If you are experiencing back pain, you are not alone. Back pain affects 80 percent of Americans at some point in their lives, and, in fact, low back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability in people under the age of 45. There are many causes of back pain, with some more serious than others.
Back pain can range from a minor ache to chronic, debilitating pain that affects every part of your life. Regardless of the level of severity, learning about what causes back pain can help you get the treatment you need. If back pain is affecting your ability to spend time with your family, go to work or get a good night’s sleep it is critical to see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Back pain can range from a minor ache to chronic, debilitating pain that affects every part of your life. Regardless of the level of severity, learning about what causes back pain can help you get the treatment you need. If back pain is affecting your ability to spend time with your family, go to work or get a good night’s sleep it is critical to see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
The lower back is the site of the most reported pain. Spinal vertebrae are held together by muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Between the vertebrae are discs, which act as shock absorbers and prevent the vertebrae from hitting one another during walking, running or jumping. They also allow the spine to twist, bend and extend.
Since the lower back is the hinge between the upper and lower body and is the weight-bearing portion of the body, it is especially vulnerable to injury. When symptoms occur, we become acutely aware of just how much we rely on a flexible and strong back. Injury in the lower back can dramatically affect your quality of life and make the simplest activities a chore.
The location of your symptoms will help your doctor pinpoint the underlying cause of discomfort. You may experience spinal discomfort in any of the following regions:
After diagnosing a spine condition, doctors usually begin with conservative treatments to relieve pain and improve mobility. Many patients find relief through these nonsurgical methods, which are typically tried before considering surgery. Your doctor will create a personalized plan using treatments like:
Some patients may require a surgical alternative if conservative treatments do not offer any relief after several weeks or months. If a degenerative spine condition is causing your severe back pain and will not respond to conservative treatments, it may be beneficial to see if you are a potential candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery.
