Back pain is a common problem for many people these days. Even bending over or lifting something heavy can cause you to say, "Oh my back!" Isn't it? Most of the time, the cause can be something as simple as a pulled muscle. But not all back pain is that simple. Sometimes, there's something more to be concerned about, and there could be a problem with your spine. Let's talk about that today.
What spinal problems can cause back pain?
When we think of back pain, we immediately think of a muscle strain, but there are several causes beyond that. These are various conditions that can occur in your spine. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Spinal problem | Simply put, this is what happens. |
|---|---|
| Bulging or Ruptured Disks | The rubbery cushion between two bones in your spine is called a 'disk'. It prevents the bones from rubbing against each other. Due to an accident, aging, or excessive weight on the spine, this disk can bulge or rupture. When this happens, a nerve that runs nearby starts to get compressed. That's when the pain starts. |
| Disk Degeneration | This also happens with age. The discs in our spine wear down over time. Then they can no longer protect the spine as well as before. This can also cause back pain. |
| Slipping of a vertebra (Spondylolisthesis) | This occurs when a vertebra in the spine slips forward or backward from its normal position. When this happens, it can compress nerves and cause back pain. |
| Axial Spondyloarthritis | This is a condition that causes inflammation. There are two main types. One type is not visible on X-rays, but is painful. The other type is Ankylosing Spondylitis . This can be seen on X-rays, but over time, the spine can become fused together, making it impossible to bend the spine. |
| Osteoporosis | In this condition, the density of the bones decreases, making them weak and easily brittle. If you have osteoporosis, even the vertebrae in your spine can break with a minor fall or for no reason at all. This can cause severe back pain when standing or walking. |
| Spinal stenosis | This is a narrowing of the canal through which our spinal cord runs. When this happens, the spinal cord and the nerves that branch off from it become compressed. This can cause not only back pain, but also numbness and weakness in the legs. This is often caused by arthritic conditions. |
| Spine Irregularities | Some people's spines are curved either from birth or later. Scoliosis is when the spine curves to the side like the letter 'S'. Lordosis is when the spine bends too much forward. These abnormal curvatures can also cause back pain. |
| Spine Infections | These are very rare cases, but if such an infection occurs, it can cause back pain. Infections are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, and headache. |
Recently, doctors have started using the term ``vertebral low back pain.'' This refers to pain caused by nerve compression in the cartilage and bone layers (vertebral endplates) at the ends of the vertebrae.
Okay, what do you do if you have pain like this now?
If your back pain is affecting you so much that you can't do your daily activities, definitely see a doctor. Don't just take a painkiller and stay home.
Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and, if necessary, perform tests such as X-rays and MRI scans to determine if the cause of your pain is a spinal problem. If such a problem is confirmed, they may refer you for further tests.
Things that help relieve pain
The good thing is, many of the same things you can do for a common muscle strain also help with pain caused by spinal problems.
- Medication: To reduce pain and swelling, your doctor may prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) pain reliever.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Extra weight puts extra pressure on your back. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way in reducing back pain.
- Nutritious foods: Calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus from foods like fish like salmon and green vegetables help keep your spine strong.
- Exercise: It's not just about lifting weights, you need to do exercises that strengthen your back and core muscles and increase your flexibility . You can get help from a physical therapist for this. It's also very important to get used to sitting, standing, and lifting in a way that doesn't hurt your back.
When is spinal surgery necessary?
Usually, a doctor will only recommend spinal surgery if all other treatments have failed. It is considered a last resort.
For example, if you have a disc problem, you may need to have a surgery called a ``Discectomy.'' This means that a surgeon removes part of the disc that is pressing on the nerve.
If you have spinal stenosis, you may be recommended a surgery called a spinal laminectomy or spinal decompression . This involves removing the extra bone that is narrowing the spinal canal and relieving pressure on the nerves.
Take-Home Message
- Not all back pain is a simple muscle strain. There may be a spinal problem behind it.
- If your pain is severe, travels down your legs, is accompanied by numbness, or lasts more than a few days, don't waste time and see a doctor .
- Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, and getting the right amount of exercise are essential for spinal health.
- Surgery is always a last resort. There are many treatments that can be done before that.
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