What Do You Know About Back Pain?

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the world, affecting up to 80% of people at some point in their lives. It is also one of the leading causes of disability and missed work days.

What Causes Back Pain?

There are many different causes of back pain, but some of the most common include:

* Muscle strain or sprain: This is the most common cause of back pain. It can happen when you lift something heavy incorrectly, overuse your back muscles, or have poor posture.

* Herniated disk: This occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a disk leaks out and puts pressure on a nerve.

* Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can put pressure on the nerves.

* Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the spine.

* Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that can affect the joints in the spine.

* Scoliosis: This is a curvature of the spine that can occur in children and adults.

* Kidney stones: These are hard mineral deposits that can form in the kidneys and cause back pain.

* Infection: This can cause back pain in the form of a kidney infection or a spinal infection.

* Cancer: This can cause back pain in the form of a tumor in the spine or a cancer that has spread to the spine.

Risk Factors for Back Pain

There are certain risk factors that can increase your chances of developing back pain, including:

* Age: Back pain is more common in older adults.

* Obesity: Obese people are more likely to have back pain.

* Smoking: Smoking can increase your risk of back pain.

* Poor posture: Poor posture can put strain on the muscles and ligaments in your back.

* Repetitive lifting: Jobs that require repetitive lifting can increase your risk of back pain.

* Sedentary lifestyle: People who live a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to have back pain.

How is Back Pain Treated?

The treatment for back pain depends on the cause. Some of the most common treatments include:

* Rest: Rest can help to reduce inflammation and pain.

* Ice: Applying ice to your back can help to reduce swelling and pain.

* Heat: Applying heat to your back can help to relax muscles and relieve pain.

* Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help to relieve pain.

* Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen your back muscles and improve your posture.

* Chiropractic care: Chiropractic care can help to align the spine and relieve back pain.

* Surgery: Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat severe cases of back pain.

Preventing Back Pain

There are certain things you can do to help prevent back pain, including:

* Maintain a healthy weight: Obese people are more likely to have back pain.

* Quit smoking: Smoking can increase your risk of back pain.

* Improve your posture: Poor posture can put strain on the muscles and ligaments in your back.

* Avoid repetitive lifting: Jobs that require repetitive lifting can increase your risk of back pain.

* Get regular exercise: Exercise can help to strengthen your back muscles and improve your flexibility.

* Sit with your feet flat on the ground and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle.

* Avoid twisting or bending your back while lifting heavy objects.

* Use a pillow or rolled-up towel to support your back when sitting.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor if your back pain is severe or does not improve with home treatment. You should also see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms along with back pain:

* Fever

* Weight loss

* Difficulty urinating

* Weakness or numbness in your legs

* Pain that radiates down one or both legs