Our back is composed of a complex structure of ligaments, muscles, tendons, bones, and disks, that work together to support body movements. Any problems with these components can result in back pain. There could be damage due to medical conditions, strain, poor postures and some other reasons.
Reasons for back pain
Strain
The most common reason for back pain is strain, injury, or tension, such as:
- A muscle spasm
- Damaged disks
- Strained ligaments or muscles
- Muscle tension
- Fractures, falls or injuries
Activities that may lead to strain or spasms are:
- Lifting something too heavy
- Lifting something incorrectly
- Making an abrupt movement
- Structural issues
Some structural problems may also lead to back pain, such as:
- Bulging disks
- Ruptured disks
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Abnormal spinal curvature
- Kidney problems
Poor posture and movement
Having a hunched back while sitting in front of computer systems to work is a common reason for back and shoulder problems. Here are some everyday activities that result in back pain over time:
- Over-stretching
- Twisting
- Bending awkwardly
- Bending for long periods
- Lifting, pulling, pushing or carrying something heavy
- Sitting or standing for long periods
- Long drives without a break
- Straining your neck forward while driving or working on a computer
- Sleeping on an improper mattress
Some medical issues can lead to back pain. Some of which include infection of the spine, cancer of the spine, Cauda equina syndrome, shingles, sleep disorders, other infections like that of the bladder, kidneys, or pelvis (pelvic inflammatory disease)
Diagnosis of arthritis
When you see an orthopedist, he/she will conduct a physical exam to check for any swelling, warmth, and redness of the joints. They will also analyze your joint movements.
Laboratory tests
To diagnose arthritis, an orthopedician will start with analyzing the different body fluids, such as blood, urine, and joint fluid. The doctor will cleanse and numb the specific area, insert a needle in the joint space to take a sample of the fluid.
Some of the common imaging tests to diagnose arthritis involve:
X-rays: A radiologist will perform X-rays using low radiation levels to visualize the affected bone for any cartilage loss, bone spurs and bone damage. This method doesn’t unveil initial damage by arthritis but is favorable for tracking the progression of the condition.
CT scan: CT scanners extract X-rays from multiple angles and combine the results to develop cross-sectional views of the bone’s internal structures. CT scans help to visualize both bone and the soft tissues surrounding it.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): In this method, radio waves are using in combination with a powerful magnetic field to produce detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Ultrasound: It is an imaging technology that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture images of soft tissues, fluid-containing structures close to the joints, and cartilage. The process is used to provide the right path for needle placement to remove joint fluid or injecting certain medications.
Symptoms of back pain
Back pain shows several symptoms, like:
- feeling a dull aching sensation in your lower back
- the inability to stand up without pain
- a shooting or stabbing pain that radiates down the leg to your foot
- compromised range of motion and inability to flex the back
Some back pain symptoms that arise from a strain or poor posture usually go away in a few days or weeks. However, when the problem turns chronic, the symptoms stay for longer than three months.
Symptoms of back pain that signal a serious health issue include:
- Numbness, weakness, or tingling in one or both legs
- Loss of bladder control or bowel
- Fever that comes and goes frequently
- Unexplained weight loss
- Intense and constant pain (worsening at night)
- Pain after a trauma, such as a sharp blow or fall
- Pain that associates with an unsettling sensation in the abdomen
Note: See an orthopedician if these symptoms do not improve in two weeks.
Diagnosis of back pain
To diagnose back pain, an orthopedist will carry out a physical examination during which, they will test you:
- Reflexes
- Ability to walk and stand
- leg strength
- spine’s range of motion
- ability to identify sensations in the legs
In case the doctor suspects a serious medical condition, they might suggest undergoing other tests, such as:
- X-rays: Spine X-rays show the alignment of the bones and allow to check for any breaks
- Blood and urine tests: To check for any underlying conditions
- Bone scan: To look for abnormalities in the bone tissue
- CT (Computer Tomography) scan or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): These tests help in assessing your muscles, disks, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels
- EMG (Electromyography): To test nerve conduction
Treatment for back pain
Based on your diagnosis, a treatment plan is designed by the orthopedician. In most cases, there is no need for extensive back pain treatment. However, some cases might demand long-term treatment procedures while being under the supervision of the orthopedist.
