Eight out of ten people experience back pain at some point in their life. And when it comes to lower back pain, it’s one of the very common types. Normal back pain will go over time. But in case of severe back pain that doesn’t go over time, you must see a spine specialist in OKC. One of the most common causes of back pain is overuse or minor injuries. In many cases, back pain is the symptom of some underlying disease. Whatever the causes, if your back pain makes your life difficult, Oklahoma pain doctors can help you.
Causes
Sometimes it’s difficult to understand why our back hurts. Here is one of the few important causes:
- Sprains and strains are common causes of back pain. Improper stretches will tear the ligaments and cause a sprain. On the other hand, when overstretching tears a muscle in your back, it is known as strain.
- A herniated disc can hurt your back. When the cause of your back pain is herniated disc, you need to see an Oklahoma pain physician as soon as possible.
- Sciatica can hurt your back. It happens when your sciatic nerves get compressed.
- The discs between the spinal vertebrae work as a protective cushion. Since discs can easily wear down with age, it causes back pain.
- There are many instances where the spine and the surrounding tissues get infected. Spinal infection can also cause back pain. It occurs when the infection in the other parts of your body reaches your spine.
Treatment Options
When your back pain doesn’t go away with time, you need to see a doctor. Spine specialists in OKC can be a good option in this regard.
- When it comes to strains and sprains, it’s important to rest your body and put some ice packs over the affected area. Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce your pain.
- When it comes to Cauda Equina Syndrome, a patient should seek immediate medical treatment.
- When infection is the cause of your back pain, antibiotics can help you. In case of any severity, surgery can be recommended.
- In the case of degenerative disc disease, patients are recommended to take physical therapy and maintain a healthy weight.
Tips for Back Pain Management
Before back pain turns into a chronic problem, you should come to a back pain specialist in OKC.
- Doctors not only give medicine, but they also suggest a few tips to follow that reduce the severity of back pain.
- Practicing good posture is the best way to avoid back pain. Sit in the chair straight; do not bend forward or backward. Keep your back flush against your chair and place your feet flat on the floor. To stop your back rounding, adjust the height of your chair to allow your thighs to stay slightly angled down. This position will help your body to distribute weight uniformly through the seat bones.
- Keep the monitor at eye level. If the monitor is too low or high, and you have to look upward or downward, it will create immense pressure and stress on your neck. Keep the keyboard close to the body so that the elbows stay at 90 90-degree angle while typing. Place the keyboard so that you do not need to bend to use it.
- Do not sit on a chair for a long period of time. Stand and walk or stretch. It will release fatigue and help with blood circulation and oxygen flow. Changing posture will also diminish stiffness.
- Limit your phone use. Try to keep your phone screen at eye level and hold it in front of your eyes so that you do not need to bend your neck. Constantly typing on a phone causes neck pain. Furthermore, typing using your thumbs constantly can cause nerve issues and shoulder pain.
- Corporate work culture causes immense work pressure and stress. People tend to consume alcohol and junk food to reduce stress, but that increases body weight, which is a prominent cause of back and neck pain. Following a healthy lifestyle can help you stay ache-free.
When to See a Doctor?
If you are suddenly noticing back pain, you may be confused about whether to see a doctor. You should notice the type of pain that you are experiencing. You may feel piercing and sharp pain or constant and blunt pain. If you have back pain caused by a pulled muscle, the pain will subside in a few days. However, if you are experiencing back pain due to lumbar disc degeneration, you must see a doctor. You will experience constant, dull, yet moderate pain that is not particularly intense. But if you leave the disorder untreated, it will lead to complications. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you’d better see a doctor soon:
- Tingling feeling or numbness: If there is an unexpected problem in your nervous system, you may either feel a tingling sensation or lose any sensation in the affected area. In both cases, seeing a spine specialist can help you get rid of the pain as well as save you from any disability.
- A sudden fall or an accident: You may have fallen or been in a car accident. The trauma caused by these incidents can cause serious damage to your spine. It does not matter how minor the pain is; get in touch with a back pain doctor.
- Continuous pain: Some of you may experience constant dull pain in your spine. Since the pain is not overwhelming, you may not even consider seeing a doctor. But doctors can help identify the root cause of the pain and treat the same so that you can live without continuous pain.
- Weakness in your arms and legs: If you feel weak or numb in your arms and legs, then you should visit your doctor. A doctor will diagnose the pain and may run some tests.
We’ll Help You Find Answers
Whether you have suffered an injury, have a health condition that affects your joints, or are experiencing an issue affecting your spine, we will get to the root of your pain. When you visit our facility, you are our top priority as we evaluate your back, consider your current health, and review your medical records. Additional medical imagery may be necessary in order to pinpoint the source of back your pain. Once we determine the cause of your condition, it will be possible to tailor a treatment plan that suits you. Our sole effort is to help you live pain-free. Call us today to make an appointment.
**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.
