If you have been suffering from back pain, you should know that it is highly common in all age range groups. Four out of five people suffer from this painful experience.
Our back consists of three different regions: the lower back, the thoracic section, and the cervical spine (corresponding to the neck and upper back). Since all muscles and nerves in our body are interconnected, if one area is suffering through pain, there is a high chance that it can affect other parts of the body as well. The following insights will give you a better understanding on the causes and treatment methods use to treat pain along the spine.
Why do you feel back pain?
The causes of back pain can include medical conditions, poor posture, as well as various lifestyle-related habits. While some of them are mild, others can lead to chronic back pain. Making abrupt movements or lifting heavy objects can put strain on the spine. This can then lead to compression of the spine, muscle tension and damaging of disks and spinal nerves. In most cases, these are the major causes of back pain, which are all connected to compression of the spine.
Bulging Disc
When a disc is placed under great physical strain, it can spread sideways and affect nearby nerves, potentially pinching them and triggering the pain.
Ruptured Disc
When a disk ruptures, a crack forms in the outer layer of the disc, causing the inner content of the disc to spill out through the crack. As a result, there is less cushioning for the vertebrae and that results in more pressure on the nerves.
Sciatica
Disc problems in the lumbar spine can often result in sciatica, which is the term referred to describe the pinching of the sciatic nerve, causing lower back pain. When it becomes pinched, the individual feels a sharp pain that goes all the way from the lower back, through the hips, buttocks and thighs to the back of the leg.
Kidney Problems
In some instances, the presence of kidney stones or other kidney problems is the reason for back pain.
Osteoporosis
In this condition, bones become brittle, and this increases the incidence of fractures, which can be quite painful.
Posture
Back pain may also be the result of poor posture. People who sit or stand all day long can experience back pain. Other than this, twisting awkwardly, straining your neck for an extended time period, over-stretching and carrying heavy objects can result in back pain. The lumbar spine is most at risk of being affected, and as such low back pain has a higher prevalence than pain in the other two regions of the back.
How Does Back Pain Affect Other Parts of the Body?
Back pain can occur in any region of the back, which can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the head, arms, legs, or internal organs. Some other effects of back pain include:
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Problem in urinating
- Urinary or bowel incontinence
- Leg pain, including pain below the knees
- Swelling of the back
- Numbness or weakness along the spine
Treatment
There are different pain treatments to consider, depending on the severity and the location of the condition. Various home remedies are also included here. For example, home treatments such as over-the-counter pain killers and NSAIDs can provide temporary pain relief while the core issue is being addressed.
Also, patients can take extra rest or apply a hot or cold compress to the affected area.
Other options may be more invasive, and they include cortisone injections, which can be given in the epidural space as cortisone reduces inflammation, or even spinal surgery, which is reserved for more severe cases.
However, if you want a natural treatment that provides long-term pain relief as well as prevention from recurring pain episodes, the best approach you can take is to decompress your spine through simple exercises.
As previously stated, compression of the spine can lead to many secondary conditions that cause pain. By addressing the compression, itself, symptoms such as pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion shall also disappear as a result.
You can easily decompress your spine at home, with the help of a special device called the Backrack. To treat your spine, simply lay on the device for a few minutes and perform a specific set of exercises designated for your particular problem. A guide will be provided to show you what exercises to perform based on the region of the spine that has been affected.
Backrack Spinal Decompression Device
Precautions
Precautionary measures include exercising regularly to build body strength and eating a diet rich in Vitamin D and calcium. Both of these are extremely good for the bones. Quit smoking and watch your body weight to stay safe from back pain. Additionally, you can use the Backrack regularly to keep your spine decompressed and in shape and prevent the return of spine pain.
Author: Spinal Backrack