What’s causing the pain in my back and neck?

It is common for back pain to prevent you from working and seeking medical treatment. It can be debilitating and uncomfortable. Caused by injury, activity, or other medical conditions. People of all ages can experience back pain for different reasons. The risk of developing back pain increases as people age. Lower back pain can be exacerbated by factors like previous occupations and degenerative disc disease. Low back pain could be caused by the bony lumbar spine, discs among the vertebrae, and ligaments around them. The causes of pain in the upper back could be disorders of the aorta or tumors in the chest.

Causes

Back pain can be caused by problems with the spine, such as osteoporosis.

The human back is made up of complex structures of muscles, ligaments and tendons. These work together to support our bodies and allow us to move.

The disks are cartilage-like cushions that cushion the spine’s segments.

Back pain can be caused by problems with any one of these components. Sometimes, the cause of back pain is not clear.

Stress, poor posture, and medical conditions can all lead to injury.

Strain

Common causes of back pain are strain, tension, and injury.

These are the causes of back pain:

• Stitched muscles or ligaments
• a muscle spasm
• Tension in the muscles
• Disks that are damaged
• Falls, injuries, fractures and other incidents

These activities can cause strains and spasms:

• Unsafely lifting something
• Do not lift anything that is too heavy
• Making an awkward and abrupt movement
• Structural issues
• Back pain can also be caused by structural issues

Structural problems

A number of structural problems may also result in back pain.

• Ruptured disks: Every vertebra of the spine is cushioned with disks. Back pain can result from a ruptured disk.
• Bulging disks: May can cause nerve damage in the same manner as ruptured disks.
• Sciatica: A sharp shooting pain that travels down the back of your leg and through your buttocks. It’s caused by a bulging disk pressing on a nerve.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis may cause pain in the lower back, hips and other joints. Sometimes, the space around the spinal cord narrows. This condition is called spinal stenosis.
• Back pain can occur from an abnormal curvature of your spine: Scoliosis is an example of this. The spine curves to one side.
• Osteoporosis: This is when bones, including those of the spine, become porous and brittle, increasing the likelihood of compression fractures.
• Kidney Health: Back pain can be caused by kidney problems or kidney stones.

Position and movement

Computer use can lead to a hunched posture that can cause shoulder and back problems over time. Poor posture or everyday activities can also cause back pain. Examples include:

• Twisting
• Sneezing or coughing
• Tension in the muscles
• over-stretching
• Bending awkwardly for prolonged periods of time or awkwardly
• Pushing, pulling, lifting or carrying things
• Long periods of sitting or standing
• When driving or using a computer, you may strain your neck forward.
• Long driving sessions, even if not hunched, go on without a break
• A mattress that doesn’t support the body or keep the spine straight is not recommended.

Other causes

Back pain can be caused by certain medical conditions.

• Cauda Equina Syndrome: A bundle of spinal nerve roots that originate from the lower part of the spinal cord is called the cauda horse. The symptoms include a dull pain in the lower back, and upper buttocks, and numbness in your thighs, genitalia, or buttocks. Sometimes, there are disturbances in bowel or bladder function.
• Cancer of the spine: Back pain can be caused by a tumor in the spine.
• An infection of the spine could cause a fever or a tender, warm spot on the back.
• Other infections: Back pain may be caused by bladder infections, bladder infections, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Sleep disorders: People with sleep disorders are more likely than others to experience back pain.
• Shingles: Back pain may result from a nerve injury called Shingles. It depends on the nerves affected.

Risk factors

These factors can increase your risk of having back pain which can be caused by:

• Occupational activities
• pregnancy
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Poor physical fitness
• Older age
• Obesity and excess weight
• smoking
• Strenuous exercise or hard work, especially if done incorrectly
• Genetic factors
• Medical conditions such as cancer and arthritis are common.

Women tend to have lower back pain more often than men due to possible hormonal factors. Back pain has also been linked with anxiety, stress, and mood disorders.

Signs

Back pain can be described as a recurring ache or discomfort in the back.

Depending on the nerves involved, back problems can cause pain in other areas of the body.

It is common for the pain to go away on its own, but it can happen with anyone of these people:

• weight loss
• fever
• Inflammation or swelling of the back
• Chronic back pain that persists, despite resting or lying down.
• Pain in the legs
• Pain below the knees
• A recent injury, blow, or trauma to the back
• Urinary incontinence
• Problems with urinating
• Fecal incontinence or loss of control over bowel movements, also known as fecal incontinence.
• Numbness in the genital area
• Numbness around the anus
• Numbness in the buttocks

When should you see a doctor?

