Back pain can have a myriad of causes. The majority of back pain occurs as an acute attack, seemingly out of nowhere, or as the result of trauma to the back area. The spine is an intricate web of bones and other components which can make back pain difficult to diagnose. A tangled myriad of muscles, ligaments and tendons can offer up an endless option for back pain.
The lower back is one of the most common areas where patients experience back pain. There are so many reasons that one could be suffering from back pain, as there are more than thirty bones in the vertebrae. The lower back carries most of the weight that is experienced by individuals, therefore the reason why the lower back is the most common area that patients experience back pain. What are the common treatments for back pain? Back pain is commonly treated through the use of exercise or intervention from a medical professional. Therapeutic massage can lead to an increase in blood flow, lessening the pain that is felt from an injury. Strains and sprains are two of the most common back pail complaints. An injury to a muscle causes the strain or sprain on the back and can be caused by excessive weight on the back, poor posture, carrying heavy loads and can result in soreness and stiffness that can cause muscles to feel as there is a "knot" in them. Did you know that the pain felt from a strain actually occur to prevent further activity which can cause injury?
Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder which can cause pain. There is usually cushioning between the discs which provides comfort to the back. When this cushioning becomes degenerative, it can cause excruciating back pain. The body than reacts by building new bone in these areas, referred to as spurs (which can cause even more pain in these areas). There are two main causes of osteoarthritis, including obesity and trauma to the joints. Osteoporosis occurs as we age when the calcium within our bones are lost. When osteoporosis occurs, it can cause high levels of pain within the back - especially the lower back. These weakened bones have an increased risk in breakage, which can also occur with age. Age and lack of calcium in the body are two of the major risk factors in the development of osteoporosis.
The discs in our back provide cushioning between the bones and joints. When one of these discs becomes displaced, known as a herniated disc, back pain can occur as the lack of disc causes a pinch on the nerve. Strain on the back, or traumatic injury can cause this excruciating disorder, when the discs rupture, the pain grows increasingly causing sciatica and radiating pain from the back, buttocks and legs.
Widespread pain throughout the body, including the back, accompanied with fatigue is referred to as fibromyalgia. Eleven of the common tender points that are accompanied by the disorder are found in the back - causing back pain in the muscles and tendons.
