Low Back Pain Affects Millions Each Year
Perhaps the most common medical complaint of the modern age
, low back pain affects millions. From acute back pain caused by helping a friend move to chronic pain that lasts for years, back pain costs nearly $100 million a year in the United States alone, based on lost productivity and treatment expenses. Worse, doctors often have no idea what it was that caused the pain in the first place.
When symptoms of low back pain appear without a specific causative factor it can be very difficult for a doctor to devise an effective pain management plan. The sources of pain can vary from age related disc compression to muscle strain and just about everything in between.
Three Common Sources of Low Back Pain -
"Sprains and Strains: The low back is under a great deal of pressure, day in and day out, performing routine tasks. If you are unused to the tasks of lifting and carrying, a day involving such work can quickly translate into strained or even sprained muscles. Basic first aid works well for such injuries, as long as significant muscle tears aren't involved.
Ice your back, rest for a day or two, but don't plan on an extended period of time on the couch. Movement is the best thing you can do to ease the pain and tightness often associated with a low back strain. Gentle stretching and over the counter pain medications are generally enough to deal with any discomfort. If the pain is severe and compromises movement, you should go to see your regular doctor.
"Herniated, Bulging or "Slipped" Discs: The vertebral discs perform a remarkable function. They keep the bones of the spine separated so that the nerves that supply the body can slip through and do their job, and they provide us with much of our flexibility. As we age those discs begin to lose their elasticity and width which can lead to back pain.
As the walls of the disc stiffen they are more prone to partial and complete ruptures, also known as herniations. A herniated disc may never be noticed if there is no nerve related effect. If the material that oozes out of the disc presses on a nerve, you will be very aware of the problem.
Fortunately, most discs repair themselves sufficiently so that very little intervention is needed. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the spine, anti-inflammatory medications and sometimes corticosteroid injections take care of the problem. In certain cases surgery is recommended, especially if nerve function is compromised.
"Arthritis and other forms of Wear and Tear: Another common problem with aging is the deterioration of cartilage in the joints. The spine is full of joints. Not only are there joints between each vertebra, each vertebra touches at multiple locations, creating more joints. All of those points are protected with cartilage in a healthy, young individual.
As age causes the joints to wear down, contact between bones can occur. That contact can cause pain, bone spurs and other issues. Treatment often includes anti-inflammatory medications, exercises and physical therapy. When pain begins to have a serious effect on quality of life surgery may be considered.
If osteoporosis is a factor, compression and spinal fractures can also be a source of low back pain.
While occasional low back pain isn't unusual, chronic, debilitating pain is simply not normal. Check with your doctor if low back pain is negatively affecting your day to day life.
by: Chris Tomshack
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