One of the most discomforting injuries that millions of people each year have to deal with is persistent back pain. Pain in general is very difficult to diagnose because pain is subjective. This means that there is no accurate way to quantify what the pain is like and the intensity. Usually, this is communicated through physical cues or word of mouth.
Back pain is likewise very tricky to deal with because the culprit is not attributed to one lone event. There is a litany of problems that could precipitate back pain. Here are some of the most common causes of back pain. For further information on what can bring about back pain or what can be done about it, consult a local chiropractor like Donald Littlejohn.
Accidents/Injuries
This is perhaps the most common reason why people suffer from back pain. All it takes is one bad accident to cause back pain on an acute or chronic basis. Falls, strains, fractures and spasms can all lead to physical discomfort and physical issues. There are a variety of specific injuries that can cause the back to suffer the brunt of the pain.
Vertebral and spine fractures can cause back pain to a great extent. In addition, sprains and strains can also give way to serious back pain as well. This is due to the potential of muscles, tendons and ligaments that can get injured in the process.
Usually, this is common when people are lifting and twisting things at the same time. Lifting furniture or shoveling snow are some activities that can lead to this. Also, sports injuries and car accidents can easily cause injuries if there is enough impact.
In certain cases where the tendons or muscles are actually torn in the lower back, this could result in spasms. Playing sports or weightlifting are some of the common activities that can predispose to back pain.
Strong Emotions
Do not underestimate the power that strong emotions have on back pain. Feelings bring about stress, and high levels of stress drastically increase the amount of tension in the muscles. In addition, if you already suffer from anxiety or depression related issues, the back pain can be easily exacerbated.
Spine-Related Issues
Another common culprit of back pain is issues related to the spine. The spine is a very delicate part of the body, and if something happens to the spinal discs, joints, muscles or nerves, pain will come as a result.
A herniated disc means that the soft tissue embedded within the discs has come out. This can be caused by usual wear and tear. This pain can also radiate down towards the hips because the nerves are getting pressed.
Spinal stenosis can also result in back pain because the spinal canal is narrowed significantly. Extra pressure is being added on the nerves and spine and will result in chronic pain. Unfortunately, this happens to be a common problem in people over the age of 60.
There is also a condition involving pinched nerves called cervical radiculopathy. Usually, the culprit is a herniated disc or a bone spur. In addition, spondylolisthesis is a special condition in which a bone present in the spine slips out of place, typically in the lower back. Combined with the degenerative form of this deteriorating condition, arthritis, it can cause further pain and gradual weakening of ligaments and joints.
Lifestyle Habits
Be advised that lifestyle triggers can also predispose to back pain. The levels of pain and your risk of getting back pain can be directly influenced by what you do or don’t do.
For example, weightlifting is something that can easily cause back pain. For those who want to lead a healthier life or want to tone their bodies, lifting weights can be a way to accomplish that. However, an improper technique or poor form can easily cause unnecessary strain on one’s back and cause pain. It is advised to get a trainer or look for someone to spot you if you are planning to lift heavy weights so you could avoid unnecessary pain.
Improper posture is also something that can cause back pain. For example, if you are at work or going out to eat at a restaurant, slouching can cause tremendous strain on your back because of the poor posture and the extra work you are forcing your body to exert in order to keep you from falling.
Being overweight is also another deep risk factor that can cause back pain because of the added pounds and fat that is being added around that area. This could make performing typical activities of daily living quite challenging. Other unhealthy habits such as smoking and leading a sedentary lifestyle can also cause you pain. It is highly recommended to be active if you can and to cease engagement in unhealthy habits.
Miscellaneous Conditions
There are a variety of other conditions that cause back pain as well. One such condition, which also happens to be a natural part in the lives of many women is pregnancy. When carrying a fetus, a woman will gradually gain weight. This will cause extra strain on the back, which is no different than how obesity may attack back pain.
Certain tumors can also cause back pain in the rare cases that the appear in the back. Tumors typically metastasize from an already existing cancer and can travel up the back. The uncontrollable cell growth can predispose to pain in the back.
Other conditions that have been known to contribute to back pain, but to a lesser extent are fibromyalgia, kidney stones, endometriosis, arthritis and osteomyelitis.
As you can see, there are many contributors to back pain and the risk factors that can cause them. Be mindful of some of these conditions and precipitating factors. For further details on what in the home can cause back pain, visit an expert like Donald Littlejohn for specific advice.