Back pain

Back pain- Information , Symptoms,Causes And Treatment of Back pain

Back pain especially pain in the lower back, is one of the most common health problems in adults. Fortunately, most back and neck pain is temporary, resulting from short-term stress on the muscles or ligaments that support the spine rather than from a serious injury or medical condition such as nerve damage or kidney disease.

Back pain is very common in both men and woman and it can be caused by various factors. Poor posture and hence muscle tension give rise to ninety percent of cases of back pain. This results from poor sitting on chairs that do not give sufficient support and is a common problem at work, home or in the car. It is also caused by bending or lifting incorrectly or by a repetitive strain. There may be disorders affecting the discs between the bones, the most common being a slipped disc in which it ruptures or moves out slightly from between the vertebrae.

Symptoms of Back pain

• Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to nerve tissue. It is often felt as a burning or stabbing pain. One example of neuropathic pain is a "pinched nerve."
• Nociceptive pain is caused by an injury or disease outside the nervous system. It is often an ongoing dull ache or pressure, rather than the sharper, trauma-like pain that is characteristic of neuropathic pain. One example of nociceptive pain is arthritis pain.
• Acute back pain is commonly described as a very sharp pain or a dull ache, usually felt deep in the lowerpart of the back, and can be more severe in one area, such as the right side, left side, center, or the lower part of the back. Acute pain can be intermittent, but is usually constant, only ranging in severity.
• The pain may radiate down the front, side, or back of your leg, or it may be confined to the low back.
• The pain may become worse with activity.
• Occasionally, the pain may be worse at night or with prolonged sitting such as on a long car trip.
• You may have numbness or weakness in the part of the leg that receives its nerve supply from a compressed nerve.

causes of back pain

Some common causes of back pain include:

• Stress - one of the side effects of stress is increased muscle tension, which can lead to fatigue, stiffness and localised pain. Constantly tight muscles can create postural imbalances that may cause misalignment of the spine.
• Arthritis - osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are two forms of arthritis linked to back pain.
• Sciatica - the nerve that runs from the lower back into the leg is compressed by a bulging intervertebral disc, causing pain.
• Osteoporosis - vertebral fracture due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by thinning of the bones. The vertebrae can become so porous and brittle that they easily fracture. Pain is due to the fracture.

Diagnosis of back pain

• X-rays,
• CT (computerised tomography) scans,
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging),
• A myelogram (a special kind of X-ray using an injected dye),
• Blood tests.

Treatment of back pain

Back Surgery : Surgery is seldom considered for acute back pain unless sciatica or the cauda equine syndrome is present. Surgery is considered useful for people with certain progressive nerve problems caused by herniated discs.

Acupuncture : Current evidence does not support the use of acupuncture for the treatment of acute back pain. Scientifically valid studies are not available. Use of acupuncture remains controversial.

Exercises : In acute back pain there is currently no evidence that specific back exercises are more effective in improving function and decreasing pain than other conservative therapy. In chronic pain, studies have shown a benefit to the strengthening exercises.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID's) : Are the mainstay of medical treatment for the relief of back pain. Ibuprofen, naproxen, keto profen, and many others are available. No particular NSAID has been shown to be more effective for the control of pain than another. However, your doctor may switch you from one NSAID to another to find one that works best for you

Injections : Steroid injections can significantly decrease inflammation and pain caused by spinal stenosis, disc herniation, and degenerative disc disease. A steroid is injected directly into the membrane that surrounds the nerve roots (dura). Selective nerve root block (SNRB) uses a steroid with anesthetic.

Physical Therapy : The goals of physical therapy are to decrease pain, increase function, restore normal movement, and prevent recurrences.

Massage therapy : Increases circulation to the affected area. There are several techniques and devices used in massage therapy.

Electrotherapy : Involves sending gentle electric currents through the skin to stimulate muscular contraction, increase muscle strength, and increase the flow of neurochemicals to the area.

Home Remedies for back pain

Applying ice immediately during the 48 hours after straining a muscle can reduce pain. Ice slows inflammation and swelling, numbs soft tissue, and slows nerve impulses in the injured area. After spasms and acute pain subside, heat can be applied to loosen tight muscles.

preventing back pain

• Take regular breaks - when driving, standing or sitting for long periods of time, take a break at least every hour to change the position of your joints and loosen your muscles. Include a short walk and a few stretches as part of your break.
• Maintain a healthy body weight - being overweight or obese puts extra strain on your back.
• Lifting and carrying - when picking up a heavy load, squat down, hold the object as close to your body as practical and lift by using your legs, keeping your back straight.
• Change your sleep mattress.
• Relaxation.
• Exercises daily.