Almost everyone will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Although it could occur anywhere in your back, it will most likely affect the lower back. Back pain can be acute, stemming from a fall or minor injury and be short-lived, or chronic, caused by a serious injury or condition and lasting for months or years. Chronic back pain can be a debilitating issue and is the #1 reason for disability and time lost from work.
Causes Of Back Pain
There are a variety of reasons why back pain develops. It could be due an injury incurred while playing sports or in a vehicular accident or due to a health condition that causes the back’s structures to degenerate, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Determining the cause of your back pain is very important when it comes to finding relief through treatment. Finding the best way to treat your back pain will require pinpointing the exact cause and addressing it. Here are some of the most common causes of back pain. If you experience any of these, seek medical attention so you can find relief.
- Strained Ligaments and Muscles An overuse injury, such as a strain, happens when you repeatedly move in the same manner. This can include lifting heavy objects, bending over repeatedly, and poor posture while sitting at a desk. It can also develop as a result of a sports or vehicular accident. Treatment for a strain will depend on the severity of the injury, your overall health, and your doctor’s recommendation. If a strain is left untreated, it could lead to a bigger injury or a longer recovery period.
- Ruptured or Herniated Discs Intervertebral discs in the middle of the back act as shock absorbers and cushions between the vertebrae. When one of these ruptures or starts to move out of place, it can cause a host of symptoms. Ruptured and herniated discs develop most often due to aging and wear and tear injuries. Depending on the severity and location of the disc issue, your doctor may recommend a variety of nonsurgical or surgical treatments.
- Osteoporosis This condition causes you to lose a lot of bone mass all over your body. The back takes on a lot of stress to keep you moving on your feet. As a result, when osteoporosis hollows out the back bones, it can lead to more fractures and bone deterioration. While having osteoporosis doesn’t guarantee you will have pain in the back, it is definitely a common place to experience symptoms.
- Arthritis This condition can affect any joint in the body, including the lower back. In some cases, it can also cause spinal stenosis, the narrowing of space around the spinal cord. Arthritis causes joints to become inflamed and can lead to deterioration and damage of bones meeting at joints. If your arthritis affects your back, you are most likely going to experience back pain.
Back Pain Treatment in Greater Detroit
If you are experiencing back pain that has become chronic, you should see a specialist for a diagnosis and treatment. In most cases, back pain can be successfully treated, and you can return to your life without having to deal with painful symptoms.
Ahlgren Spine offers treatment for a variety of health issues, including chronic back pain caused by a plethora of issues. To make an appointment, please call (248) 215-8080. We look forward to helping you find relief!
