Is back pain impacting your quality of life, but you can’t help but be skeptical about the claims made for epidural steroid injections? Separate fact from fiction so you can make an informed decision.
Back pain is a common reason for absence from work and for seeking medical treatment. It can be uncomfortable and debilitating.
It can result from injury, activity and some medical conditions. Back pain can affect people of any age, for different reasons. As people get older, the chance of developing lower back pain increases, due to factors such as previous occupation and degenerative disk disease.
Lower back pain may be linked to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, lower back muscles, abdominal and pelvic internal organs, and the skin around the lumbar area.
Pain in the upper back may be due to disorders of the aorta, tumors in the chest, and spine inflammation.
The human back is composed of a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, tendons, disks, and bones, which work together to support the body and enable us to move around.
The segments of the spine are cushioned with cartilage-like pads called disks.
Problems with any of these components can lead to back pain. In some cases of back pain, its cause remains unclear.
Damage can result from strain, medical conditions, and poor posture, among others.
Back pain commonly stems from strain, tension, or injury. Frequent causes of back pain are:
Activities that can lead to strains or spasms include:
A number of structural problems may also result in back pain.
Back pain can also result from some everyday activities or poor posture.
Examples include:
Some medical conditions can lead to back pain.
The following factors are linked to a higher risk of developing low back pain:
Lower back pain also tends to be more common in women than in men, possibly due to hormonal factors. Stress, anxiety, and mood disorders have also been linked to back pain.
The main symptom of back pain is an ache or pain anywhere in the back, and sometimes all the way down to the buttocks and legs.
Some back issues can cause pain in other parts of the body, depending on the nerves affected.
The pain often goes away without treatment, but if it occurs with any of the following people should see their doctor:
You should seek medical help if you experience any numbness or tingling, or if you have back pain:
You Might Also Enjoy...
Is back pain impacting your quality of life, but you can’t help but be skeptical about the claims made for epidural steroid injections? Separate fact from fiction so you can make an informed decision.
One of the best things about modern medicine can be summed up in one word: options. You now have more control over your health, especially your options for pain relief. Here are three reasons to consider nonsurgical pain relief.
Don’t let pain or numbness in your extremities hold you back. With these tips, you can get a better handle on your diabetic neuropathy and even prevent or delay the associated nerve damage.
They’re more than just really bad headaches. Migraines cause intense head pain and other symptoms and can lead to even more concerning health problems, especially if they go untreated. Here’s a closer look at the potential complications of migraines.
When it comes to fibromyalgia, there are many misunderstandings. Read about some of the myths and facts about the condition and what treatments are available to help you overcome the pain.
You may have heard of the rich and famous using PRP injections as cosmetic treatments and for pain relief, but what can they do for you? Take a look at some common painful conditions that respond well to this revolutionary pain treatment.