A brief overview of causes for back and neck pain.
Chances are that you or someone you know suffers from back pain. Back pain is one of the most common complaints brought to doctors in the United States. It's the third most expensive healthcare problem in the United States. Over 75 percent of adults in the US will experience low back pain sometime in their lives. Of course, some problems are more severe then others. Nevertheless, the percentage is higher then ever.
Causes for back and neck pain can vary greatly on a case by case basis. Accidents account for problems with the spine but the large majority of the people with back and neck problems are caused by anything from sleeping at a bad angle, a sudden movement, bad posture to lack of exercise or a sports injury or stress. The list why people develop back and neck problems is very long.
Research studies show that while most of lower back pain is mild in severity, less than one-third of the cases resolve within a year. The studies also note that 20 percent of all lower back pain cases recur within 6 months.
Back pain - Guidelines
Treatment
Most cases of back pain are due to muscle strain. It's important to avoid further irritation to the spine area and the muscles that surrounds the spinal column.
First, talk with your doctor and follow his or her treatment directions. For most people, treatment includes gradual return to activity and relief from pain with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil. Talk to your doctor and ask about the risk of side effects with NSAIDS use. Appling ice to the painful area is often recommended during the first 24 to 48 hours. Warm massages or baths may be recommended. Back braces or aids are rarely necessary, and surgery is not usually recommended and should be thoroughly researched before starting.
Bed rest
The first step in the treatment of low back pain is to rest. Bed rest is fine, so long as it only lasts one to three days. Bed rest should be limited during episodes of acute lower back pain. Resume activities by getting up and walking around your home periodically. Prolonged bed rest can actually lead to more persistent back pain. Early and reasonable return to normal activity (work, school, recreation) is recommended. Once the acute back pain eases, avoid lifting, twisting, and physical exertion.
Posture
Good posture can help reduce back stress and decrease pain. Practice good posture when lifting or carrying objects, and when sitting, standing or sleeping. Also remember to use correct posture throughout the day including during work or school activities. Try to avoid sitting for long period of time. Get up and move around.
Exercises
Don't fear a little activity. Strengthening of back muscles is an important step in the treatment of most causes of back pain. By increasing strength and flexibility of back muscles often elevates pain and allows you to return to normal activities.
Gentle back stretching and light activity performed during periods of acute back pain and spasm will help relieve pain. Low-impact exercises such as biking, walking or swimming can be started during the first two weeks of back pain.
Your goal should be 20 minutes of exercise, three or four days per week. Your program should include flexibility exercises, strengthening and aerobic conditioning. Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.
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Psychological factors |
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Behaviors that may delay full recovery include: |
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Your pain perception |
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Present or absent social support |
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Undiagnosed or unmanaged depression |
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Obesity |
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Smoking |
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-Fixed beliefs on what will cure your low back pain such as medications and surgery. |
Problem persist
If the back pain persist and becomes chronic, consult your doctor. Your doctor will probably recommend taking an x-ray and MRI to help determine the cause and severity of the problem.
Before continuing, it's very important to note that it's crucial your find a healthcare professional who is truly knowledgeable and proficient in working with people with back pain.
You may also want to find another physician (orthopedist or general internist) that you are comfortable working with and confident will work with you in identifying the cause of the problem. Work with him or her for a minimum of few months towards correcting the problem. Know your diagnosis, and discuss your options and treatment plan with your doctor.
Chronic and Acute Back Pain
Back pain can be acute or chronic.
Acute back pain is usually in response to an event such as an injury. It is usually a sharp pain that comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks but may become chronic.
Back pain that consistently nags you and last for three months or more is usually considered chronic. Chronic back pain can remain with you for a long time and can in some cases force you to alter your lifestyle significantly.
Back pain can take on a wide variety of characteristics:
-The pain can be constant or intermittent or only occur with certain positions or activities.
-It can remain in one spot, an area or radiate to other areas of the back, neck, arms, hands or leg and foot.
-The pain can be a dull ache, sharp, piercing or even a burning sensation.
-It can also include symptoms as weakness, numbness or tingling.
Some studies show that approximately 50% of patients will experience relief within two weeks and approximately 80% with three months. This is good news for most but not for those folks who continue to experience chronic pain.
Common causes of lower back pain
The most common cause of lower back pain is a muscle strain or other soft tissue damage. This type of condition is usually not serious but can be severely painful and debilitating. Lower back pain from a muscle strain will usually get better within a few days to few weeks.
Determining the Cause of Back Pain
Listing the causes of back problems would be difficult and very long but we'll try to identify some of them.
In addition to injuries due to accidents, there are jobs such as a software developer that require long hours of sitting in a chair. And there are other jobs that require repetitive lifting and bending and other jobs such as barber require long hours of standing without a break. All of these types of jobs put a person at risk and some at high risk for back problems.
The industrial age and advancements in technology have dramatically changed people's lives. Many people are not as active as in years past. Our ancestors had to work hard to survive and physical demands were much greater than they are today. Modern life seems designed to cause back and neck problems! More and more people spend so much time sitting that their back and stomach muscles grow weak. Lack of physical movement and regular exercise increases risks for occurrence of back pain. Stress and other emotional issues are contributing factors for many people that develop back and neck problems. Poor posture certainly account for some of the problems. Any type of prolonged poor posture will increase the risk of developing back pain. Poor diet also accounts for problems. Genetics is plays a part of who we are so it's not a surprise to learn that there is evidence that certain types of spinal disorders are genetic. It's also not a surprise that aging is a contributing factor towards back and neck problems. Over time, wear and tear on the spine that may result in conditions. People 30 and above and in particular seniors are more at risk for persistent and recurring back pain than young adults. Being overweight increases stress on the lower back and joints such as the knees that increase the risk factor for certain types of back and joint related problems. Women that are pregnant are more likely to develop back pain due to carrying excess body weight in the front, and the loosening of ligaments in the pelvic area as the body prepares for delivery.
Neck pain
Neck pain occurs in the area of the spine that goes from the level of the shoulders to the head. Neck pain can be caused by many things including tight muscles, poop posture, wear and tear and stress. Neck problems can also cause pain in the shoulders and down the arms.
The lower back area
The lower back area starts from just below the bottom of the ribs and continues down to the tailbone. The lower back area is designed to provide a great deal of strength, protecting the highly sensitive spinal cord and nerve roots, it connects the upper and lower parts of the body and yet its flexible, providing for mobility in all directions.
There are, however, many different parts of the back\spine that can product problems resulting in pain.
Numerous problems such as strains to the large back muscles, irritation to the large nerve roots that run down the legs and arms, called sciatica. Sciatic pain is created when a damaged or out of alignment area of the spine puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. Other problems include irritation to small nerves inside the spine, as well as any injury to the disc such as a herniated disk, bones, joints or ligaments are also on the list parts that can cause problems.
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