Back pain is a common complaint, especially as we age. The gap between our disc becomes smaller, inflammation can set in, and we can always strain or pull a muscle in our back, as well. So what are the most common causes of back pain, and how can we fight it? Well, there are more than a few, but let’s look at the three most common causes!
Back pain happens when there is a misalignment in the joints, discs, nerves, or muscles in the back. When checking your back for the source of the pain, our medical professional is going to look for herniated discs or slipped discs. The discs in your back serve as a cushion between your joints. Over time and as a result of wear and tear, these discs can wear down or slip out of place. When they slip, herniate, or bulge, the soft tissue that makes up your discs begins to put pressure on the complicated nervous system in your back. This, in turn, can lead to back pain, hip pain, and excruciating pain running down your legs.
If your discs begin to deteriorate, they no longer provide the shock absorption needed between vertebrates. With time, this can allow the bone to rub on bone, and the pain that results from this can be excruciating. Degenerative disc disease can happen as a result of wear and tear. However, in most cases, it is just a natural part of the aging process.
Causes of Back Pain
So what are the most common causes of back pain, and how can we fight them? Well, there are more than a few, but let’s look at the three most common causes!
1. Strained or Pulled Muscle
A strain can easily happen if you twist, turn, or even lift something the wrong way. This can be a painful experience and last longer than you would think. However, the good news is that some heat and over-the-counter medicine will likely be more than enough to get you through this temporary discomfort as your body heals. Another common cause of upper back pain is overuse of back muscles. This usually happens because the same movements are repeated over time. This can trigger tension, tension, and irritation of the muscle.
2. Inflammation
Inflammation in the back can be caused by many things, like arthritis, facet joint syndrome, a herniated disc, and much more. This inflammation leads to irritation and pain in the area.
3. Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is a fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out of the annulus into the spinal canal. It is more common as we age, but it can occur at any age; herniated discs are usually caused by straining your back when lifting something improperly. Luckily, herniated discs usually resolve themselves over time and may just require over-the-counter pain medicine to deal with symptoms.
4. Osteoarthritis
There is no doubt that osteoarthritis can affect your lower back. When you are suffering from arthritis in the spine, it narrows the space around your spinal cord.
5. Weak Muscles
Lack of exercise can make your muscles weak. This may lead to back pain.
6. Poor Posture
Sedentary lifestyles or regularly sitting in a poor posture for long periods can lead to structural modifications in the back and neck. The discs, bones, ligaments, muscles, and other soft tissues are under more stress as the head and shoulders stick forward.
7. Compressed Nerve
A herniated disc can compress the nearby nerve. A pinched nerve in the center of your back may cause pain in your arms and legs, weakness, urinary control issues, or loss of control in your legs.
8. Excessive Weight
When you are overweight, it puts extra pressure on your lower back.
How to Prevent Back Pain?
- Doing regular exercise will strengthen your muscles and make you fit.
- Since extra weight can put pressure on your lower back, make sure you maintain a healthy diet to stay fit and healthy.
- If you smoke, you should not smoke. Smoking increases back pain.
- Maintaining a good posture can help you tackle back pain.
- If you are suffering from back pain, avoid heavy lifting.
Back pain can be completely debilitating and complex to live with.
Luckily with modern medicine and innovative treatments, like we offer here at the offices of Dr. Darryl Robinson in OKC, back pain can be a thing of the past. Call now to see if any of these or other options could be right for you! There are things we can do to combat this issue as we age, though. However, for more serious circumstances, you don’t have to rely on painful surgeries anymore! Now, with non-invasive options like epidural steroid injections, we can treat back pain quickly and efficiently.
**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.
