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Centralized Back Pain

Centralized back pain is localized to the back and does not typically involve any other areas. An injury can lead to this type of localized pain. But so can a variety of physical, chemical or emotional factors, according to Dr. Rob Gottesman, a Colorado chiropractor. Finding the cause and best treatment will help you alleviate the pain.

  1. Back Pain

    • Back pain is one of the most common complaints at doctor's offices and emergency rooms alike. The University of Washington's Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine website estimates that 50 to 80 percent of American adults have had back pain. Often the lower back is involved. The pain can be mild to extremely painful. Aches, soreness, shooting pain, tightness or muscle spasm are common symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Physical Causes

    • Centralized back pain can occur from a specific cause like a fall or car accident, according to Gottesman. But it can also be the result of the bed you sleep in, your office chair, whether or not you sit for long periods of time at a desk or drive long distances. These are all physical causes of centralized back pain.

    Other Causes

    • Back pain can also be brought on by chemical or emotional factors, said Gottesman. Certain medications or vitamin and mineral deficiencies might trigger centralized back pain. If you are under a great deal of stress, this can affect your sleep and posture which also can lead to specific back pain. Even conditions like degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) or herniated discs can be the true cause of back pain.

    Treatments at Home

    • At home you can treat back pain with rest, massage, ice or heat and gentle stretching. Laying on your back with a pillow under your knees can take pressure off the low back while you rest. Also, ice can help to reduce inflammation while heat can relieve sore muscles. When pain dissipates, gentle back stretches can prevent the pain from returning.

    Other Treatments

    • If at-home treatments are not enough, you can visit a chiropractor or osteopath for a spinal adjustment. You might consider getting a trigger point or sports massage to loosen tight muscles. Additionally, medication can help reduce inflammation or muscle spasm. Acupuncture (use of thin needles in specific acupoints) is often used for back pain as well.

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