Back pain is one of the most common medical issues, it affects approximately one in six Australians. The causes are varied but age is not the definitive factor.
The problem with back issues is that they can seriously affect your ability to do even the simplest of maneuvers, making life more complicated than it needs to be.
Potentially the most common cause of back pain is muscular. A fall or lifting something incorrectly can result in muscle sprain or bruising. This is uncomfortable but should heal within a matter of weeks.
Any back pain that doesn’t resolve itself within a few days should be referred to a specialist. As peculiar as it may sound it’s worth contacting a reputable brain surgeon to assess your condition. The brain and the spine are interlinked and you’ll find they have a great deal of information regarding potential issues.
Low Back Pain
It is important to understand the different types of back pain and what they may be indicative of. For example, low back pain is often caused by lifting something incorrectly, or too heavy. In many cases, the back simply needs to rest and recover. Physio or designated exercises can help to strengthen the back.
If you don’t take steps to strengthen your spine the pain is likely to keep recurring, potentially weakening your back over time.
It is worth noting that low back pain can also be caused by a disc issue. Small discs that sit between your vertebra act as shock absorbers. However, they can become squeezed by the bones or they may even bulge out, that’s known as a herniated disc.
This type of back pain will often result in pain shooting down your leg, although in some cases it can cause numbness.
Spinal Pain
Pain elsewhere in your spine can be an indication of a degenerative condition. Aging causes your bones to degenerate, allowing them to grate more when they move and cause pain in the process. Common spinal issues include spinal arthritis, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, facet joint syndrome, and scoliosis.
All of these conditions cause pain and decrease the mobility of the spine. This weakens the spine further and increases the likelihood of fractures, bone spurs, and narrowing of the spinal canal. In turn, these conditions create additional pressure on your nerves, increasing the pain you feel, and decreasing mobility further.
Getting Treatment
The good news is that the majority of issues causing back pain can be treated with excellent results. You don’t need to live with back pain, you simply need to speak to a professional who can guide you through the best possible process to resolve the issue and improve your quality of life.
Getting older doesn’t mean you have to put up with painful back issues. There are treatment options. Of course, strengthening and taking care of your back today will also help.
Make an appointment with your specialist today and take the first steps toward eliminating back pain and enjoying life again.