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Learn about back pain

Back pain is categorized as discomfort in the back. Back pain is often described as painful muscle spasms and can last any period of time. Doctors describe back pain that lasts less than 4 weeks as acute back pain, and back pain that lasts more than 12 weeks is called chronic back pain. Chronic low back pain is often felt with tight muscles and is characterized as a painful area in the lower back region of your body. Muscles around the vertebrae are the affected area.

Back pain causes

Back pain may originate from various structures within the spine, including the bones (vertebrae), discs, ligaments, muscles, or nerves. It's important to note that back pain can vary widely in severity and duration depending on the underlying cause, and proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential for effective treatment.

Muscle Strain or Sprain
Overstretching or tearing of muscles or ligaments due to sudden movements, lifting heavy objects improperly, or poor posture can lead to muscle strain or sprain, resulting in back pain.
Poor Posture

Prolonged sitting or standing improperly can strain the muscles and ligaments in the back, leading to discomfort and pain. This is particularly common in individuals who work at desks or drive for long periods without adequate support.

Muscle Imbalance

Weakness or imbalance in the muscles supporting the spine can lead to improper alignment and increased stress on certain areas of the back, resulting in pain.

Degenerative Disc Disease

This condition involves the gradual deterioration of the discs between the vertebrae due to aging, leading to loss of disc height and decreased flexibility, which can cause back pain, especially in the lumbar region.

Herniated Disc

Also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, this occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc protrudes through the tough outer layer, putting pressure on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs.

Spinal Stenosis

This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves, leading to back pain, numbness, and weakness, particularly in the legs.

Osteoarthritis

Wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints in the spine can lead to osteoarthritis, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the affected joints.

Scoliosis

This is a sideways curvature of the spine that can lead to uneven distribution of weight on the spine, resulting in back pain, muscle imbalances, and postural abnormalities.

Traumatic Injury

Accidents, falls, or sports-related injuries can cause fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage in the spine, resulting in acute or chronic back pain.

Osteoporosis

This condition involves the weakening of the bones, making them more susceptible to fractures, including compression fractures in the vertebrae, which can cause severe back pain.

Medical Conditions

Certain conditions such as kidney stones, infections, tumors, or inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can also cause back pain as a secondary symptom.

Back pain symptoms

  • Dull, achy sensation in the lower, middle, or upper back
  • Sharp or stabbing pain that may radiate to other areas such as the buttocks, legs, or arms
  • Stiffness or reduced flexibility in the back
  • Difficulty standing up straight or walking comfortably
  • Muscle spasms or tightness in the back muscles
  • Pain that worsens with certain movements, such as bending, lifting, or twisting
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or arms, indicating potential nerve involvement
  • Pain that persists or worsens over time, despite rest or conservative treatments
  • Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control (rare but serious symptom that may indicate a severe condition requiring immediate medical attention)
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