Back pain-Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Back pain is a common condition that affects most people at some point during their life. Most cases of pain in the back are associated with pain and stiffness in the lower back.

Types

Back pain is of different types.

On the basis of origin–

A.  Specific
 (due to a disease)

B. Non-Specific(due to sprains, strains, injuries)

On the basis of duration—

A. Acute

B. Chronic

Back pain Causes

You should be aware of what causes pain in your back ? This helps to get rid of back ache.

1. Stresses on the muscles and ligaments
2. Aging
3. Normal wear and tear of daily activities
4. Heavy physical labour
5. Decreased bone density
6. Injuries(motor vehicle accidents or falls)
7. Activities ( gymnastics)
8. Diseases–

• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Myopathy
• Neuropathy
• Fibromyalgia
• Osteoporosis
• Obesity
• Spinal degeneration
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylitis
• Scoliosis
• Kyphosis
• Lordosis

9. Lifestyle
10. Smoking
11. Pregnancy
12. Inherited disorders affecting the spine or limbs
13. Psychological stress

Back pain Symptoms

What happens when you have a pain ? When you should seek a doctor ? These changes in your body are called symptoms. Some of the symptoms when you have a pain in the back are-

• Burning low back pain radiating to leg
• Difficulty straightening up
• Disc herniation
• Disruption of the joint between adjacent vertebrae.
• Fatigue
• Fractures
• Limited flexibility and range of motion
• Morning stiffness
• Numbness
• Painful sprain
• Pins and needles
• Sensitivity to touch
• Slippage of one vertebra
• Spasm in the back muscles or ligaments
• Strain
• Weakness
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Urine incontinence

Investigations

• Blood test—
  ESR
  C-reactive protein
  Full blood count

• X-rays
• Myelogram
• MRI scan
• CT scan
• Electromyogram (EMG)

Back pain Treatment

• Treat the underlying disease
• Medications
• Symptomatic treatment—Rest(2-3 days).
• Back exercises
• Traction
• Yoga
• Electrical stimulation
• Spinal surgery
• Heat application(heating pads, hot water bottles, hot bath)
• Acupuncture
• Massage