CONDITION

BACK PAIN

SUMMARY

Back pain is a widespread medical issue in the United States, affecting many individuals. It can present itself as a constant, dull ache or a sharp, sudden pain that radiates down the leg. The onset of back pain may be immediate, resulting from an accident, fall, or lifting something heavy, or it may develop gradually due to age-related degenerative changes in the spine. Additionally, certain medical conditions, including inflammatory arthritis, can also lead to back pain.

UNDERSTANDING THE ANATOMY OF THE SPINE

The spinal column is composed of four (4) different regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper to middle back), lumbar (lower back), and sacrococcygeal (bottom of spine and tailbone). The small bones visualized to be stacked on top of each other and protect the spinal cord are called vertebrae.

In between the vertebrae are cushion-like intervertebral discs that serve as shock absorbers and spacers for the spine. The spinal cord is a long, fragile tubelike structure that begins at the end of the brain stem and continues down almost to the bottom of the spine. The three primary roles of the spinal cord are to send motor commands from the brain to the body (voluntary movement), send sensory information from the body to the brain, and coordinate reflexes

WHO CAN DEVELOP BACK PAIN?

Back pain can affect anyone, and most people will experience it at some point in their lives. Several factors can increase the risk of developing back pain, including:

Fitness Level: People who are not physically fit are more likely to experience back pain. Weak core muscles, such as the back and stomach muscles, may fail to properly support the spine. Additionally, engaging in strenuous exercise after a period of inactivity can strain the back.
Weight Gain: An unhealthy diet high in calories and fat, combined with a sedentary lifestyle, can lead to obesity, which places added stress on the back.
Job-Related Risk Factors: Occupations that involve heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or twisting increase the risk of back injuries. Even desk jobs can contribute, particularly if poor posture or uncomfortable seating is involved.
Stress Level: Chronic stress, poor sleep, depression, and anxiety can contribute to more frequent and severe back pain.
Age: The likelihood of experiencing back pain increases with age, particularly after the age of 45.
Heredity: Some genetic factors play a role in disorders that lead to back pain.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Back pain can range from localized discomfort to widespread pain throughout the back, sometimes radiating to areas such as the buttocks, legs, or abdomen. The severity of the pain differs for each individual. Depending on the cause and location, back pain may worsen with lifting, bending, or certain positions like sitting, standing, or resting. It can also fluctuate, with some experiencing stiffness in the morning that eases with activity, or pain radiating to the hips or legs, along with possible numbness or weakness in the feet or legs.

Consult your doctor if your back pain persists for several weeks or is accompanied by concerning symptoms such as:

numbness, tingling, severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication
pain following an injury
pain is associated with difficulty urinating
new onset of leg weakness, fever, or unexplained weight loss.

CONDITIONS RESULTING IN BACK PAIN

Back pain can arise from various factors, which may coexist and contribute to chronic lower back pain. These factors can include mechanical or structural issues with the spine, inflammatory conditions, and other health problems. In some cases, however, no clear cause for the onset of back pain can be determined.

MECHANICAL / STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS

Sprain. An injury to the ligaments that support the spine, is typically caused by twisting or improper lifting.
Strain. An injury to a muscle or tendon within the spine.
Degenerative disc disease. This occurs as the discs between the vertebrae break down with age, often accompanied by other spine issues like arthritis or spinal stenosis.
Herniated or ruptured discs. These typically happen when a disc compresses and irritates nearby nerves, commonly affecting the lumbar region, though it can also occur in the cervical spine.
Spondylolisthesis. This is observed when a vertebra slips out of place or shifts out of alignment.
Spinal stenosis. It is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can cause pressure to the spinal cord and nerves.
Fractured vertebrae
Scoliosis
Congenital spine conditions
Myofascial pain. This involves tightness and discomfort in the muscles supporting the spine, often due to muscle damage or nerve signals originating from the spine.

SECONDARY TO OTHER CONDITIONS

Ankylosing spondylitis
Osteoporosis, which can lead to painful fractures of the vertebrae.
Fibromyalgia, a condition of widespread muscle pain and fatigue.
Kidney stones or infections.
Endometriosis, which is the buildup of uterine tissue in places outside the uterus.
Infections that involve the bones of the spine or the discs between these bones, which can cause back pain.
Tumors, in rare cases, that develop on the spine or other areas of the back.
Pregnancy

Learn more about lower back pain relief at Coastal Orthopedic Pain & Spine Center, call us at 727-526-8000 to schedule an appointment.