Dealing with Back Pain

The types of back pain are as varied as the reasons behind the same. The strain can hint at a serious condition and seeking timely medical diagnosis and treatment is the best route for restoring normalcy.

Back pain is one of the most common medical conditions around the world today. In fact, 80% of Americans complain of back pain at some point in their life. It ranks second after the common cold as a cause of lost days at work and back pain treatment forms one of the common reasons for visiting a doctor!

Pain in the lower or middle back can manifest due to aging, genetics, obesity, injury, improper posture, lifting heavy weights or other strenuous activities. It can also be attributed to a sedentary lifestyle, smoking or even certain diseases.

The underlying rationale is that there is unnecessary stress on the back and this manifests as pain. The type of pain itself can vary – can be a constant muscle ache or a sudden shooting pain. The pain may radiate down the legs or just cause tingling and numbness in the spine. At times, it may worsen with bending and lifting. The degree of pain too can range from uncomfortable to debilitating.

Point to ponder

The fact of the matter is that back pain is a symptom and not a disease in itself. The cause of the back pain can be varied, though the grounds tend to originate from the spine itself.

Strain in the back muscles or ligaments – due to improper posture, lifting or even sudden movement – can cause unnecessary damage in the backbone that manifests as pain. Similarly, a bulging, herniated or slipped disc compresses the spinal nerves and leads to pain. Spinal arthritis, osteoporosis and other skeletal irregularities are also common causes of back pain. Falls, fractures and other injuries can also lead to pain in the back.

In sum, if the pain continues to linger after taking rest and/or painkillers for a few weeks, it is prudent to consult a doctor. Acute back pain that continues after three months or so can hint at something serious.

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