Back pain is a very common medical complaint and may be uncomfortable, preventing you from getting restful sleep. Back pain commonly occurs in the latter part of the day into the nighttime hours due to strenuous activities and prolonged standing. It may be caused by such injuries as a strain or ruptured disk. Early diagnosis and treatment of your back pain may reduce pain and stiffness, allowing for a better night's sleep.
Function
Your spine and your back are essential in supporting the body's weight. According to Spine-Health.com, the spine is made up of strong bones, large muscles, flexible tendons and ligaments, and sensitive nerves that provide flexibility and mobility while protecting the sensitive nerves. The muscles in your back are referred to as lats. They are responsible for providing force for a variety of body positions, such as leaning and straightening upright.
Causes
Back pain is attributed to many factors, such as a muscle strain or herniated disk. The Spine Universe website states that strains and sprains may be caused by twisting or pulling tendons. In addition, overstressing the back muscles or lifting improperly can also trigger strains and sprains. A herniated disk occurs when the disk bulges from the vertebra and applies pressure against the spinal cord and nerves.
Symptoms
Symptoms of back pain may be mild to severe and can include numbness, stiffness and tightness; radiating pain; and bladder and bowel dysfunction. In addition, chronic back pain can affect your sleep. Spine Health states that pain is the No. 1 cause of insomnia due to pain perception increasing when you are trying to fall asleep. If you experience any symptoms of chronic back pain, consult your physician, as they could be the result of more severe health conditions.
Diagnosis
To diagnose back pain, your physician will perform a physical exam as well as take your medical history. Questions such as location of the pain, activities performed prior to the onset of pain and how long the pain lasts will be asked. Your doctor may test your spine's range of motion and reflexes, sensation and tone of the legs.
Treatment
The nature of your back pain will determine the type of treatment that your physician will order. Types of treatment available are medications, acupuncture and spinal stimulation, and chiropractic treatments. Severely damaged spine injuries may require surgical procedures.
Warning
Not all back pain is the result of injuries to the back or spine. Back pain may be the result of underlying health conditions such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, pancreatic disorders or peptic ulcers, all of which could lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
