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In this guide from MVM Health, we explain 7 common causes of back pain.
What Is Back Pain?
Back pain can be the result of a number of causes and have widely varying symptoms. For some, back pain can be an aching muscle. For others, the sensation can be characterized as a burning, shooting, or stabbing sensation. In some cases, the pain can begin in the back and radiate down the leg.
When dealing with back pain, you should be cautious not to exacerbate your condition. Actions such as standing, walking, bending, lifting, or twisting can make back pain worse. While back pain is one of the leading causes of chronic pain, missed work, and reasons for seeking medical aid on a global scale, there are plenty of prevention and treatment measures available.
What Are 7 Common Causes Of Back Pain?
- Back sprains and strains. A back sprain is an injury to the ligaments that support the spine, while a strain would be an injury to the muscles or tendons of the back. You can injure yourself if you lift something too heavy or do not lift safely. While uncommon, it is not impossible to hurt your back from twisting, sneezing, coughing, or bending over.
- Disk problems. Your vertebrae are cushioned by discs. If a disc bulges from its position in the spine, it can press on a nerve and cause pain. Discs can also become herniated, or torn. With age, discs can flatten and offer less protection in a condition called degenerative disc disease.
- Arthritis of the back. The most common type of arthritis to affect the lower back is osteoarthritis. Another form of arthritis, ankylosing spondylolysis, can cause lower back pain, inflammation, and stiffness of the spine.
- Osteoporosis. In this condition, the bones become more brittle and porous and become more vulnerable to injury or accidents.
- Structural problems. When the spinal column is too narrow for the spinal cord, this is a condition called spinal stenosis. Severe sciatic nerve pain and lower back pain can result from something pinching the spinal cord. Scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, can lead to difficulty moving, stiffness, and pain.
- Fractures. During a car crash or a fall, the bones in your spine can break. Osteoporosis and spondylolysis (a type of arthritis) can increase the risk of fracture.
- Disease. Infections, cancer, or tumors of the spine can potentially cause back pain.
When Should I Seek Medical Attention For Back Pain?
If your back pain does not improve with rest and lasts more than a few weeks, it may be time to seek medical attention. You should also seek medical aid if your back pain is paired with unexplained weight loss, if there is a weakness or numbness in your arms, or if the pain spreads to one or both legs.
In the event of a blow to the back, a fall, or an accident or injury affecting your back, seek immediate care. Medical care is also urgent for back pain accompanied by a fever or new bladder or bowel problems.
If you are living with chronic back pain and find that the pain is affecting your enjoyment of day-to-day life, and wonder if you are a good candidate for any of our treatments, it may be time to seek pain management. For patients in Pennsylvania, MVM Health is glad to offer services in East Stroudsburg, Scranton, Wilkes Barre, and Lehigh Valley. The experts at MVM Health would be glad to offer guidance and a variety of treatment methods for chronic pain, including minimally-invasive alternatives to surgery. Call 223-213-2084 to request an appointment.
