Back pain is one of the most common problems that people feel in their lives. It occurs when there is an issue with the bones, muscles, and joints of the lower back. The back consists of many large muscles and other tissues that work together to support the spine and protect it from injury. Back pain is a common symptom of many conditions, including arthritis and osteoporosis. Injury or infection can also cause it. Your reliable pain management specialist Clark can determine the cause of back pain and offer suitable treatment.
The back is a complex and delicate structure, which makes it one of the most common places for pain. Several different factors can cause back pain. Some of these factors include:
Degenerative disc disease
Your back pain could be due to degenerative disc disease. It occurs when the soft discs between bones in the spine degenerate and become inflamed. The condition usually occurs gradually, affecting one or both sides of the spine.
Degenerative disc disease can cause mechanical symptoms (such as pain) and neurological symptoms such as numbness. In some cases, it can also lead to nerve root compression.
Injury or fracture
Back injuries are common in both athletes and non-athletes alike. These injuries can occur from falls, sports-related injuries, car accidents, etc. They also occur due to poor posture or other physical activity that puts too much stress on your spine and muscles.
Sedentary lifestyle and obesity
Inactivity is a significant cause of back problems, and obesity is one of the main contributors. Sitting for long periods can lead to muscle fatigue, contributing to lower back pain. Obesity also increases pressure on the spine due to added weight on specific areas of your body, such as your abdomen, which can lead to compression on nerves and blood vessels in your spine, causing inflammation and resulting in pain or discomfort.
Repetitive strain injuries
Repetitive overuse injuries are caused by excessive activity, such as sitting at a computer or driving a car for long periods. The most common symptom of this type of back pain is muscle spasms or cramps in the lower back area, which may be aggravated by standing up from sitting down or lying down at night. The pain may also be felt above the waist on both sides of your abdomen, along your spine, and down into your legs and feet until it reaches your backside (buttocks).
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is narrowing the spinal canal through repeated trauma or injury to the spinal column. It usually occurs at one end of a curve in the spine, but it may also be found at multiple levels within the spine itself. This narrowing can cause pressure on nerves or blood vessels inside or outside your body, causing pain or numbness in your legs or arms. These symptoms may be mild initially but can worsen over time if left untreated.
Back pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that requires treatment by a doctor. Fortunately, many types of back pain are treatable. If you have been experiencing severe back pain or chronic symptoms lasting more than two weeks, you should schedule a meeting with pain management specialists at University Pain Medicine Center for an evaluation.
