One of the most typical medical conditions that people experience is back pain. The pain can be sudden and sharp or dull and constant. When you experience back pain Houston, it is wise to see your doctor so that the root cause of the problem can be established.
This condition happens when your back muscles, tendons, and ligaments are overstretched or strained. Poor posture, heavy lifting, or a sedentary lifestyle can cause these structures to become strained or tight. Trauma can also lead to muscle strain in the back.
The best way to diagnose the cause of your back pain is to visit a physician. The doctor can assess your posture and range of motion and take an X-ray or MRI if necessary. The X-ray can help diagnose compression fractures or other causes of back pain. An MRI can help determine if there is a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis causing the issue.
Causes of back pain
Here find a detailed explanation of the causes of back pain:
Muscle strains
This is one of the most common causes of back pain. It occurs when your muscles are overstretched or strained due to lifting heavy objects, playing sports, or performing repetitive tasks. Your doctor may suggest gentle stretching and rest to help reduce the pain.
Spinal disc problems
The discs in your spine act as cushions between each vertebra; if these discs become damaged, they can cause back pain. Common causes of disc damage include age-related degeneration, lifting heavy objects, or vertebral fractures.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes the cartilage in your joints to wear away over time. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, which may lead to back pain. When you suffer from osteoarthritis, the bones may rub and grind together when you move.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition that causes pain to radiate from your lower back down your leg. A herniated disc can cause it in the spine or irritation of the sciatic nerve. This type of nerve pain can be sharp and shooting.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition that causes your spinal canal to narrow over time. This narrowing can cause pressure on the nerves, leading to back pain, tingling, or numbness in your legs.
Depending on the cause of your back pain, your doctor may suggest these treatment options:
- Physical therapy: When the doctor recommends physical therapy, they may suggest exercises to help strengthen and stretch your back muscles. You can also be taught how to use proper posture and body mechanics to help reduce your back pain.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can temporarily relieve mild to moderate back pain. Some of the common ones include ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a structural issue or relieve chronic back pain. This decision should be made with your doctor after evaluating your condition.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: These medications reduce inflammation and swelling, which can relieve back pain. Common examples of these drugs include prednisone and corticosteroids.
- Heat or ice therapy: Applying heat or cold to your back can help reduce inflammation and pain. Heat is generally best for chronic pain, while ice may be more effective if the pain has just started.
- Massage therapy: It can help relax your muscles and reduce tension.
If you are experiencing back pain, make an appointment to see William Yancey, MD.
