Back pain is a common problem for many people these days. Sometimes, from the moment you wake up in the morning until the next day, you spend your entire day with this pain. It could be from sitting in a chair at the office for too long, it could be from doing household chores, or it could just be a simple ache. The entire weight of our body, that is, the main structure, rests on our back. Therefore, it is not surprising that back problems occur from time to time. So let's see why this back pain occurs and what can be done about it.
What are the main causes of back pain?
Back pain is often caused by some bad habits that we do without realizing it. It can also be caused by various diseases that affect our spine.
Bad habits we have
Let's see how some of the things we do in our daily lives affect our spine.
| Bad habit | How it affects the spine |
|---|---|
| Poor Posture | Sitting in an office chair, driving a car, or lying on the sofa puts unnecessary strain on the back muscles. |
| Repeating the same thing | Doing the same bending over and putting weight on the same side can cause muscle fatigue in the same area of the back. |
| Lifting goods incorrectly | When you bend your back and lift a heavy weight at once, there is a high chance of damaging your spinal discs and pulling your muscles. |
Spinal structure and other causes
Simply put, our spine is made up of 24 small bones called vertebrae, which are like building blocks. Between these vertebrae are intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers. This entire spine protects the spinal cord, the main nervous system that controls our body's movements and sensations.
- Muscle Strain: The most common cause of back pain is a strain on the muscles or ligaments around the spine. This condition is especially common in the low back and the back of the neck.
- Injuries: Injuries while playing sports, such as from a car accident or a fall, can range from muscle strains to more serious conditions such as herniated discs or fractures.
- Muscle spasms : Like a twitch in a leg, when the muscles in your back suddenly tighten and don't relax, you may experience severe, stabbing pain.
- Osteoarthritis: As we age, the cartilage between the vertebrae wears down, causing pain as the bones rub against each other.
- Pregnancy: Many mothers experience back pain during pregnancy. This is because the increased weight and hormonal changes put new pressure on the spine.
- Pain without a specific cause: Sometimes, there is no obvious cause for back pain. It could be that your back muscles are so weak that you can't do everyday activities (walking, bending).
What else do you feel besides back pain?
Back pain is not just a pain. You may also experience symptoms in your legs or arms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Radiating Pain | Pain radiating from the back down the buttocks to the leg. |
| Numbness | Tingling sensation in the legs, feet, or hands. |
| Tingling | A feeling of ants running or pins and needles in the legs. |
| Weakness | Feeling of weakness in the legs or arms, difficulty lifting weights, or walking. |
Emergency symptoms to watch out for:
But if you are leaking urine or stool without realizing it, or if you have difficulty urinating and feel a tingling sensation in your legs, this is an emergency. This means that there may be pressure on your spinal cord. So see a doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
When should I see a doctor?
A simple backache may subside in a few days. However, in the following cases, you should definitely seek medical advice .
- If the pain occurred after a fall or accident.
- If the pain is interfering with your daily activities.
- If the pain persists for more than 6 weeks, or if the pain spreads.
When you see a doctor, he or she will examine you. He or she will check how far you can bend and turn your spine, and how your nervous system is functioning. You may also be referred for tests such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. But remember, there is not always a direct connection between what these scans show and the pain you are feeling.
What are the treatments?
The treatment you receive will depend on the cause of the pain and where it is located in your back.
Many people think that when they have back pain , they should just stay in bed. But that's not really a good idea. Gentle exercise is often the best option.
- Exercise and Physical Therapy: A physical therapist will recommend a series of exercises that are right for you. These will strengthen your back muscles, increase flexibility, and provide pain relief.
- Painkillers: For minor pain, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter painkillers, ice packs, or heat. Sometimes, stronger medications may be prescribed. However, they can cause drowsiness or addiction, so it is important to use them only as directed by your doctor.
- Other treatments: Complementary therapies such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage can also provide pain relief.
- Surgery: Surgery may be necessary if a bone is damaged, a herniated disc is pinching a nerve, or a herniated disc is pinching a nerve. However, doctors usually recommend surgery as a last resort, only if all other treatments have failed.
How can you prevent back pain?
"Prevention is better than cure," they say. So try these things to reduce back pain.
- Exercise: Do exercises that strengthen the muscles around your back and abdomen (core muscles). Walking is a great, simple exercise for your back.
- Maintain good posture: Try to keep your ears, shoulders, and hips aligned when sitting, standing, and walking.
- Lift weights correctly: When lifting weights, bend at the knees and use the strength of your legs, not your back. Keep your back straight.
- Sleeping position: It is best to sleep on your side on a medium-firm mattress.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking restricts blood flow, which reduces the amount of nutrients and oxygen that the muscles and tissues in your back receive.
Take-Home Message
- Many back pain conditions can be cured with simple treatments and light exercise.
- Always maintain proper posture when sitting, standing, and walking.
- When lifting heavy objects, bend your knees and keep your back straight, and do it correctly.
- If you experience symptoms such as numbness, weakness in your legs, or inability to control your urine/feces, see a doctor immediately as it may be an emergency.
- It's best to stay in bed and do light exercises when you feel pain. Talk to your doctor before doing anything.
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