If you are one of the millions who live with back pain, you may be searching for treatment options. Medication, surgery, exercise and alternative therapies can all be part of your plan. However, there are many causes of back pain and some therapies work better on some conditions than others. The first step is to talk to your doctor to determine what is causing your back pain. Then you can research the various therapies available for your specific condition.
Muscular and Soft Tissue Problems
According to the National Pain Foundation, muscle sprains and ligament strains are the No. 1 cause of back pain. These types of injuries can be caused by lifting improperly, twisting the wrong way during sports or everyday activities or using poor posture and body mechanics. All of the above can place pressure on the back and cause the muscles and ligaments to tighten and become painful. In addition, if you are overweight or pregnant your back may be overworked. Muscular-related problems can often be relieved through a program of gentle exercise, stretching and using good body mechanics. Your physician can talk to you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to help diagnose a muscular back problem.
Arthritis
The Arthritis Foundation says that there are several forms of arthritis that can cause back pain. This includes rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation in the tissues of the spine. Degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis causes changes to the bones of the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis can cause the vertebra to fuse. All of these changes in the spine can lead to chronic back pain. Fibromyalgia, which also falls under the general term of arthritis, causes widespread pain in many areas including the back. X-rays, blood tests and a physical exam can all help to confirm a diagnosis of arthritis and determine what type you have.
Disc Problems
Normal wear and tear that occurs with age, certain diseases and injuries can cause damage to your discs. The discs are circular-shaped structures with a jelly-like center located between the vertebra. They are there to absorb shock and allow movement. Disc injuries can come on slowly or occur suddenly. Your discs can be pushed out of position (herniation) or they can rupture, letting the jelly-like center escape. The discs can push on nearby ligaments, muscles and nerves, all of which can create pain. Depending on the severity of your disc injury, you may need a period of exercise, medication or, in severe cases, surgery. Your physician can use an MRI or CAT scan to determine if a disc is causing your back pain. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons states that the low back and neck are the most common sites for disc problems.
Organ Disease
Certain diseases and problems with organs can cause back pain as a way to signal you that something is wrong. This includes cancer, kidney disease, prostate problems and diseases of the pancreas. With kidney disease you may feel pain in your lower back and off to the side. With the other conditions the pain will happen near the site of the disease. In addition, a heart attack may also cause pain that radiates to the back and between the shoulder blades. Your health care team will take into account any other symptoms you are experiencing, to know what tests to run to determine the cause of your back pain.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones in your spine, hips and wrists become frail. This condition also causes a tendency to develop a hunched upper back as the shoulders round forward. Changes in posture can pull on back muscles and make them painful. Frail vertebra can develop compression fractures and collapse on one another. A bone density test is the only way to know if you a have osteoporosis. The good news is that exercise and a healthy diet can often help to prevent and reverse this condition.
