Back Pain

WHAT IS BACK PAIN

Back pain is a common reason for absence from work and for seeking medical treatment. It can be uncomfortable and debilitating.

It can result from injury, activity and some medical conditions. Back pain can affect people of any age, for different reasons. As people get older, the chance of developingTrusted Source lower back pain increases, due to factors such as previous occupation and degenerative disk disease.

Lower back pain may be linked to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, lower back muscles, abdominal and pelvic internal organs, and the skin around the lumbar area.

Pain in the upper back may be due to disorders of the aorta, tumors in the chest, and spine inflammation.

Causes of Back Pain

The human back is composed of a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, tendons, disks, and bones, which work together to support the body and enable us to move around.

The segments of the spine are cushioned with cartilage-like pads called disks.

Problems with any of these components can lead to back pain. In some cases of back pain, its cause remains unclear.

Damage can result from strain, medical conditions, and poor posture, among others.

Risk factors of Back Pain

The following factors are linked to a higher riskTrusted Source of developing low back pain:

• occupational activities
• pregnancy
• a sedentary lifestyle
• poor physical fitness
• older age
• obesity and excess weight
• smoking
• strenuous physical exercise or work, especially if done incorrectly
• genetic factors
• medical conditions, such as arthritis and cancer

Symptoms of Back Pain

The main symptom of back pain is an ache or pain anywhere in the back, and sometimes all the way down to the buttocks and legs.

Some back issues can cause pain in other parts of the body, depending on the nerves affected.

The pain often goes away without treatment, but if it occurs with any of the following people should see their doctor:

• weight loss
• fever
• inflammation or swelling on the back
• persistent back pain, where lying down or resting does not help
• pain down the legs
• pain that reaches below the knees
• a recent injury, blow or trauma to the back
• urinary incontinence
• difficulty urinating
• fecal incontinence, or loss of control over bowel movements
• numbness around the genitals
• numbness around the anus
• numbness around the buttocks
• with numbness in the legs

Treatment for back pain

Comprehensive treatment for back pain by Dr. Ravi Shinde, Chiropractor at clinics Mumbai / Thane / Pune