apparent.

Most cases of back pain are nonspecific. This means that they do not

occur from specific injuries. Among nonspecific causes of back pain

are obesity, poor posture, repetitive heavy lifting, or lack of

exercise. This type of back pain is most commonly found in the lower

back. A physician can perform a physical exam as well as other tests

to help determine the actual source of pain. Muscle strain is most

often the cause of this type of discomfort which can be treated with

conservative methods.

Muscle strains and sprains are among the most common reasons for back

pain. With strains, muscles become over stretched or stretched in an

abnormal way, causing tears in the fibrous muscle tissue. Sprains can

develop in a similar way and also produce similar symptoms. However,

sprains develop when the ligaments become injured rather than muscle

tissue. Although it may be difficult to differentiate these

conditions, treatment is usually the same and only requires

conservative treatment.

It's important to become aware of the risk factors involved with back

pain. Wear and tear from repetitive lifting, such as from work or

other activities, may often contribute to strain and pain in the

back. Sitting or standing for long periods of time can also lead to

back pain. One of the most common risk factors is lethargy and not

getting the proper amount of exercise. Regular exercise can help the

muscles and tissues of the back remain strong and flexible, thereby

helping to prevent fatigue and damage. Simply walking is one of the

easiest ways to prevent pain. Poor posture can also add wear and tear

on the back, as can poorly fitting or unsupportive shoes. Over time,

these factors can cause serious degeneration of tissue in the back

and yield significant pain.

The majority of back pain can be treated without surgery. Rest and

over the counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can

often help with pain, particularly in the short-term. Maintaining

proper posture, regular exercise, as well as the proper body weight

can also significantly prevent problems in the back. Seeing a

chiropractor, osteopathic physician, or physical therapist can also

yield beneficial results through spinal manipulations or through the

use of exercises designed to address your specific cause of back

pain. In some cases, acupuncture can also be helpful, although it is

still a controversial form of back pain treatment. One of the most

common ways to treatment various back pain ailments is also through

the use of back braces and supports which can reduce tension on the

back and facilitate proper posture.

Again, the occurrence of back pain is a very common complaint since

there are many factors that can add pain. Luckily, the majority of

back pain cases require only conservative treatment, but prevention

is also important. Through the use of back braces while lifting,

supportive shoes, proper posture, maintaining correct body weight,

and easing into new or more difficult exercise routines, you can

significantly improve the chances of avoiding back problems, while

also help to maintain the strength and flexibility of the back. To

avoid further damage, it is also important to seek treatment at the

earliest onset of pain. Back pain does not have to be a recurring

problem. With helpful information and good habits, the discomfort of

back pain can be easily relieved.

Article written by Lux. is a Back Pain Specialist at

http://www.Backzilla.com, a non-profit website dedicated to back

pain. Before making any decisions on treatment, we remind you to

consult with your doctor.