BACK PAIN

Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment And Home Remedies

Back pain or lower back pain can happen for several problems with any part of the interconnected network of spinal nerves, muscles, bones, tendons, or discs in the lumber spine.

SYMPTOMS OF BACK PAIN

Major signs and symptoms of back pain are:

• Dull, stabbing or shooting pain in the lower back
• Painful sensation while walking, standing, bending, lifting or pulling
• Decreased range of motion and flexibility
• Pain radiating to the leg and foot

There are certain other symptoms that are indicative of a serious underlying medical condition. People with the below-mentioned symptoms should immediately contact their physician:

• Weight loss
• Fever
• Swelling or inflammation in the back
• Numbness in legs, buttocks, anus and around the genitals
• Loss of control bowel movements
• Urinary incontinence
• Injury or trauma to the back

CAUSES OF BACK PAIN?

Back pain can result from multiple factors. Some of the most common causes include:

• Strain
• Disk problems
• Scoliosis
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis

RISK FACTORS FOR BACK PAIN

Anyone can experience back pain. However, the following factors are believed to be associated with an increased risk of back pain:

• Excess weight
• Age
• Lack of exercise
• Medical conditions

HOW BACK PAIN IS DIAGNOSED ?

A physician will ask certain questions related to symptoms of the back pain. He will then carry out a physical exam to check your:

• Reflexes
• Ability to stand and walk
• Range of motion of the spine
• Strength of legs
• Sensations in legs

In case a serious underlying condition is suspected to be causing back pain, one or more of the following tests might be ordered:

• X-ray
• MRI or CT Scan
• Blood test
• Bone scan
• Electromyography (EMG)

HOW TO TREAT BACK PAIN?

Back Pain is a condition that usually resolves on its own. The most popular treatment for all kinds of back pains or lumber strains consists of resting the back to avoid subsequent injury. However, chronic back pain can sometimes require treatment. Some of the most common modes of treatment for back pain are:

1. Medications:
   1. OTC pain relievers
   1. Topical rubs and ointments
   1. Muscle relaxants
   1. Opioids (narcotics)
   1. Antidepressants
   1. Steroid injections
   1. Therapy:
   1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
   1. 9.AcupunctureShiatsu

1. Surgery: When all other modes of treatment fail to work, whether medications or injections, then surgery becomes the only remaining option. It is usually recommended only for people who are experiencing:
2. Persistent and severe back pain
3. Muscle weakness due to nerve compression
4. Pain caused by structural deformities (such as spinal stenosis)

1. Some of the surgical procedures that are used to treat the underlying condition causing back pain are:

• Fusion
• Artificial disk
• Diskectomy
• Partially removing a vertebra

How to prevent back pain?

Back pain caused by medical condition may not be prevented. However, back pain caused by poor physical health and lifestyle can be prevented. Some of the tips that may reduce the risk of back pain are:

• Exercise regularly
• Build muscle strength
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
• Consume a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Wear flat shoes
• Stretch often
• Don’t slouch while standing
• Use back support while sitting
• Avoid heavy lifting

BACK PAIN HOME REMEDIES:

There are a few things that an individual can do at home to get relief from back pain. Some of those things are:

• Exercises to reduce back pain:
  • Correcting the posture
  • Stretching to improve muscle flexibility
  • Using proper technique while lifting
  • Strengthening the core muscles
• Essential oils to reduce back pain:
• Salt baths to reduce back pain:
• Heat/ice therapy:

Yoga for back pain:

1. Downward Dog
2. Child’s Pose
3. Plow Pose
4. Cat/Cow
5. Bow Pose
6. Seated Forward Fold