Back pain is extremely prevalent in America and represents the 2nd most common reason for doctor visits. Over $50 billion each year is spent in the US looking for back pain relief and it is the leading reason for disability and those under the age of 45.
What exactly is back pain?
Usually when people talk about back pain they are referring to the lower back. Pain can range from a slight nagging that comes on intermittently, or a piercing type of pain that makes any type of walking impossible. Back pain may also be associated with electrical type sensations going into one or both legs.
Additionally, there are a few back pain conditions where pain also radiate into the buttock area, hip regions, and into the thighs.
How long will my back pain last?
Well over 90% of back pain will resolve within 6 to 12 weeks, no matter what the treatment is that is accomplished. This is the good news with low back pain.
Unfortunately, the remaining 10% will not go away in that timeframe and turns into what is known as chronic back pain.
What are the causes of back pain?
Back pain may result from a number of different conditions. The pain may be coming from a condition in the back itself, or it may be a referred condition. Here is a list of possibilities:
- Referred pain from a kidney stone
- Pregnancy
- Muscle sprain or strain from twisting or lifting, sudden awkward movement, or over reaching.
- Sitting or standing for extended periods
- Spinal Stenosis
- Scoliosis
- Arthritis pain
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spinal infection
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Rare – tumor/cancer
- Fibromyalgia
Most commonly, back pain as a result of an overuse injury or an arthritis condition. As mentioned, most of these conditions will get better by themselves but at times can become chronic.
What are the symptoms of back pain?
The symptoms of back pain will vary between individuals and may come on on acutely or develop in an indolent fashion over a period of time. A person’s back pain may be so severe that getting out of bed is even tough, or it may be a mild nuisance such as having a pebble in your shoe. In addition, the patient may have pain that is centered in the back and does not move, or it may radiate into the buttock area, or the legs.
Symptoms may include muscle aches, stiffness, spasms. They may also include a limited range of motion or a burning, stabbing pain or pain that gets worse with prolonged standing or sitting.
How should back pain be treated?
As mentioned, most back pain resolves by itself no matter what the treatment. However, there are ways to get rid of the pain faster. These may include a short rest period of a day or so, but it is best to avoid being down longer than this.
Ice alternating with heat can be excellent for back pain relief along with Tylenol and anti-inflammatory medication. Make sure to take it according to manufacturers recommended dosing.
Scottsdale chiropractic treatment is excellent for acute low back pain. The chiropractor Phoenix may perform spinal manipulations along with massage or prescribing a tens unit.
Pain that does not improve within a few days can be helped with continued chiropractor treatment along with physical therapy Scottsdale AZ and being seen by a pain management Scottsdale specialist. The pain management specialist may be able to prescribe stronger medications along with doing some trigger point injections or different types of injections such as epidurals or facet injections.