Back Pain

Written by staff | 06 July 2011

Nearly every American will have back pain at some point in his or her life.¹ From lifting a large object, to a simple sneeze, an achy back can act up any time of day. Not all back pain is created equal, however. Pain symptoms can usually lead to a specific area of the back, which can include vertebrae, the spinal cord or back muscles. Disorders within the abdomen can also cause back discomfort.

The lower back is the most common area for back pain. After the common cold, lower back pain is the leading cause of lost workdays.² Lumbar vertebrae arch to make the lower spine. One common cause of pain within the lumber vertebrae is lumbar spinal stenosis. Spines harden with age and can become overgrown. Lumbar spinal stenosis puts pressure on spinal chords because of vertebrae growth. The pressure of stenosis can affect sensitive nerves in the spinal cord, which sometimes causes numbness, as well as cause pain amongst vertebrae. Although there is no cure for spinal stenosis, there are measures of treatment and prevention. Proper activity is important to keep the back from getting stiff. A doctor may recommend walker or cane to take pressure off of the lower back. Epidural injections of cortisone will temporarily relieve pain but are not considered a long-term solution.

A herniated disc is another common lower back problem. As the discs in between vertebrae degenerate, they become more likely rupture and expand. Protruding discs often interfere with the surrounding nerves, causing pain and weakness. Symptoms of herniated discs include muscle spasms, tingling and numbness, and shooting pain in the back and down the legs. While herniated discs can occur in the neck or upper back, they are most common in the lower back, which bears the most torque throughout the day. In some cases, physical therapy or chiropractic manipulations can resolve disc herniation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken to relieve mild pain, while oral steroid medication serves a similar purpose for more intense pain. If less invasive options are not able to remedy a herniated disc, it is reasonable to consider microdiscectomy spine surgery to relieve the pressure. A surgeon removes the invasive part of the disc and is most often able to keep the disc in tact.³

While back problems can develop into complicated, time consuming issues, preventative measures and habits are simple. It may seem elementary, but good posture keeps the back strong and in proper alignment. When lifting an object, bend at the knees and keep the back straight and protect lumbar vertebrae. Core exercises strengthen the back muscles around the spine, which protects the spine and maintains mobility. Avoid chronic pain by taking proper rest and treatment when back pain occurs. Simple problems like muscle strains cause back pain, and ice can be applied to limit inflammation.⁴

References

1. WebMD Back Pain Health Center . (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2011, from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/default.htm
2. Sprains and Strains. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2011, from Weill Cornell Medical College: http://www.cornellsurgery.org/patients/health/spine_sprains_strains.html
3. Peter F. Ullrich, J. M. (2007, September 31). What's a Herniated Disc, Pinched Nerve, Bulging Disc. Retrieved June 27, 2011, from Spine Health: http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/herniated-disc/whats-a-herniated-disc-pinched-nerve-bulging-disc.
4. Brody, J. E. (2011, June 27). Forget About Crutches. Here's How to Protect Your Back. New York Times .