Back pain remains a uniquely experienced condition even though it is pretty standard. It can range from the throbbing or dull aches associated with spine osteoarthritis to the sharp pains of ruptured disks. Back pain can come in episodes or be constant. In some cases, it may get worse due to prolonged sitting, exercise, or poor posture. It may also come with neurological symptoms like tingling and numbness. While you can get frustrated by back pain, most cases tend to get better or go away in a few weeks with minimal care. If your situation does not improve in a few weeks, you may need to see a specialist for treating back pain in West Orange.
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Common Causes of Back Pain
Back pain can come from different causes. Muscle sprains and strains remain the most common cause of back pain, mainly affecting the lower back. A strain is a tear in the muscle or tendon. A sprain, on the other hand, is a tear in the ligament. Back pains caused by sprains and strains range from mild to severe, worsening with movement. They can also cause stiffness and a limited range of motion.
Bulging and ruptured discs also cause back pain. The spinal discs found between adjacent vertebrae act as shock-absorbing cushions. Over time, the discs deteriorate due to sitting for long times, smoking, weight gain, aging, and trauma. This makes them prone to bulging. The bulging disk may tear after some time, releasing its inner content, putting pressure on the nearby nerves and the spinal cord.
Other possible causes of back pain include:
- Spine osteoarthritis
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
- Osteoporosis
Back pain can also come from some rare causes such as cancer, infections, Cauda Equina Syndrome, and Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).
When Should You See a Back Pain Specialist?
In most cases, back pain will go away after a few days and have entirely resolved in a couple of weeks. If you have a new back pain you have not experienced before, contact your doctor to determine if you need further evaluation. You may also notice some warning signs that may point to a more severe condition. Make sure you see a doctor if your back pain lasts more than a few days or if it makes it hard for you to sleep. Additionally, you need to get medical attention if your back pain comes with chills, fever, sweats, or other common signs of infection.
Treatment
The worst part about back pain is that the symptoms take time to fade. In some cases, your back pain may go away entirely if you avoid stress to the back. You can also improve with slow and mild physical activity. If the symptoms do not improve, you may need to seek medical attention. A back pain specialist can recommend a suitable treatment regimen depending on your symptoms. Physical therapy and alternative and complementary medicine can also help.
To summarize, back pain comes due to different causes. The common causes include sprains and strains, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, sciatica, bulging, and ruptured discs. If you experience a fever, chills, or if you have trouble sleeping, you may need to see a doctor. Most cases of back pain go away after a few days. Still, you may need physical therapy, alternative and complementary medicine, or treatment recommended by a back pain specialist.