All About Back Pain

Main Category: Back Pain
Article Date: 21 Jul 2005 - 0:00 PDT

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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 David Lux. David 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.

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