‘My back hurts’, and ‘I have a stiff back almost every morning’, are statements that many people commonly say as they all have a recent spell of back pain. It can often feel like many people around you or maybe even you are living with routine back pain but still have to get on with things while in pain.
Living with back pain can be debilitating, but you don’t have to suffer or get along with it. Understanding the different types of back pain and their causes can help you figure out which you are suffering from.
The right back pain treatment requires an appropriate diagnosis that helps to determine the cause and type of pain.
The most common types and causes of back pain
- Whiplash
A type of mild injury caused by the sudden movement of the head, often backward. Car accidents, roller coaster rides, and other types of sudden movements can cause whiplash.
Whiplash sufferers feel pain in the neck and it spreads to the upper back, depending on the severity.
- Muscle Strains and Lumbar Sprains
An injury of the tendon or muscle, otherwise known as a pulled muscle, wherein the fibres become overstretched and tear. Lumbar sprains indicate the stretching or tearing of a tendon or ligament.
The most intense pain is felt in the hours and days right after the injury. Certain movements, like bending, may increase the pain for short bursts.
- Herniated Disks
Disks are present between every vertebra in the spine, comprising a softer nucleus encased in a tough exterior. A herniated disk is caused when the nucleus seeps out through a tear in the exterior.
It’s also known as slipped or ruptured disk and can occur in any part of the spine, but it’s most common in the lower back. Pain, numbness or tingling, and weakness in one or more limbs are the usual symptoms.
Aging, repetitive lifting of heavy objects, and being sedentary for long periods can cause herniated disks.
- Nerve Pinch or Compression
Pinched nerves in the spines occur when there is too much pressure on the nerve by the surrounding tissue. Inflammation from injury, herniated disks, stress from repetitive work, sports, or obesity can all cause a nerve pinch or compression.
Sciatica is a type of nerve compression. A nerve pinch can cause chronic back pain if the pressure continues and causes permanent nerve damage.
- Vertebral Fracture
A vertebral fracture is a dislocation or break that happens anywhere in the spine. Injuries from car accidents, fall downs, and high-intensity sports can cause vertebral fractures.
- Spondylolisthesis
This occurs when one vertebra in the spine slips forward, and it most commonly affects the lower spine. Trauma, fractures, genetics, or degeneration of the vertebrae or disk can cause spondylolisthesis. Injuries from sports like gymnastics and weightlifting can also cause spondylolisthesis.
It causes heavy pain in the lower back and thighs along with other symptoms like tight muscles, tenderness, and stiffness in the lower back and hamstring muscles.
Which Type of Back Pain Is Affecting You?
Irrespective of the type of back pain you have, it is important that you should always seek professional help. The spine is one of the most precious parts of your body. Give it the care and attention it deserves.
For expert diagnosis, treatment and care, visit our specialists without delay.
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