ABSTRACT – Back pain is the most common condition which is usually one of the symptom of several diseases....
Back pain
ABSTRACT –
It is the most common condition which is usually one of the symptom of several diseases. It occurs due to injury, some physical activities or medical reasons. The pain might improve with reclining. It can happen to different people of any age group. Chances of developing pain becomes more when a person gets older. It can be linked to spondylosis, spondylitis, sciatica, slip disc, arthritis, cancer or spine infections etc.
CAUSES –
Muscle spasm i.e. contractions of muscles
Strain in ligaments of spine
Bulges or cracks in disc which may give pressure on the nerves of spine
Damages in cartilage (Osteoarthritis) and bone weakness (osteoporosis)
Scoliosis i.e. abnormal curve in the spine
Degeneration of spinal bones
Injury or fractures due to accident or improper heavy lifting
Improper body posture
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
Muscular pain
Shooting, sudden and stabbing pains
Radiating pain towards hips and legs
Pain increases with bending, lifting, standing or walking, also even while relaxing
Numbness
DIAGNOSIS –
X-ray
MRI and CT scan shows condition of bones, muscles, tissue, nerves, discs etc.
Blood test determines the cause of pain whether it is due to infection
Bone scan diagnoses tumor or cracks, fracture in the bones
Electromyography measures electrical signal of nerves and response of muscles
TREATMENT –
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Muscle relaxants is prescribed when OTC pain reliever does not work
Topical pain relievers involve creams and ointments
Narcotics- Drugs used as short term remedy
Antidepressants
Physiotherapy
Exercise
Surgery varies from case to case and depends on severity
PREVENTIONS –
Exercise and Yoga
Maintaining weight as per BMI
Building muscle strength and flexibility
RISK FACTORS –
Age – It generally affects people with age group of 30 and above
Lack of exercise results in weak muscles
Poor physical fitness
Pregnancy
Occupational activities
Obesity
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
Everyone experiences this pain at least once in their life time regardless of gender.
40% of people among adult population reported chronic pain.