Back Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

• Written by Jagriti Chakraborty

  Reviewed by Ritika Malik

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Back bone pain is something many of us have experienced at some point. It's that uncomfortable feeling or even sharp pain in your back, whether it's in the lower, middle, or upper part of your back. It can range from being a minor annoyance that comes and goes to a more persistent and severe discomfort.

The causes of back pain can vary, from simple things like straining your muscles to more complex issues like herniated discs or underlying medical conditions. Back pain can affect how you move, do your daily tasks, and even your overall well-being. Let’s discuss more about back pain in detail.

Back Pain Symptoms

Let us take a look at some of the most common back pain symptoms:

• Dull or Aching Pain: This is the most common type of back pain, characterised by a persistent, nagging discomfort in the affected area.
• Sharp or Shooting Pain: Sometimes, back pain can manifest as a sudden, intense, or shooting pain, often due to muscle spasms or nerve irritation.
• Stiffness: You may feel that your back is tight or stiff, making it difficult to move or bend.
• Limited Range of Motion: Back pain can restrict your ability to move comfortably, making it challenging to perform daily activities.
• Radiating Pain: Pain may radiate from the back to the buttocks, legs, or feet, which is often associated with nerve compression.
• Muscle Weakness: In some cases, back pain can lead to weakness in the legs or difficulty standing or walking.
• Numbness or Tingling: You may experience numbness or tingling sensations, indicating nerve involvement.
• Pain that Worsens with Activity: Back pain may intensify with certain movements or activities, like lifting or twisting.

Different Types of Back Pain

When it comes to categorising back pain, medical experts and researchers break it down into several distinct types:

Acute Back Pain

This type of back pain strikes suddenly and typically lingers for a brief period, ranging from a few days to a few weeks.

Subacute Back Pain

Subacute back pain can either emerge suddenly or develop gradually over time. It tends to persist for a duration of 4 to 12 weeks.

Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain can manifest abruptly or progress slowly, and it endures for more than 12 weeks. In this category, pain becomes a daily presence in one's life.

Human Back Anatomy

The anatomy comprises four distinct regions:

• Cervical Spine: Located in the neck region, this part of the spine contains seven small vertebrae.
• Thoracic Spine: Situated in the mid-back area, the thoracic spine consists of twelve vertebrae.
• Lumbar Spine: Found in the lower back, the lumbar spine comprises five robust vertebrae.
• Sacrum and Coccyx: These fused bones form the base of the spine, contributing to its stability.

Back Pain Causes

Back pain arises seemingly without a clear cause, which can be pinpointed through tests or imaging studies. Some prevalent conditions associated with back pain are:

Ligament or Muscle Strain

Activities like repetitive heavy lifting and sudden awkward movements can strain the muscles in your back and the ligaments that support your spine. Individuals with lower physical fitness may experience muscle spasms due to continuous back strain.

Ruptured Disks

The discs function as padding between the vertebrae in your spinal column. Occasionally, the inner soft material of a disc can protrude or burst, applying pressure to a nerve. Curiously, the occurrence of a bulging or ruptured disc may not always result in back pain. It is often discovered incidentally during spine CT scans, X-rays, or MRIs conducted for unrelated back pain reasons.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis or Arthritis can cause pain in the lower back, and in certain cases, it can result in the constriction of the space surrounding the spinal cord, a medical condition referred to as spinal stenosis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (Axial Spondyloarthritis)

It is an inflammatory disease that causes fusion in some spine's bones, reducing its flexibility and leading to discomfort.

Osteoporosis

When the bones in the spine become porous or brittle, they can develop painful fractures, contributing to back pain.

How to Relieve Severe Lower Back Pain?

Here are steps to help alleviate severe lower back pain:

• Give your back some time to heal by resting. Avoid activities that worsen the pain, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
• Use ice packs for the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation, then switch to heat (e.g., heating pads or warm baths) to relax muscles and improve blood flow.
• Non-prescription pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.
• Gentle movement and stretching exercises can help prevent your back from stiffening up. Avoid high-impact activities and focus on low-impact exercises like walking or swimming.
• A physical therapist can provide back pain exercises and techniques to strengthen your core and improve posture, reducing the risk of future pain.
• Ensure your workspace and daily activities are ergonomically friendly. Use proper body mechanics when lifting and sitting.
• Invest in a mattress and pillows that provide adequate support for your back.
• Maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate pressure on your lower back.
• Professional massage therapy or chiropractic care may offer relief for some individuals.
• Staying hydrated helps maintaining the elasticity of spinal discs.
• Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can reduce stress and improve pain management.
• If the pain persists or worsens despite self-care, consult a doctor. They may recommend further diagnostic tests, prescription medications, or even injections for pain relief.
• In severe cases, surgical interventions may be considered, but these are typically a last resort.

Back Pain Treatment

Here are common treatments for back pain:

Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be helpful in relieving pain. In some cases, medications that relax muscles and prevent spasms may be prescribed.

Physical Therapy (PT)

PT plays a crucial role in strengthening the muscles that support your spine. It not only enhances muscle strength but also improves flexibility, reducing the risk of future injuries.

Hands-on Manipulation

Various manual therapies can help alleviate lower back pain, relax tight muscles, and improve posture and alignment. Depending on your specific condition, you might benefit from treatments like osteopathic manipulation, chiropractic adjustments, or even massage therapy to relieve pain and restore function.

Injections

In certain situations, your healthcare provider may recommend injections. These involve using a needle to deliver medication directly to the source of the pain. Steroid injections can be particularly effective in reducing pain and inflammation.

Surgery

When injuries or conditions necessitate surgical intervention, there are several surgical techniques available for treating lower back pain. Many minimally invasive procedures are also options, depending on your diagnosis and the severity of your condition.

>> Also Read: Reasons Why You Get a Recurring Back Pain

Summing Up

Taking care of the body is crucial for a pain-free life. Simple lifestyle changes like proper posture and regular exercise can make a big difference. Sometimes, medicines or home remedies may not relieve extreme back pain. When back pain worsens, it can lead to the need for surgery. Thus, having health insurance becomes a vital safety net. It ensures you can access the medical care you need without worrying about the financial burden.

With Care Health Insurance, you can choose between a number of healthcare plans. Spend some time to chalk out your needs and pick a plan that best suits your preferences and your budget. Invest in your health and consider the importance of a reliable health insurance plan to safeguard your well-being.

Disclaimers:

1. The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.

2. All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.