Back pain is one of the most common aches that we get and is also one of the biggest reasons people take time off work. Sometimes the pain can last a day or two, in other cases it may continue for months. Many of us won’t bother with an ache or pain unless it disrupts daily life; however, sometimes it is good to find out what has caused it. Let’s look at the reasons behind your back pain and when you should see a professional.
Strains
A strain is the most common cause of back pain and can happen to anyone at any time. You might think that moving the sofa by yourself was a clever idea, but if your back begins to ache then you may think otherwise. Strained muscles and ligaments are normally caused by not lifting something in the correct way, picking up something that is too heavy or an abrupt or awkward movement. Strains are fairly common and will normally go away on their own; however, it is always worth seeing your GP if back pain persists.
Disk Problems
Our spine is made up of 33 vertebrae, each one cushioned by disks that help us to bend, stretch and move around. When there are structural problems in your spine, you may find that back pain becomes increasingly uncomfortable. There are several common disk problems that can cause back pain, these are:
Bulging disk – This results in more pressure on the back nerve endings and can cause nasty pain down the spine.
Ruptured disks – If a spinal disk ruptures then you will again have more pressure on your nerve endings. This can cause serious back pain if not treated.
Sciatica – A hernia or bulge on one of your spinal discs can cause sciatica. This normally results in sharp pain that travels down the lower back and leg.
Disk problems can have a real impact on our lives and so they need to be dealt with as soon as possible. Make sure to inform your adelaide back pain chiropractor (or one elsewhere) of any persistent back pain, so that he can help you rule out any major issues.
Other reasons for back pain
There are various other reasons you may be experiencing back pain, which aren’t as common as the ones above. Arthritis patients may experience pain in the lower back, as well as the hips and knees or hands. There are also rare cases of spinal tumours and osteoporosis (brittle bones) that could be the reason behind your back pain. Always see the best professional available if you are worried about the pain in your back. If you can’t find a local professional then it may be worth travelling, such as to a chiropractor Winnipeg based, if you live in North Dakota. A little bit of travel to cure what could be a serious back problem is a small price to pay for comfort.
Now that you know the possible reasons for your back pain, you may be able to rule out certain things. However, never try and self diagnose, as you could be putting yourself at more risk. If any back problem persists for longer than a week, you must go and see a doctor right away.