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Jun 22, 2006
Back pain: Causes, Treatment & Risks
by SirGan
 Low back pain is pain affecting the lower part of the back. Pain felt in lower back may come from the spine, muscles, nerves, or other structures in that region. It may also radiate from other areas like mid or upper back, a hernia in the groin, or a problem in the testicles or ovaries. It is described as:
Incidence of the conditionThere is no doubt that nearly everyone at some point has back pain which can interfere with work, routine daily activities, or recreation. Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on low back pain, the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work. Several studies have shown that back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States. Fortunately, most occurrences of low back pain go away within a few days. Others take much longer to resolve or lead to more serious conditions. Most back pain does not signify any serious underlying problem, and will sort its self out within a few days to a few weeks.
Anatomy of the backAll patients should know that the human back is one very complex structure made of bones, muscles, and other tissues that form the posterior part of the body’s trunk, from the neck to the pelvis. The centerpiece is the spinal column is the spinal cord- the delicate nervous system structure that carries signals that control the body’s movements and convey its sensations.
The spine is made from 30 little bones called the vertebrae. The fact is that each of these bones contains a round hole that which are creating a channel that surrounds the spinal cord.
The fact is that the nerve roots to the lower back and legs extend many inches down the spinal column before exiting and this large bundle of nerve roots was called by early anatomists as the cauda equina, or horse’s tail. Important fact is also that bands of tissue known as ligaments and tendons hold the vertebrae in place and attach the muscles to the spinal column.
Starting at the top, the spine has four regions:
Possible causes of back painYour lower back bears most of the weight and stress of your body. Back pain most often occurs from strained back muscles and ligaments, from improper or heavy lifting, or after a sudden awkward movement. Sometimes a muscle spasm can cause back pain. Often, there's an accumulation of stress with one particular event unleashing the pain. In many cases, there may not be an obvious cause.
The following specific conditions can also cause back pain. Because there's a definable cause, the conditions often also have a defined treatment.
This is a specific condition which occurs when disk material presses on a nerve. It is one of the most common causes!
This is a bit different condition then the disc herniation because it often occurs when a herniated disk impinges on the sciatic nerve causing sharp, shooting pain through the buttocks and back of the leg.
Although this is rare condition- it still can cause big problem. It occurs when the space around the spinal cord and nerve roots narrows due to arthritis and bone overgrowth. This can press or pinch a nerve.
Spondylosis is a type of arthritis affecting the spine. It is about several degenerative changes in the spine that often come with aging.
This condition occurs when one vertebra in the spinal column slips forward over another.
· Cauda equina syndrome.
· Cancer in the spine.
· Infection of the spine.
· Injury to the bones, ligaments, or muscles of the back can cause severe pain.
· pine curvatures which may be inherited and seen in children or teens
· Other medical conditions like fibromyalgia
Symptoms of low back problemsWhere exactly is the localization of back pain!? Low back pain means a pain located somewhere between the bottom of the ribs, at the back, and the top of the legs. The pain often begins suddenly and it may travel to or be felt elsewhere. Studies have shown that it often goes into the buttocks, but may go further down the leg and even into the foot. Back pain may be combined with pain into the leg, traveling down below the knee. This condition is otherwise known as sciatica, because the main nerve to the leg, or to be more precise- to the sciatic nerve.
What is aggravating the pain?
The pain may be worse on bending and is often worse sitting, especially in an easy chair. Sometimes turning over in bed and sitting up could be extremely painful. Some simple coughing or sneezing can often make the pain much worse.
When the medical attention is needed?Well, good thing about it is that most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care. If not, it is recommended to see a doctor. Doctor should also be immediately visited if back pain:
Diagnosis of back painThe fact is that none of these diagnostic tools should be necessary because simple physical examination could be sufficient to make a diagnosis. If there is reason to suspect that patient has a tumor, fracture, infection or other condition that may be causing back pain, doctor should order one or more tests:
This is very good diagnostic tool because these X-ray images show the alignment of bones and whether a patient has degenerative joint disease or broken bones.
Good thing about this diagnostic tool is that these scans can generate images that may reveal herniated disks or problems with bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments and blood vessels.
Sometimes, although rarely- doctor may use a bone scan to look for bone tumors or compression fractures caused by osteoporosis.
This test measures the electrical impulses produced by the nerves and the responses of muscles.
Risk factors for developing back painSeveral researches done in the past have shown that someone is at particular risk for low back pain if he or she:
Treatment of back painBack pain usually improves on its own, or with home treatment, within a few weeks, unless there's a serious medical condition causing the pain.
It is proven that prolonged bed rest isn't a good idea for back pain. There is no doubt- light activity speeds up healing and recovery.
Sources of heat and cold can soothe sore and inflamed muscles and it is used widely! Patient should use cold treatment first with bags of ice. After spasms and acute pain subside, patient can apply heat from a heating pad to help loosen tight muscles.
Several studies have came to the conclusion that some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, aspirin, others) and other medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may help control pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Although not too many people know about this- the fact is that braces, corsets or back belts are available over the counter at pharmacies and medical supply stores. There is no doubt- they really can provide warmth, comfort and a degree of support to your back.
Although nothing of this is proven yet- some people with low pack pain report that acupuncture helps relieve their symptoms. During the procedure- the practitioner inserts steel needles into the skin at specific points on the body which should stimulate central nervous system to release the body's natural pain-relieving endorphins.
Prevention of low back pain
Exercises are important for preventing future back pain. Through exercise patient can:
Smokers have diminished oxygen levels in their spinal tissues, which can hinder the healing process.
There is no doubt- being overweight puts strain on patient’s back muscles. If someone is overweight, trimming down can prevent back pain.
Some useful tips are also:
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