Check out the treatment methods for back pain
Medication
Most back pains are relieved with NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen. Pain relievers and analgesics like acetaminophen work well for cases with no anti-inflammatory properties.
Note: If you have stomach ulcers or kidney issues, ibuprofen may not be a good option for you. Tell your doctor about your underlying health issues, if any. Do not take an overdose of OTC medications without consulting your bone specialist. These may have side effects as well.
Other options of medication involve:
Topical rubs and ointments: pain-relieving rubs and ointments are highly effective for reducing back pain. Many of these products contain lidocaine and ibuprofen in their composition, which works great for pain relief.
Opioids: Opioids are powerful pain medications prescribed in the case of acute back pain. Some of such medicines include Oxycodone, a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. These act on your brain cells and body signaling it to reduce the pain.
Note: Do not use opioids unless prescribed by your doctor and in the suggested dose.
Muscle relaxants: You may be prescribed muscle relaxants to minimize the lower back pain due to muscle spasms. They act on your central nervous system to control backache.
Steroid Injections: If nothing else works and the condition worsens, your doctor might recommend taking cortisone steroid injections for the pain. However, the effect of these steroid injections stays up to three months.
Surgery
The last option to treat back pain when nothing works is surgery. Surgical procedures for treating back pain are suggested only in case of structural abnormalities that don’t respond well to medication and therapy treatments. Some such abnormalities include nerve compression that weakens the muscles and severe unremitting pain.
Your doctor may suggest carrying out spinal fusion. It is a surgery where painful vertebrae are fused to form a single bone that is more solid. It eradicates the painful spine movement.
In case of back pain caused by degenerative bone diseases, a surgery to remove and replace disks and vertebrae partially may be conducted by your orthopedist.
Alternative methods
Alternatively, therapies are proven effective in relieving back pain. Some of the recommended therapies include massage, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and relaxation techniques.
Note: Talk to your doctor before undergoing these alternative methods.
Prevention of back pain
You can avoid back pain and prevent reoccurrence by improving your physical health and practicing proper body mechanics.
Practice these activities to have a healthy and strong back:
Exercise: Do regular low-impact aerobics that doesn’t strain your back. It can increase the endurance and strength of your back and enables muscles to function well. Swimming and walking are also beneficial. Get in touch with your doctor before starting an exercise regime.
Build muscle flexibility and strength: Abdominal and back muscle exercises help strengthen your core and condition the muscles to function better.
Maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight, avoiding back pain may get difficult. So, it is essential to eat healthily and maintain healthy body weight.
Give up smoking: If you smoke, you are at a high risk of back pain. The more cigarettes you smoke, the higher gets the risk. So, it is best to quit smoking and keep the acute pain away.
You must maintain proper body posture while sitting and moving. Here are some tips for better body posture:
Stand straight: Do not slouch – keep your pelvis at a neutral position. If you have to stand for long periods, place one foot on a footstool (low in height) to shed off some load from your back. This reduces the stress on your lower back muscles.
Sit straight: Do not hunch while working, driving, or studying. Maintain a smart body posture, keeping your spine straight on the couch, bench, or chair. Pick a chair with good lower back support, swivel base, and armrests. You can also use a pillow or rolled towel to support your lower back. When sitting on a chair, make sure your knees are at the hips level. Keep changing your positions frequently.
Lift properly: Avoid lifting heavyweights in the first place. However, if you have to, keep your back straight. Do not twist it and bend at the knees. Lift the load and keep it close to your body. If possible, ask for help while lifting heavyweights.
In a Nutshell
On this World Spine Day, let’s vouch on taking proper care of our back and overall spine health. Stronger bones and muscles are essential for living a happy and healthy life.