Back Pain Revealed
Back Pain Causes and Treatments
Back Pain Causes and Treatments
›› Causes of Back Pain
The causes of back pain can vary depending upon one's age group, type of work, general health, fitness level and so on. Therefore doctors are occasionally unable to pinpoint the real causes of back pain. However some causes are more common than others. They are discussed below:
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This is considered one of the most common causes of back pain. Although it can happen at any age, this most commonly occurs to people in their forties. It can last from a few days (acute) to 3 months or more (chronic).
Lumbar Strain is a stretching injury to the ligaments, tendons and/or muscles of the lower back. It is often caused by over or improper use of the muscles of the back. The severity of the injury can vary from mild to severe depending upon the degree of strain, resulting in spasms of the muscles of the low back.
Doctors diagnose Lumbar strain on the basis of the history of the injury and the location of pain. The treatments are - avoiding re-injury, pain relieving medication, heat applications, massage and reconditioning exercises to strengthen the lower back.
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The nerves of the lumbar spine can be irritated by mechanical impingement or disease. It can happen anywhere along the path- from their roots at the spinal cord to the skin surface. These conditions are discussed below:
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This refers to the nerve irritation which is caused by damage to the discs between the vertebrae. It can occur either due to degeneration ('wear & tear') of the outer ring of the disc or traumatic injury, or both. As a result the central softer portion of the disc can rupture through the outer ring and touch the spinal cord or its nerves as they exit the spinal column. This is commonly called 'sciatica' pain that shoots down the leg. The pain commonly increases with movements at the waist and can increase with coughing or sneezing.
Doctors diagnose sciatica by lifting one leg as you lay on a flat surface. The actual disc herniation can be detected with radiology testing such as MRI or CAT scanning. The treatment is often led by medications to relieve pain and muscle spasms, injection around the spinal cord (epidural injection), physical therapy (heat, massage, ultrasound, electrical simulation), and rest (i.e. avoiding re-injury). In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary depending upon the overall condition of the spine, age and health of the patient.
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This is caused when a bony encroachment causes the narrowing of the portal through which the spinal nerve passes from the spinal column. This limits the space for the spinal cord and nerves. Slippage of a lumbar spine vertebra relative to others (spondylolisthesis), or bony spurs or other soft tissues in the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) can compress the nerve roots or spinal cord.
Spinal nerve compression can lead to sciatica. This can worsen with walking and is relieved by resting. This is because resting limits circulation. The treatments vary depending upon the pain history. Surgical treatment may include removing the bone that is compressing the nerve.
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Bones and joints can be the cause of back pain. The causes may be congenital (from birth), due to wear and tear (degenerative), as well as injury or inflammation of joints.
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This can be caused due to an abnormal design of the spine. Children can be treated surgically. Adults often benefit from support bracing.
When it is a birth defect, it most often affects the lowest lumbar vertebra. In most cases it is a minor spinal abnormality. In other cases it can cause serious nerve abnormalities.
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Joint Conditions: Both the discs and joints of vertebra are partly composed of cartilage. As we grow older, this cartilage becomes weaker, thinner and more fragile (caused by their changing water and protein contents). This is often referred to as degeneration of the disc ('wear and tear') or spondylosis. This is detected on x-rays by noting the narrowing of the normal disc space between vertebrae.
The deterioration of the disc tissue in older patients causes predisposition of the disc which results in back pain. This can be treated by intermittent heat, rehabilitative exercises and medication to relieve pain and muscle spasm.
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Vertebral bone fractures can occur in older and younger patients. The fractures in the lumbar spine most commonly affect older people with osteoporosis, especially those on long term medication. They can get fractures even during minor stresses, like bending down to tie shoe laces. The pain can stay localised within the waist region but may get worse with body motion. The vertebral fractures in younger patients can occur in a fall, a vehicle related accident, etc.
In both the above cases the vertebral fractures can take weeks to heal with rest and pain relievers.
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This can affect lower back and sacroiliac joints. Examples such as Reiter's disease and inflammatory bowel disease can lead to pain and stiffness in the lower back which is typically worse in the morning.
For most people, these conditions begin in their 20's or 30's. They can be treated with medication to reduce inflammation.
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Stones or kidney infections are frequently associated with back pain.
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Pregnancy mechanically stretches the lumbar spine by changing the normal lumbar curvature. Also, female hormones such as estrogen and relaxin may contribute to loosening ligaments and the structure of the back. This often leads to lower back pain.
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