Remedying your back-pain symptoms is an effective way to alleviate your discomfort in the quickest way possible. In some cases, however, treating the cause rather than the symptoms is best.
Back Pain Symptoms
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work. It is also the leading cause of disability.
Common signs of back pain include:
- Muscle ache
- Shooting or stabbing pain
- Pain radiating down your leg
- Pain that worsens with muscle use
- Pain that improves with reclining
While back pain can often be treated with at-home remedies and self-care, there are cases where it can signal more serious issue. This is why treating the cause of your back-pain symptoms is important to ensuring your long-term wellbeing.
Common Back Pain Causes
Back pain that appears suddenly and lasts less than six weeks can be caused by a fall or heavy lifting. Chronic back pain, however, lasts longer than six weeks and can be a sign of a serious problem. These are some of the most common back pain causes.
Arthritis
In some cases, arthritis in the back can lead to the narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, known as spinal stenosis. This condition can place immense pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine, which can cause symptoms in the neck or lower back, including:
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in a hand, arm, foot or leg
- Pain or cramping in the legs after standing for long periods or when walking, which usually eases when you bend forward or sit
- Back pain
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to become porous and brittle. This condition can lead to compression fractures and pain. Osteoporosis is common in older adults experiencing hormonal changes or those who have a calcium or vitamin D deficiency.
Bulging or Ruptured Disks
Disks in the spine act as cushions between the vertebrae. When they bulge or rupture, they can press on a nerve and cause pain. Disk disease is commonly diagnosed incidentally, following a spinal X-ray for another issue.
Muscle or Ligament Strain
Repetitive heavy lifting, or sudden and awkward movements can strain your back, causing painful muscle spasms.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a common condition affecting the sciatic nerve that extends from the lower back down the backside of both legs. It typically afflicts one side of the body and can cause severe and debilitating pain.
Sciatica symptoms include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain in the rear or leg that worsens when sitting
- Hip pain
- Burning or tingling down the leg
- Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot
- Shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up
What Are the Risk Factors?
You are at an increased risk of developing a back problem based on several factors:
- Back pain is more common starting in people ages 30 to 40.
- Unhealthy lifestyle. Excess body weight places more stress on your back and lack of exercise weakens the muscles, which can lead to back pain.
- Smoking reduces blood flow to your lower spine, which can prevent your body from delivering enough nutrients to the disks in your back.
- Some forms of arthritis and cancer can increase back pain.
Find Back Pain Relief at Dees Integrative Health
If you’re experiencing acute back pain following a car accident, a slip and fall or another unexpected trauma, Dees Integrative Health can help. Our Symptomatic Relief Program is a short-term program that can provide you with the best treatment solution to alleviate your pain. By considering your past treatments and current situation, we will be able to come up with a comprehensive plan to accelerate your recovery process.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Dees by contacting us online or calling 941.552.6686 today!