Back Pain Conditions

Almost everyone experiences episodes of back pain during their lives, but pain resulting from muscle strain generally resolves within a week or so. More serious back discomfort requires treatment. Not all back pain is actually felt in the back. With sciatica, for example, the pain involves the back but is actually felt down one leg, as the sciatic nerve is affected.

The type of back pain also varies, from a dull ache to a shooting or stabbing pain. Some back discomfort comes on gradually, while other forms occur suddenly. Back pain may come and go during the day or never let up. Some back pain improves when the person is sitting or lying down and worsens when walking or standing.

A healthy spine or vertebral column provides support for the body and protection for the spinal cord. It also allows you to move freely because of the three natural curves of the spine which keep your body balanced. Strong, flexible muscles and ligaments support the spine and keep the curves in normal alignment. Spine problems often start because of poor posture and/or sedentary lifestyle. Moving incorrectly also puts extra stress on the spine and discs.

Spine Conditions That Lead to Back Pain

A healthy spine or vertebral column provides support for the body and protection for the spinal cord. It also allows you to move freely because of the three natural curves of the spine, which keep your body balanced. Strong, flexible muscles and ligaments support the spine and keep the curves in normal alignment. Spine pain often involves poor posture and/or a sedentary lifestyle. Moving incorrectly also puts extra stress on the spine and discs.

The bones, or vertebrae, are stacked one on top of each other. Soft, cushioning discs, which act as shock absorbers, are located between each vertebrae, allowing the spine to bend and move. The discs are made of a tough outer lining called the annulus and a jelly-like center called the nucleus. The movement of fluid within the nucleus allows your vertebrae to rock back and forth on your discs, giving you the flexibility to bend and move. The shape, size, and flexibility of your discs change throughout the day.

When the normal curvature of the spine is changed, there may be excess stress on structures, such as the bones, ligaments, and discs. Disc degeneration occurs because of a gradual and progressive loss of water content in the nucleus of the disc. The result is a loss of elasticity, the disc becomes narrow, and the vertebrae shift closer together, causing compression to the nerve. Worn-out or injured discs can lead to a variety of other spine and disc problems. The most common problems happen when discs tear, bulge, or extrude, losing their ability to cushion and absorb shock. The rest of the spine may degenerate, leading to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms.

Common Causes of Back Pain

While anyone may develop back pain, certain people are at greater risk for more serious back issues. These risk factors include:

• Aging – the wear and tear of osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of back pain.
• Excess weight – additional weight increases pressure on the joints.
• Heredity – a family history of back pain increases the genetic odds.
• Occupation – jobs that require lifting or repetitive motions increase the risk of back pain development.
• Smoking –increased inflammation from smoking can aggravate back pain.

Acute or sudden back pain may result after lifting a heavy item or taking a bad step. Chronic back pain may result from osteoarthritis, which often affects older individuals. Other reasons backs hurt may include:

• Fractures
• Herniated discs
• Osteoporosis
• Spinal deformity, such as scoliosis

Back Pain Diagnosis

To determine the causes of back pain, the doctor conducts a thorough physical examination and takes a complete medical history. Blood tests should indicate whether an infection is present. Depending on the symptoms, the doctor may order various imaging tests, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.

Many patients will recover with conservative treatment, such as exercise, ice and heat application, and the use of over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. The doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants or stronger pain medication if warranted. Some patients may benefit from steroid injections for long-term pain control. If excess weight is a factor, the doctor may recommend a diet and exercise plan for the patient.

Depending on test results, some patients may require surgery to relieve their back pain issues.

Spine Conditions Treated

• Back Pain
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Herniated Disc
• Kyphosis
• Myelopathy
• Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)
• Osteoporosis
• Pinched Nerve (Radiculopathy)
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Spinal Deformity
• Spinal Fractures
• Spinal Stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Tailbone Pain
• Whiplash

When to See a Doctor for Back Pain

Most back pain improves within a few weeks. If conservative treatments fail to relieve back pain after that period, it is wise to consult a doctor. If your back pain is severe, or it occurred after any sort of trauma, you should make an appointment with a doctor.

If you are experiencing back pain, contact us at Hoag Orthopedic Institute today!