Chances
are you know back pain all too well. It's the dull, constant ache in
the lower back or the sudden painful twinge below the shoulder. It lasts
for an hour, a day, or several weeks. Back pain, in its many forms, is
one of the most common medical problems in the United States; it affects
more than 80 percent of Americans at some point in their lives.
Because of its broad range of effects, back pain can severely disrupt your quality of life by limiting your ability to work, exercise, or just move around. It's no wonder millions of Americans go to the doctor each year asking for help dealing with back pain.
Because of its broad range of effects, back pain can severely disrupt your quality of life by limiting your ability to work, exercise, or just move around. It's no wonder millions of Americans go to the doctor each year asking for help dealing with back pain.
How it Works
Despite
its prevalence, treating back pain is problematic as it is usually a
symptom of another problem and not a medical condition itself. The back
is a complex part of the body in which many delicate parts work together
to provide flexibility, an upright stance, and protection to the spinal
cord. A vital step in relieving back pain is diagnosing the underlying
problem. Back pain could be caused by any number of problems related to
bones, joints, the discs and nerves that make up the spine, or the
muscles and ligaments in the back.
When Things Go Wrong
Most
often, back pain is triggered by a simple strain from everyday activity
such as improper or heavy lifting, intense exercise, or accidental
injury. Even a strong sneeze or cough can cause a muscle spasm that
could result in a painful strain that lasts for days.
Structural
conditions of the back, such as bulging discs, arthritis, curves in the
spine, or osteoporosis can also cause back pain. Discs are particularly
vulnerable as we age because they can become dry and stiff, a process
called disc degeneration. Because of this, age is one
of the primary risk factors for back pain, followed by obesity, a diet
high in calories and fat, and the presence of other diseases such as
arthritis and some forms of cancer.
Types of Back Pain
There are two main types of back pain:
- acute pain, which happens suddenly and typically lasts fewer than six weeks, and
- chronic pain, which can't be tied to a specific trigger and lasts longer than three months. Chronic pain is less common.
Fortunately,
most cases of back pain respond well to self-treatment and fade rather
quickly, without medical intervention or surgery. Healthy habits, such
as exercising and eating right, can greatly reduce your risk of
developing back pain and help you manage chronic pain. If you are
experiencing recurring back pain, see your doctor to determine the cause
and find out what treatment options work best for you.
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