Seek medical assistance if you feel numbness, tingling or back pain, please let us know if you experience any numbness or tingling, or if you have back pain:

• That does not improve when you rest.
• After an injury or fall
• With numbness in the legs
• With weakness
• With fever
• Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis

After asking questions and performing a physical exam, a doctor will typically be able to diagnose pain. An imaging scan and other tests may be required if:

• Back pain seems to be caused by an injury
• There may be an underlying cause that requires treatment.
• The pain lasts for a long time

Information about the health of the soft tissue in the back can be obtained by MRI, CT, or X-ray.

• X-rays are able to show the alignment of bones and detect signs such as arthritis or broken bones they do not always reveal any damage to the muscles, spine cord or disks.
• MRI and CT scans can show herniated discs or other problems with tissue, tendons or nerves.
• Bone scans are used to detect bone tumors and fractures due to osteoporosis. Injecting a radioactive substance, or tracer, into a vein is done. A special camera detects bone problems by detecting the tracer in the vein.
• Electromyography, also known as EMG, measures electrical impulses generated by nerves when they respond to muscle movements. This can be used to confirm nerve compression that may be caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

If the infection is suspected, the doctor might order a blood test.

There are other types of diagnosis

A chiropractor can diagnose by touch, palpation, or visual examination. Chiropractic is a direct approach that focuses on the adjustment of the spinal joints. A chiropractor might also request to see results from imaging scans, as well as any blood or urine tests.

An osteopath can also diagnose by visual inspection and palpation. Osteopathy is slow, rhythmic stretching. This is also known as mobilization pressure or indirect techniques.

Physical therapists focus on diagnosing and treating problems in the joints, soft tissues, and other areas of the body.

Acute or chronic pain?

Two types of back pain can be classified as the following:

• Acute pain can be sudden and last up to six weeks.
• Chronic, or long-term, pain that lasts longer than 3 months and is persistent can lead to ongoing problems.

A person may have both mild to moderate back pain but also occasional, more severe pain. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose chronic or acute back pain.

Treatment

Most back pain can be relieved with home remedies and rest, but it is possible to get medical attention.

Home treatments

Pain relief medication that is available over-the-counter (OTC), can be used to relieve pain. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen. A hot compress or ice pack can be applied to the area that is hurting.

It is possible to rest from strenuous activities, but it can be helpful to move around, which will reduce stiffness, and pain, and prevent muscle weakness.

Medical treatment

If home remedies do not alleviate pain, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or the following medication.

• Treatment: If you have back pain that doesn’t respond to OTC painkillers, you may need a prescription for an NSAID. For short periods, codeine and hydrocodone may be prescribed. These medications should be closely monitored by a doctor. Sometimes, you may need to use muscle relaxants.
• Antidepressants such as amitriptyline: Although they may be prescribed, research continues to assess their effectiveness and the evidence is mixed.
• Physical therapy: Heat, ice, and ultrasound can be used to relieve pain. The physical therapist might suggest some strength and flexibility exercises for the back and abdominal muscles to help ease the pain. You may also find techniques to improve your posture. To prevent future pain, the patient will be encouraged not to stop practicing the techniques even after the pain is gone.
• Cortisone injections: Cortisone injections may be used if other methods fail to work. These can be injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord. Cortisone can be used as an anti-inflammatory drug. It reduces inflammation around nerve roots. To numb the area that is causing the pain, injections can also be used.
• Botox: Botox, also known as botulism toxin, is believed to decrease pain. By paralyzing spasm-producing muscles. These injections last for approximately 3 to 4 months.
• Traction: To stretch the back, you can use traction: Weights and pulleys are used. A herniated disc may move back into place as a result. However, traction can be used to relieve the pain.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be used to manage chronic back pain. It encourages new ways of thinking. This therapy may also include relaxation techniques and positive attitudes. CBT has been shown to reduce the risk of back pain recurrence in patients.

Complementary therapies

You can use complementary therapies alongside or alone.

Chiropractors, osteopathy, Shiatsu, and Acupuncture may be able to relieve back pain. They can also encourage relaxation.

