Around 80% of Americans experience back pain at some point, and this percentage continues to rise. It is also one of the most common health concerns around the world, especially among adults. Fortunately, there are lots of information that can help you tell why you have back pain, as well as what you should do to treat it. Learn about back pain here.

 

Symptoms of Back Pain

Most instances of back pain often share the same symptoms despite varying causes. These can include:

  • A persistent aching along your spine
  • A sharp pain felt in the neck, upper back, or lower back, especially after strenuous activity
  • Chronic ache in your mid or lower back
  • Back pain that is felt from the lower back to your toes, passing through your buttocks, to the back of your thigh, and into your calf
  • Pain or muscle spasms in your lower back when you stand straight

 

There are also more threatening symptoms to watch out for when it comes to back pain. If you experience any of these, consult a doctor immediately.

  • Numbness, a tingling sensation, or weakness in your groin, arms, or legs
  • Pain that can be felt from your back to the back of your leg
  • Increasing back pain when you cough or bend forward at the waist
  • Back pain accompanied by fever, a burning sensation when you urinate, or frequent urination
  • Difficulty with controlling your bowels or bladder

 

Causes of Back Pain

Back pain can be caused by many factors, which can include physical activity to medical concerns. Most causes of back pain are not due to diseases.

However, knowing the different causes of back pain is still important. You can potentially avoid the risk of a health scare and better assess what to do to alleviate back pain even at home.

 

Back pain can be caused by sprains and strains

Sprains or strains are the leading causes of acute back pain. Strenuous physical activity, such as lifting objects that are too heavy or overstretching, can lead to sprains or strains. Most people ignore back pain caused by overexertion until it subsides.

 

Back pain can be caused by lifestyle and habits

Even as simple as slouching when you sit or wearing high heels for hours can trigger back pain. You could also experience back pain if you are overweight, are not exercising enough, or are a frequent smoker.

Back pain can also be caused by stress, as the body is always in a tense state when there is a constant inability to relax. Muscle tightness occurs at your lower back as a result.

 

Back pain can be caused by spine-related medical issues

Your spine can experience significant wearing as you age, even when you do not engage in heavy physical activity. Schedule a checkup with your doctor to see if you have slipped (herniated) discs, bulging discs, or a degenerative disc disease.

Other forms of spine-related problems include spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and inflammation of the joint cartilage between your spine and pelvis. Your doctor may require you to undergo x-ray to see if you are suffering from any of these concerns.

 

Back pain can be caused by accidents or injuries

Any instance that your back meets a sudden force, such as in a car accident or heavy impact to your spine, can lead to back pain. Any form of trauma to your back should be reported immediately to assess the extent of the damage.

 

Back pain can be caused by other medical concerns

Arthritis, osteoarthritis, pregnancy, and sciatica are some of the other common causes of back pain. In the case of pregnancy, you can expect back pain to subside a month or so after giving birth.

Less common medical issues that can cause back pain are kidney stones, endometriosis, spinal disc infections, and fibromyalgia. It’s best to be checked out by a licensed doctor to see if your back pain is due to these medical concerns.

 

Treatment of Back Pain

While more serious causes may need medical intervention, most causes of back pain can be solved rather easily. You can use hot or cold packs to ease the pain and reduce inflammation. Resting is also an effective remedy to back pain. A lifestyle change can help people with back pain due to posture or habits.

Treating back pain, however, can still be tricky, especially if the pain becomes chronic. Letting a chiropractor treat your back pain is often the best option. They are licensed and professionally-trained to assess causes of back pain and offer the best solution for the specific cause.

 

Professional Chiropractic Services in Johnson City, Tennessee

Located in the heart of Tennessee, Livesay Chiropractic – Spinal Corrective Center is happy to help you live more comfortably without back pain. We offer the most up-to-date, state of the art chiropractic treatment in Johnson City, TN. Click here to learn more about us.

Our goal is to help you recover in just four to five weeks with our drug free, non-surgical treatments for back pain. Contact us today and let us help you get Tennessee’s best chiropractic care!