subject: Chiropractor In Littleton Co | Back Pain Can Occur Anywhere Along The Spine [print this page] Dorsalgia, or back pain, is a remarkably common occurrence. Pain can present itself anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the coccyx. Because the spine protects and carries the spinal cord, and provides nerves to much of the body, some forms of back pain combine with symptoms of numbness or tingling, especially in the extremities. Any significant back pain or change in sensation should be discussed with your primary care physician, promptly.
Understanding the Source of Back Pain -
There are many different issues that can lead to back pain. Fractures, strains, disk injuries and excessive bone growth can all create a situation where the back begins to hurt. Determining the cause of the back pain is essential to the development of an effective treatment plan. There are some common causes for back pain:
"Poor posture. Posture is very important if you want to reduce the strain placed upon your back. When you stand or sit straight you align the spine in such a way as to create the most stable, least fatiguing stack. The vertebrae lay one upon the other in a manner that reduces any strain upon the back muscles.
"Lifting or moving things. Overexertion is a common cause of back pain as well. Spending a weekend helping your friend move is commendable, but not if you suffer from back pain. The strain on your body is considerable, and muscular aches or tears are no surprise.
"Exercising too much. For those people who feel a need to be in the gym every day, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. When you do the same exercises day after day you eventually create an overuse injury. The simple solution is to vary your workout frequently.
The Most likely Regions of Back Pain -
Some areas are just more likely to experience problems than others. The cervical spine and lumbar spine, or the neck and back, have significant curvature, and work almost constantly throughout the day. Herniated discs are common, although people don't always realize when a disc herniates unless they experience pain.
Treatment Varies with Type and Severity of Injury -
Research is always being carried out with the intent of improving the outcome for those suffering from back pain. Surgical improvements mean that common back surgeries are safer and more effective; still almost all back pain is treated non-surgically. Physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, massage therapy and stretching will help resolve most back pain without higher level treatments.
Most back pain is preventable, and, even better, treatable at home. Regardless of where you hurt, icing is always a good idea to reduce inflammation within the sore tissues. Exercise helps you strengthen the muscles surrounding your spine, making injuries less likely.
With as much as 80% of the population admitting that they experience periodic back pain, research will continue to focus upon not only treatment, but also the cause. It is hoped that eventually enough new ideas will be generated to eliminate back pain altogether.
