BACK PAIN

Back pain is one of the most common reason that people in America go to the doctor or miss work. Anyone can suffer from back pain but there are certain risk factors which predisposes the person to get back pain.

Repeated back muscle strain from repeated heavy lifting, bending or twisting movements.

Not being fit or being overweight also predisposes one to suffer from back pain even with regular routine activities.

Old age, pregnancy and poor posture.

Having certain diseases like Ankylosing spondylitis, scoliosis, endometriosis, certain infections and cancers can contribute to the back pain.

Smoking causes accelerated degeneration of the discs which are positioned in between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine and act as shock absorbers.

What are the causes of back pain?

Back injuries from back strain, after a fall or accident leading to fractures.

Arthritis of the spine from ageing or from inflammation in the body like in case of ankylosing spondylitis.

At times narrowing of the space in the canal through which spinal cord runs could lead to a condition called Spinal stenosis.

Calcification of ligaments of spine often happens in older patients who have Diabetes leading to diagnosis of DISH.

Herniated discs or degeneration of disc is also a common cause of back pain

Certain conditions like severe Scoliosis where curvature of the spine is abnormal could lead to the back pain.

How is back pain treated?

It depends on the cause of the back pain. Back pain is usually treated with hot of cold packs, analgesic creams, oral anti-inflammatory medications, stronger pain medications, muscle relaxants and injections. Some people experience relief in pain with use of alternative modalities like acupuncture, acupressure and TENS unit. Most of the back pains improve with time and treatment. Surgery is rarely indicated.

When to see a doctor

You see a doctor if your back pain is very severe.

You are experiencing numbness, tingling, weakness in your extremities, or difficulty urinating.

Back pain is associated with fever, unintentional weight loss.

After a fall, trauma or accident.

At Urgent Care we usually take care of most of the back pains. If someone needs additional care we refer them to the appropriate specialist.

For additional information please visit the following sites:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/back_pain/back_pain_ff.asp
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/basics/definition/con-20020797

Note: All information on our website is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.