Back pain is a common reason for absence from work and for seeking medical treatment. It can be uncomfortable and debilitating. .
It can result from injury, activity and some medical conditions. Back pain can affect people of any age, for different reasons. As people get older, the chance of developing lower back pain increases, due to factors such as previous occupation and degenerative disk disease.
1. inflammation or swelling on the back. 2. persistent back pain, where lying down or resting does not help. 3. pain that reaches below the knees. 4. a recent injury, blow or trauma to the back.
Strain : strained muscles or ligaments,a muscle spasm,lifting something improperly. Ruptured disks : Each vertebra in the spine is cushioned by disks. If the disk ruptures there will be more pressure on a nerve, resulting in back pain. Bulging disks : In much the same way as ruptured disks, a bulging disk can result in more pressure on a nerve. Movement and posture : Back pain can also result from some everyday activities or poor posture. Infection of the spine : A fever and a tender, warm area on the back could be due to an infection of the spine.
Steps to lower the risk of developing back pain consist mainly of addressing some of the risk factors: Exercise : Regular exercise helps build strength and control body weight. Guided, low-impact aerobic activities can boost heart health without straining or jerking the back. Before starting any exercise program, talk to a health care professional. Diet : Make sure your diet includes enough calcium and vitamin D, as these are needed for bone health. A healthful diet also helps control body weight. Smoking : A significantly higher percentage of smokers have back pain incidences compared to non-smokers of the same age, height, and weight. Body weight : The weight people carry and where they carry it affects the risk of developing back pain. The difference in back pain risk between obese and normal-weight individuals is considerable. People who carry their weight in the abdominal area versus the buttocks and hip area are also at greater risk.
If home treatments do not relieve back pain, a doctor may recommend the following medication, physical therapy, or both. Medication : Back pain that does not respond well to OTC painkillers may require a prescription NSAID. Codeine or hydrocodone, which are narcotics, may be prescribed for short periods. These require close monitoring by the doctor. In some cases, muscle relaxants may be used. Therapy : Physical Therapy : Applying heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation — as well as some muscle-release techniques to the back muscles and soft tissues — may help alleviate pain. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) : Electrodes placed on your skin near the painful areas deliver tiny electrical impulses that may relieve pain.