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Tag: back pain causes

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By Chanelle Spivak Treatment Options for Back Pain , , ,

Understanding Back Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

A comprehensive guide to managing back pain, the common condition that affects millions of people

Back pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages and can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Furthermore, according to experts, back pain affects approximately 80% of people at some point in their lives. Additionally, back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from poor posture and muscle strain to more serious conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis. To understand back pain, read more about the causes, treatment, and prevention of it below.

Causes of back pain

Muscle strain or sprain often causes acute back pain, which is the most common type of back pain and typically lasts for a few days to a few weeks. Those suffering can manage acute back pain with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. However, if the pain persists for more than a few weeks, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

In contrast with acute pain, Chronic back pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and arthritis. Chronic back pain can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to perform daily activities and affecting their mood and mental health.

In addition to these physical causes of back pain, there is also a strong link between back pain and psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical and psychological factors are equally important. While this point is often overlooked, research shows that people who experience chronic back pain are more likely to encounter depression and anxiety. As a result, treating these psychological factors can help to reduce the severity of back pain.

Treatment of back pain

Doctors offer several treatment options for back pain, ranging from conservative measures like physical therapy and chiropractic care to more invasive treatments like spinal injections and surgery. However, the type of treatment that is most appropriate will depend on the underlying cause of the back pain, as well as the individual’s overall health and medical history.

If you are located in the Tri-state area, schedule a consultation with Dr. Carl Spivak, MD. Not only is he an award-winning neurosurgeon based in New Jersey, Dr. Spivak specializes in back pain. Throughout many years of practice, he has relieved thousands of patients. While many surgeons solely suggest surgery and procedures, Dr. Spivak, on the other hand, evaluates each patient individually. Without doubt, each patient is different and has unique needs. For some patients, surgery is the only viable option. As for others, procedures will only make their back pain worse.

Some procedures Dr. Spivak offers are Minimally Invasive Decompression, Minimally Invasive Stabilization, and Pain Management Procedures. Find out what options are best for you by visiting Executive Spine Surgery in Newton, NJ.

Prevention of back pain

Most importantly, preventing back pain is an important consideration. Specifically, there are several strategies that can help to reduce the risk of developing back pain. In fact, these techniques include maintaining good posture, staying active, and avoiding activities that involve heavy lifting or repetitive motions.

Even though back pain is a common condition, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. In general, there are many factors that contribute to back pain, including physical and psychological factors. However, there are also many treatment options available to help manage and alleviate the symptoms of back pain. By taking steps to prevent back pain and seeking appropriate treatment when needed, individuals can reduce the impact of back pain on their daily lives.

 

References:

Executive Spine Surgery. (2023). Arthritis of the Spine. Retrieved from https://executivespinesurgery.com/conditions/arthritis-of-the-spine/

Executive Spine Surgery. (2023). Degenerative Disc Disease. Retrieved from https://executivespinesurgery.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease/

Executive Spine Surgery. (2023). Herniated Disc. Retrieved from https://executivespinesurgery.com/conditions/herniated-disc/

Executive Spine Surgery. (2023). Spinal Stenosis (Narrowing). Retrieved from https://executivespinesurgery.com/conditions/spinal-stenosis-narrowing/

Mayo Clinic. (2021). Back Pain. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2019). Low Back Pain Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet

back pain causes
By Staff Writer Pain

Finding the Source: 7 of the Most Common Causes of Back Pain

How long have you had your mattress? Be honest…

If you can’t remember the last time you got a new mattress, it’s time to hit the furniture store. 

Why? Because sleeping on an old mattress is killer on your back.

But a bad mattress isn’t the only thing that can put your back in a bad mood. Lots of other lifestyle factors and medical issues cause back pain. And it’s important to know those causes so you can do your best to prevent back injuries in the future.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 7 of the most common back pain causes and what you can do to prevent them.

Common Back Pain Causes

There are certain risk factors that make you more susceptible to back problems. People who are overweight are more at risk. And if you’re not moving around much, you’re more likely to injure your back. 

If you work in a job that requires heavy lifting or long periods of standing on your feet, you’re more likely to have spine pain. And as you age, you might develop back pain because of wear and tear on your muscles and spine.

