Medical Centric

BACK PAIN

Men's Health, Women's Health / By

BACK PAIN

Back pain is the pain felt in the back of the body that usually feels like an ache, tension, or stiffness.

  • It is classified into neck pain, upper/middle back pain, lower back pain, and coccydynia based on the segment affected.
  • The neck pain occurs in the cervical spine, the upper/middle back pain occurs in the thoracic spine, the lower back pain occurs in the lumbar spine and the coccydynia occurs in the tailbone or the sacral region
  • The cervical spine supports the weight of the head and allows for the heads flexibility, it houses and protects the spinal cord and facilitates the flow of blood to the brain. It connects to the thoracic spine through a series of seven vertebral segments. Due to the forces and stresses that can be placed on it through a trauma or just normal daily activities, the cervical spine is at a risk of developing a number of painful conditions.
  • The thoracic spine contains 12 vertebrae located between the cervical spine and the lumbar spine. The thoracic spine is a strong cage and it is designed to protect the internal viscera including the heart, lungs, and esophagus. The thoracic spine is not designed for motion, so little wear and tear or injury occur in this region of the spine
  • The lumbar spine has more motion than the thoracic spine. The lumbar spine makes up the most common area for pain, as it carries most weight of the body.
  • The sacral region contains a bone called the sacrum which is located below the lumbar spine. This makes up the back of the pelvis. Below the sacrum is the coccyx commonly known as the tailbone. Both structures are integral to function such as walking, standing, and sitting.
  • Episodes of back pain may vary depending on duration. It may be acute, or chronic.
  • Acute pain lasts up to 12 weeks, and chronic pain is pain that persists beyond 12 weeks.
  • Back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work or go to the doctor, and it is the leading cause of disability globally.
  • Back pain can affect people of any age for different reasons

CAUSES

The human back is composed of different structures that work together to support the body and enable us to move around. Problems with any of this can lead to back pain.

Common causes of back pain may include:

  • Strained muscles or ligaments from repeated heavy lifting or a sudden and awkward movement
  • Injuries, fractures or falls
  • Arthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Kidney stones or kidney problem
  • Bulging or ruptured disks. Disk are areas of tissue that acts as cushions between the bones in the spine
  • Cancer or malignant tumor in the spine
  • Serious infection in the spine
  • Skeletal irregularities such as scoliosis

Everyday activities or posture can also cause back pain, including

  • Standing or sitting for periods
  • Long driving sessions without a break
  • Sleeping on a mattress that does not support the body and keep the spine straight

Risk factors may include:

  • Age
  • Lack of exercise
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Poor posture

SYMPTOMS

This may include:

  • Muscle ache
  • Shooting or stabbing pain
  • Pain that worsens with bending, standing, walking, or lifting
  • Pain that radiates down the foot or leg
  • Dull, aching sensation in the lower back

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

A doctor will be able to make diagnosis after asking about symptoms and carrying out a physical examination. a physical examination may be needed to assess your ability to sit, stand and walk, the ability to detect sensation in your leg, and your reflexes.

If there may be an underlying cause, the back pain is as a result of an injury, or the pain persists for too long, imaging test can give information about the state of the soft tissue found at the back.

X-ray may be used to show the alignment of the bone and detect arthritis or broken bones.

MRI or CT scan can reveal herniated disk problems or problems with the tissues, blood, bone, nerves, vessels, ligaments and tendons.

Bone scan to check for bone tumor or compression fractures caused by osteoporosis

Blood tests that can help determine infections and any other condition causing the pain

Electromyography may also be performed.

TREATMENT

Depending on the type of back pain experienced, doctors may recommend:

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen

Muscle relaxants

Topical pain relievers

Anti-depressants

Physical therapy and exercise

Surgery is always used as last resort to unrelenting pains

Home remedies such as applying ice packs may help to relieve discomfort and lessen inflammation