Credit: Google images
Back pain
Upper and lower back pain is common
these days and is an important cause of discomfort and absence from work. People
of all ages are prone to back pain however, frequency and intensity increase
with age. Various other factors also contribute to the onset of back pain such
as disc degeneration, muscle and spinal injury, spine inflammation, and tumors.
Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Prevention
Symptoms
The common symptom is a pain in the
upper and lower back while other symptoms include;
Swelling or inflammation on the back
Pain down the legs and knees
Injury or trauma
Incontinence of feces and urine
Weight loss
Numbness around the lower body
parts
Fever
 |
| Credit: Google images |
Causes
Strain
Back pain is mainly caused by injury,
tension, or strain. The important reasons for strain include;
Improper and abrupt movement
Lifting heavy objects
Lifting things inappropriately
Structural abnormalities
Bulging or ruptured discs: discs act
as cushions and provide support to the spinal cord therefore, abnormalities in
the discs can lead to severe back pain.
Herniated disc: sometimes, discs
slip out of their coverage due to injury or fall leading to severe pain originating
from the back that travels down the legs.
Osteoarthritis: abnormalities in
the joints of the lower back, hip, and some other places cause back pain.
Osteoporosis: weak and tender
bones rupture easily and lead to back pain.
Kidney problems: Infections and
stones in the kidney can also cause back pain.
Improper posture and
movement
Bending, twisting, over-stretching,
sitting, or standing for various hours, continuous driving, sleeping without
proper support to the spine, and lifting heavy objects can also result in back
pain.
Medical conditions
Spine tumors, spine infections, kidney
and bladder infections, pelvic disease, shingles (a nerve infection), and sleep
disorders are important medical conditions that are associated with back pain. So,
do not ignore the consistent back pain and seek medical advice.
Lower back pain is more common in women, possibly due to bone weakness, anxiety, stress, and hormonal changes.
Risk factorsCredit: Google images
A sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy,
smoking, genetic abnormalities, occupational activities, poor fitness, obesity,
strenuous physical activity, and aging are some of the risk factors for back
pain.
Treatment
Home remedies
Back pain can be cured by home
treatment such as;
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen
Rest (if the pain is caused by strenuous
physical activity)
Placing an ice pack or hot cushion
around the back
The gentle movement, if the pain
is caused by stiffness.
Physical therapy
Physical therapists may apply
heat, ice, and electric waves to relieve muscle pain.
Medical treatment
NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and
anti-depressants are prescribed by doctors to reduce back pain however, do not self-medicate
and consult the appropriate physician for proper guidance and treatment.
Cortisol injections are
administered to the patients if the above procedures are ineffective in
alleviating back pain.
Cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT)
In this procedure, pain is
reduced by applying relaxing techniques. In addition, attitude and behavioral
management is an important aspect of CBT.
In addition, various complementary
therapies such as acupuncture, shiatsu, and yoga are also used for pain
management.
Surgery
Herniated disc disease may be treated
by surgery however, surgery is rarely performed to treat back pain.
Prevention
Adopt the following measures to avoid
back pain;
Exercise regularly
Eat healthy diet
Maintain body weight
Avoid smoking
Maintain right posture
Lift things in the proper manner
Wear comfortable shoes
Use proper support while driving
Use the mattress that keeps your
spine straight.
References
Ehde, D. M., Dillworth, T. M.,
& Turner, J. A. (2014, March). Cognitive-bahavioral therapy for individuals
with chronic pain. American Psychologist, 69(2), 153-166
Urquhart, D., Wluka, A. E., Sim,
M. R., van Tulder, M., Forbes, A., Gibson, S. J., ...Cicuttini, F. M. (2016).
Is low-dose amitriptyline effective in the management of chronic low back pain?
Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2016(17), 514
Wong, A. Y. L., Karppinen, J.,
& Samartzis, D. (2017). Low back pain in older adults: Risk factors,
management options, and future directions. Scoliosis and spinal disorders
2017(12), 14
Wáng, Y. X. J.,Wáng, J.-Q., &
Káplár, Z. (2016). Increased low back pain prevalence in females than in males
after menopause age: evidences based on synthetic literature review.
Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery, 6(2), 199–206
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