What Causes Back Pain?

What Causes Back Pain?

Muscle Tension Treatments

Muscle tension can be very painful. As a result, many people will try to move as little as possible so as to minimize the pain that they have to suffer. But doing the opposite is in fact more beneficial to the injury. Moving around and stretching the affected area is in fact the best thing to do for tense muscles. Massages and applying heat to the affected areas can also help to relieve some of the pain in the muscles.

Lumbago or Low Back Pain

Lumbago happens in the lower region of the back, and can strike suddenly. The muscles will almost instantly cramp, and make the sufferer unable to move because of the pain. It is often triggered by a wrong movement, such as incorrect bending of the back, or lifting heavy objects. Although it is difficult to classify these as causes, as many people are able to perform the same actions at other times, with no bad reactions. Other factors in the cause of lumbago are difficult to determine, but some speculate that mental health and even cold weather may play a part.

It is easier to prevent lumbago than it is to treat it. As such, exercising regularly and correctly can help prevent the creation of other tensed muscles, particularly in the lower back region. If the pain is unbearable, then pain killers and other medication should be used, but it must be remembered that they are only short term solutions, and will not help to prevent injuries in the future.

Sciatica and pain in the leg

Sciatica occurs when the pain in the back starts to radiate to the legs through the buttocks. The reason for this is that the sciatic nerve has been affected in some way. This is the main nerve in the back and legs, and so the pain can be felt in both areas. The triggers can vary, but some common causes include a blockage of the sacroiliac joint or a herniated disc.

The best way to try and relieve the pain associated with sciatica, is to calmly and gently apply heat to the affected area. Vitamin B complex supplements (supplements containing all eight B vitamins) can also help with nerves in the body. Once the pain has subsided a little, taking regular exercise sessions to help strengthen the back is recommended. If the pain occurs constantly then seeking medical help is strongly recommended as the cause of the pain may be more serious.

Herniated disc and unnecessary surgery

The vertebrae in the spine are all connected and able to freely move around. In order to limit the friction caused by rubbing against each other, there are cushions located in between each vertebrae. A herniated disc occurs when this cushion get damaged, and can cause considerable pain.

There is also the chance that even though there is a hernia, there is a hernia. This is common in most people over the age of 30. Whether or not there is any pain depends on where the disc slides, and if it pinches a nerve or pushes against the spinal cord. The pain can either be sudden, or get progressively worse over time. This pain can last anywhere from a week to years.

Herniated discs are mostly made up of water, roughly 95%. It will generally disappear on its own over time, and analgesics and anti-inflammatory medication can be prescribed. Surgery is only considered when the herniated disc does not seem to get better after time and physical therapy.