Knowing your risk factors can help you prevent back injuries. But no matter how much you work to prevent them, there’s still a chance you’ll experience problems at some point during your life. Now let’s look at the 7 most common causes of back injuries. 

1. Slouching

The way you hold up your body affects back health. Working long hours at a desk without taking a break can cause you back pain. And if you do this over a lifetime, it can compound into more serious issues like herniated discs and arthritis.

Also, bending your neck forward too much can make your back to hurt. This is a problem called text neck. And it’s a serious issue affecting many smartphone users today. 

To prevent this, pay special attention to your posture. Take breaks from sitting and walk around. And put your smartphone away before your neck gets tired.

2. Overuse

Sometimes, your back hurts because of a good, old-fashioned muscle injury. Muscle pulls and strains come about most often because of overuse. 

It’s more likely to happen when you do exercises that you aren’t used to. Like when you haven’t played basketball in 10 years and you decide to join a game at the gym. The bending, reaching, and twisting can cause you to injure yourself. 

But even seasoned athletes can overdo it and strain the muscles in their backs. Be aware of how your back feels while you’re exercising. Stop at the first sign of back pain to prevent further injury.

3. A Bad Mattress

We already mentioned this briefly, but let’s dive into your bedroom routine. You should replace your mattress at least every 10 years. But this isn’t a hard and fast rule.

Every person sleeps differently on their mattress. And every mattress wears differently. If you’re already having back problems, consider getting a new mattress sooner rather than later.

And consider upgrading your pillows too. Pillows bear the responsibility of holding up your head and keeping your neck in alignment. Old, flat pillows are just as likely to cause back problems as your mattress.

4. Arthritis

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. And lumbar arthritis happens when you develop osteoarthritis in your back. Over time, the cartilage in the joints wears down.

Without that cartilage, you lose range of motion, making the movement more painful. And it puts more stress on your nerves.

Prevent arthritis by maintaining a healthy weight and exercising. Also, eat a diet rich in foods that fight back pain.  

5. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis develops when our bones lose minerals and weaken over time. The pain isn’t caused by the disease itself. It’s caused by tiny fractures in the bones of the spine that happen because the bones are so weak.

These fractures occur suddenly. You’ll notice a new pain in your spine because of a certain movement, even from a cough or sneeze. 

Unfortunately, many people (women especially) are prone to developing osteoporosis. But preventative measures like eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are helpful. And weight-bearing exercises strengthen bones and prevent or prolong osteoporosis development.

6. Disc Problems

Each vertebra is separated from its neighbors by spongy discs. These discs are little fluid-filled sacs that provide a cushion for the bones around them. As you age, or if you suffer a spinal injury, these discs can get injured too. 

A bulging disc happens when the disc slips out of place and sticks out further on one side of the spine. This puts pressure on the nerves around the disc. 

A ruptured disc occurs when aging or trauma causes the tear, releasing the fluid inside. This means the disc won’t provide as much cushion to the bones as it should. And that also means more pressure on the nerves in the area. 

Prevent disc problems by regularly stretching your back. Also, using proper lifting techniques helps. And, of course, regular exercise keeps the back strong enough to shield the discs from injury.

7. Sciatica 

Your sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from the lower back down through your hips and thighs, all the way to your feet. Sciatica is when that nerve becomes pinched or inflamed.

This is usually caused by a bulging disc as we mentioned before. But it can also come from bone spurs or hip and back injuries.

Sciatica pain starts in the lower back and can spread down into the legs and feet. It may be sharp or dull, depending on how much pressure is on the nerve. 

Prevent sciatica by doing the same things you’d do to prevent a bulging or ruptured disc, as these are the most common causes of sciatica. 

Treat Back Pain ASAP

Many people experience back pain at some point in their lives. These back pain causes are some of the most common. You can prevent these issues by maintaining a healthy weight, keeping good posture, and exercising.

But remember, it’s not normal to have back pain. If you do suffer from back problems, get it looked at asap. It might be a sign of something worse. 

At Executive Spine Surgery, we take a multidisciplinary approach to give you the best possible treatment for back pain. Visit our website to book your appointment online to see Dr. Spivak.

Don’t live with back pain anymore. Get it treated now!

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