If you are experiencing back pain, you may easily attribute it to physical stress. Note, however, that there are actually several factors that cause the most common pain next to headaches. Take a look below as something that you flag as a simple back pain can be a more serious matter and requires taking a trip to your doctor. The article discusses the causes in no particular order.
#1: First are strains and sprains. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, accidental injuries, excessive exercise and heavy lifting all contribute to injuries to back muscles, tendons and joints. These may be treated through home remedies or medications. At times, therapy is a must to prevent further damage.
#2: Second are diseases. Back pain may be your body’s way of telling you that you have spondylitis, arthritis or osteoporosis. Spondylitis and arthritis involve chronic inflammation of the joints. Osteoporosis, on the other hand, involves weakening of the bones. Osteoarthritis is the combination of both. These usually affect older folks. As such, proper diet and exercise early on in life can help prevent these diseases.
#3: Third are disc problems. The spine is composed of the vertebra and the intervertebral discs that support the back. When any of the intervertebral discs protrude or bulge, it may press on the spinal or sctiatic nerve. Sciatica is a possible symptom of disc problems. This is a condition wherein there is weakness, pain or numbness in the lower back or extremities.
#4: Fourth is stress. Believe it or not, studies have shown that emotional stress does actually take a toll on your physical body. Stress causes muscles to tense causing pain.
#5: Fifth are structural problems. Think scoliosis and kyphosis. Scoliosis is a condition wherein the spinal bone is excessively curved sideways. Kyphosis, more commonly referred to as a hunchback, is a condition wherein the spinal cord is excessively curved outwards. Exercise and therapy can help address these problems.
#6: Sixth is coccydynia. Accidents are an obvious cause of back pain. Coccydynia or tailbone pain that occurs at the lower back when sitting can be a result of a fall.
#7: Seventh is pregnancy. During the final trimester of pregnancy, back pain is a common complaint. This is due to the hormones and added weight from the baby.
Remember, awareness is always the first step and prevention is better than cure. Now that you know these causes, you can be more conscious of your daily actions and avoid back pain altogether.
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