Back pain is a nuisance that affects many people in a more or less mild form. When it does not result from more severe pathologies, the causes can be different: incorrect posture, wrong movement, prolonged stress, or simply a lack of exercise and physical activity. Let’s get to know the symptoms, causes, and possible remedies for back pain better. Back pain can have several causes like poor posture, physical and psychological stress, or being overweight.
What Is Back Pain
Everyone, sooner or later, will have woken up with muscle pain in the back, to realize that a repeated movement causes discomfort or tension or even to find themselves suddenly blocked even in the simplest activities: this is because back pain is an annoying disorder which, according to existing studies, affects at least 8 out of 10 people over a lifetime. The spine has the dual task of supporting our body and protecting the spinal cord contained Within it.
In addition to supporting the back muscles, tendons, and ligaments, its structure is such as to allow it to be stable and flexible at the same time. The first condition is guaranteed by the bony parts of which it is composed, which are alternated by intervertebral discs, able to absorb the shocks and stresses we are constantly subjected to.
The second is instead ensured by the so-called physiological curves of the spine, which are mainly four:
- Cervical lordosis, composed of the C1-C7 vertebrae;
- dorsal kyphosis, T1-T12;
- lumbar lordosis, L1-L5;
- sacral kyphosis, S1-S5 or sacrum.
Back pain is often sudden and acute pain, which involves reduced mobility and muscle stiffness, tingling, or numbness. It can affect any of the points on the back assuming, depending on its location and nature, characteristics, and different specifications.
Types Of Back Pain
The first thing to ask yourself to understand the causes or find remedies for back pain is where the pain is located: whether in the lumbar, back, or neck area. Dorsal back pain, called dorsalgia, is undoubtedly the least frequent because this section of the spine acts as a support structure for the rib cage, which is responsible for protecting vital organs, including the heart and lungs, and therefore is the least mobile.
Much more frequent are the pains in the lower back, so-called lumbago, or the discomfort in the cervical tract, called neck pain. These are, in fact, the most mobile areas of the spine and, as such, the most prone to receiving excessive loads, undergoing compensation, and trauma. Secondly, it is necessary to understand the intensity of the disorder and its duration: acute but transient pain, which resolves within a few months, has different characteristics and needs from continuous and chronic back pain, which persists. in time.
Back Pain Symptoms
The first symptom of severe back pain is generally acute, localized, or widespread pain, followed by stiffness in the affected area and difficulty in carrying out simple, habitual movements, such as getting up and sitting down or even walking. Pain in the middle of the back often occurs at the shoulder blades, along the coastal arches, and up to the breastbone and can cause breathing difficulties.
Lumbar pains are generally associated with a reflex contracture of the paravertebral musculature. They can radiate from the buttock to the lower limbs, while neck disorders manifest with tension in this area, the so-called stiff neck, and sometimes discomfort in the shoulders and arms. It is not uncommon for neck pain to also be accompanied by :
- Headache;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- tinnitus;
- mental confusion.
Causes Of Back Pain
Several factors can cause sudden back pain. When it is not a question of back problems of a different nature, for example, due to:
- Pregnancy;
- protrusion or herniated disc;
- sciatica;
- arthrosis of the vertebrae;
- osteoporosis;
- trauma-related injuries or falls.
The causes of low back pain and other back pain can be found in everyday habits. In particular, among the factors that increase the appearance of these annoyances, there are:
- Maintain poor posture;
- inappropriately lifting weights;
- making an excessive effort;
- making accidental or sudden movements;
- sitting incorrectly;
- standing for too long;
- doing little activity or movement;
- wearing unsuitable shoes;
- being prone to obesity;
- suffer from stress;
- They are being affected by anxiety or depression.
When To Worry About Back Pain?
The onset of back pain, however sudden or acute, is in most cases a condition that should not cause undue concern, but it is good not to overlook any signs, understand what may have caused the back pain, and treat it with due attention. However, if other symptoms occur and back pain, it is advisable to consult a specialist and proceed with more in-depth examinations.
Here are some red flags :
- Chronic pain;
- absence of improvement following rest and treatments recommended by the doctor (drug therapy, physical therapy, manipulations, or massages);
- night pain;
- chills or high fever;
- sudden weight loss;
- injuries or accidents that may have damaged the spine;
- incontinence (fecal or urinary);
- Numbness in the groin area and consequent difficulty walking.
Some pathologies or causes that can cause back pain and that only a specialized medical check-up can diagnose are:
- Vertebral fractures;
- tumor;
- cauda equina syndrome;
- ankylosing spondylitis;
- abdominal aneurysm;
- spine infection.
Prevent Back Pain
The first way to treat back pain is to prevent it. Improving one’s habits and quality of life through a healthy lifestyle is, in fact, the most potent and effective medicine for any ailment. Here are some helpful back pain remedies :
- Reduce stress on the spine;
- strengthen the back muscles;
- maintain good posture, both upright and seated;
- avoid sitting or standing for too long;
- do regular physical activity that is appropriate to your physical condition;
- learn the correct technique for lifting weights;
- get up from the chair using your legs, without putting too much strain on your back;
- wear comfortable shoes;
- regulate body weight;
- avoid consuming excess smoking and alcohol;
- indulges in moments of rest and break;
- decrease stress;
- use an orthopedic mattress suitable to support the back during sleep.
Natural Remedies For Back Pain
Among the most potent natural anti-inflammatories or pain relievers are:
Which can be applied to the affected area in the form of ointments, gels, or compresses. It is also helpful to massage essential oils, enjoy hot baths, or apply a boule of hot water to relax the muscles and make acupuncture and osteopathic treatments sessions. Activities such as yoga or pilates are very effective because they include numerous exercises for back pain, suitable to strengthen the deep muscles and loosen them in case of contractures and muscle tension.
Also Read: PROPER NUTRITION IS THE IDEAL ALLY OF SIGHT
