Back pain-Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Back pain is a prevalent problem that affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives. The majority of pain in the back is caused by pain and stiffness in the lower back.

Table of Contents hide
1 Back pain -- Types
2 Back pain -- Causes
3 Back pain -- Symptoms
4 Back pain Investigations
5 Back pain Treatment

Back pain -- 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

While you’re in pain, what happens? When should you see a doctor? Symptoms are indeed the physical changes that occur in your body. When you have pain in your back, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Burning pain in low back  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

Back pain 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

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