• An osteopath is a specialist in the treatment of bones and muscles.
• A chiropractor can treat joint, muscle, and bone problems. The spine is the main focus.
• Shiatsu, also known by the name finger pressure therapy, is a type of massage that applies pressure along energy lines to the body. Shiatsu therapists apply pressure to the elbows, thumbs, and fingers.
• Acupuncture, The procedure involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture can stimulate nerve and muscle tissue, as well as help the body to release natural painkillers and endorphins.
• Yoga is a series of specific movements and poses. They can help improve posture and strengthen the back muscles. It is important to remember that exercise does not cause back pain.

There have been mixed results in studies on complementary therapies. While some people have seen significant benefits, others have not. When considering alternative therapies, it is important to find a registered and qualified therapist.

Electrical Nerve Stimulation or TENS

Patients suffering from chronic back pain can benefit from transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Through electrodes placed on the skin, the TENS machine delivers small electrical pulses to the body.

Experts believe that TENS stimulates the body’s production of endorphins, which may help to block pain signals from the brain. Mixed results have been found in TENS studies. While some studies did not show any benefits, others suggested that TENS could be beneficial for some people.

A doctor should direct you to use a TENS machine. You should not use it if you are:

• pregnant
• Has a history of epilepsy
• Has a pacemaker
• Has a history of heart disease

TENS is safe, non-invasive, affordable, and patient-friendly. It appears to reduce pain. However, more evidence is required its effectiveness of increasing activity levels has been confirmed.

Surgery

It is rare to perform surgery for back pain. A herniated disc may need to be removed. This is especially true if the patient suffers from persistent pain or nerve compression that can cause weakness.

Some examples of surgical procedures are:

• Fusion: Two vertebrae are joined with a bone transplant. The vertebrae can be splinted with metal plates, screws, or cages. The risk of arthritis developing in adjacent vertebrae is significantly higher.
• Artificial disk: The artificial disk replaces the cushion between two vertebrae.
• Diskectomy: If a portion of the disk is pressing against a nerve, it may be removed.
• Partially removing a vertebra: If a vertebra is pinching the nerves or spinal cord, a small portion may be partially removed.

Injecting cells into the spine discs to heal: Scientists at Duke University, North Carolina developed biomaterials that could deliver a booster shot of reparative cells directly to the nucleus pulposus. This can effectively eliminate pain from degenerative disc disease.

Prevention

Steps to reduce the risk

The best way to prevent back pain is to address some of your risk factors.

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to build strength and manage your weight. Low-impact, guided aerobic exercises can improve heart health without straining the back. Talk to your doctor before you start any exercise program.

To reduce back pain, there are two main types:

• Core-strengthening exercise strengthens the core muscles and protects the back.
• Flexibility training is a form of flexibility that aims to improve core flexibility. This includes the spine, hips and upper legs.

Diet

You need to ensure that you get enough vitamin D and calcium. Healthy eating habits can also help to control your body’s weight.

Smoking

The incidence of back pain is significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers.

Body weight

How much weight and where it is carried will affect the likelihood of getting back pain. There is a significant difference in the risk of developing back pain between people who are obese and those who are normal weight. The risk of back pain is higher for those who are heavier in the abdomen than the hips or buttocks.

Standing posture

Maintain a neutral pelvic position. Standing straight up with your head in front, keep your back straight and balance equally on both of your feet. Your spine should be in alignment with your head and legs.

Sitting properly

A good work seat should provide good back support, armrests, and a swivel platform. Sitting should be done with your knees and hips straight. You can also keep your feet flat on a hard surface, such as a table or a stool. You should be able to sit straight up with support at the side of your back. When using a keyboard make sure your elbows and forearms are straight.

Lifting

Use your legs for lifting and not your back.

To maintain balance, keep your back straight. Keep your feet as far apart as possible. Keep your knees bent, keep your weight close to your body and straighten your legs.

It is normal to bend your back at first. However, if you do, don’t stoop. Tighten your stomach muscles to pull your pelvis in. Do not straighten your legs prior to lifting. Otherwise, your back will do most of the work.

You shouldn’t lift and twist simultaneously. If you have to lift a particularly heavy item, ask if someone can help you lift it. Keep your eyes straight ahead when lifting, and not looking up or down. Your back should be like a straight line that runs from your spine.

Moving things

It’s better to use your leg strength and push the things along the floor than pull them.

Shoes

Flat shoes are less straining on the back.

Driving

You need to ensure your back is supported. You should ensure that the wing mirrors do not twist. You should place the pedals directly in front of your feet. You should take frequent breaks if you’re on a long trip. Take a walk and get out of your car.

Bed

Your mattress should be straight and support your weight. You should not force your neck into an awkward angle with a pillow.

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