Many people think, "Oh... this must be a sprained ankle." It's true, most back pain is caused by muscle strain . But did you know that not all back pain is caused by the same thing? Sometimes, the pain is actually caused by your joints.
Simply put, joints are the places where our bones connect. These joints are very important for our spine to function properly and for us to feel good. There are two types of joints that are particularly involved in the spine. One is the sacroiliac joints , where our spine connects to our hip bones. The other is the facet joints, which are between the vertebrae in our spine. If these joints become damaged for any reason, if they become inflamed, or if they become worn down due to a condition like arthritis, you can experience severe back pain.
Main causes of joint-related back pain
There are several major medical conditions that can cause joint swelling, damage, and associated back pain. Let's take a look at them.
Arthritis
Although there are many types of arthritis , we are mainly talking about two types:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by a problem with our own immune system. Simply put, the body's own defense system starts attacking its own joints. This causes the joints to become damaged, swollen, and painful.
- Osteoarthritis: This occurs as the cartilage, the protective cushion at the ends of joints, wears away with age or overuse. This is also a common cause of back pain.
Both types of arthritis can cause swelling and damage to the joints in your lower back. Remember, the lower back carries the majority of your body's weight. So, someone with arthritis is more likely to experience lower back pain. In addition, other types of arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis , can also cause back pain.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
This is also a special condition that falls under the category of arthritis. It causes swelling of the joints at the base of the spine, hips, and surrounding areas. Although this disease cannot be completely cured, the symptoms can be well controlled with proper medical treatment. Symptoms usually begin in youth, that is, around the age of 18-25.
The symptoms of AS can vary from person to person. There are periods when the pain increases and then subsides for a while. Below are some of the most common symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Back and hip pain | Increased pain, especially at night and when resting. |
| Morning stiffness | Stiffness in the back and joints upon waking in the morning. |
| Posture change | Leaning forward to reduce pain. |
| Other symptoms | Redness and swelling of the eyes, skin rashes, difficulty breathing deeply, unexplained loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, fever, and stomach pain or diarrhea. |
Because these AS symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis .
How do I know for sure if my back pain is caused by a joint problem?
Only a doctor can tell you for sure if you have a joint disease like arthritis. When you see a doctor, he or she will ask about your medical history and examine you.
If you have symptoms like joint swelling and morning stiffness in addition to your back pain, it's more likely to be a joint disease than a muscle problem. Your doctor will likely recommend X-rays and blood tests to determine exactly what's going on.
If you can, keep a diary of your pain. Write down when the pain starts, what you were doing at the time, and any other symptoms you have. This will help your doctor find the cause and plan your treatment.
Ways to reduce back pain
The type of treatment you receive will depend on the type of joint problem you have and its severity. This is something you and your doctor should discuss together.
For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis and are showing signs of joint damage, your doctor may prescribe a special type of medication called DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs). These medications work by reducing joint inflammation and stopping further damage to the joints.
The best part is that many of the things you can do for muscle pain can also help with joint pain. Talk to your doctor about these things.
Painkillers and Anti-inflammatory drugs
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications) are a class of painkillers that are often recommended for back pain because they target both swelling and pain. While some of these can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor before using any medication.
Exercise
Slow, gentle exercises like water aerobics, tai chi, and yoga are great for relieving back pain. Remember, any movement that doesn't increase pain is beneficial. If you're not sure where to start or how to exercise safely, talk to your doctor or a physical therapist.
Managing Stress
Stress and anxiety can make back pain worse. Therefore, reducing stress through methods such as talk therapy and mindfulness training can help control pain and improve your quality of life.
Maintaining a healthy weight
Extra weight puts unnecessary pressure on your lower back and joints. Both of these can directly contribute to back pain. A healthy diet and exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. Ask your doctor how to start this journey.
Take-Home Message
- Not all back pain is caused by a sprained ankle. It could be caused by a problem with your back or hip joints.
- Conditions such as arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are common causes of back pain.
- If you have persistent back pain, especially morning stiffness, or joint swelling, do not self-diagnose and definitely see a doctor.
- Treatment methods depend on the cause of the disease, and medications taken as directed by a doctor, gentle exercise, weight control, and stress reduction are very important.
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