Back pain is one of the regular medical problems estimated to affect 8 in 10 people. It can range from a dull to a sharp pain with an immediate onset or can progress to become worse. Most common back pain is acute which ease on its own with some pain relievers and rest. The treatment is usually based on the type and cause of pain. Only in rare cases, surgery may be required to treat the pain.
Causes
There are several factors associated with developing back pain. An acute back pain can start suddenly that can continue for a few weeks but the chronic pain can persist for more than three months. Some of the causes associated with back pain include stress, pregnancy, ligament strain, spasms, tense muscles, arthritis, ruptured disks, endometriosis, kidney stones, skeletal irregularities such as scoliosis, infections and tumors.
Symptoms
This can consist of a stabbing pain, muscle aches and pain that can extend to the legs. Some types of back pain can affect the individual’s movement giving them limited flexibility. In most cases, a back pain will ease on its own and requires no treatment. In some cases, a back pain can require medical attention particularly with the following symptoms; numbness, severe pain not subsiding with rest, pain after an injury, weakness, numbness or tingling sensation in the legs, problems with urinating, fever and unexplained weight loss.
Diagnosis
A physical examination of the back may be required to assess the individual’s ability to move, walk, sit and stand. The individual will also be asked how the pain affects their ability to function normally, location and the type of the pain. This will determine the cause of the pain and rule out other serious conditions. Along with this, the individual’s medical history will also be assessed. In order to determine the cause of the pain, various diagnostic tests may be required and may consist of several tests that can include x-rays, MRI scan, CT scan, blood tests and bone scan.
Treatment
The acute back pain will usually resolve on its own within a few weeks and requires no treatment. The chronic back pain may require the use of heat or ice packs, exercise and medications to ease the pain. The hot or cold packs can reduce swelling and the pain although this does not usually treat the underlying cause. Medications used to ease the pain include over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications. Certain types of exercises can strengthen the back muscles and can improve the posture. The physical therapist will help in determining the suitable exercise for the individual’s condition as it can assist in the prevention of episodes of pain. If the pain is caused by nerve compression, surgery may be beneficial.
Prevention
Some preventive ways of reducing the risk of developing back pain can consist of exercising to promote healthy muscles, maintaining a healthy weight and to avoid strenuous activities such as heavy weight lifting.
Risk Factors
Although individuals of any age are prone to develop back pain, some of the risk factors include; age – as older people are more prone to have this condition, affected with other ailments such as arthritis, obesity, excess weight lifting and lack of exercise.
References
https://medlineplus.gov/backpain.html
http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/back_pain/back_pain_ff.asp
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/basics/treatment/con-20020797
