Most people have experienced back pain at some point in their lives, often after a long, tiring day at work. Some use hot water bags, while others use painkillers or balm. Why does back pain become a health concern?
It is possible for a number of issues to develop over time in people who do not seek Chiropractic therapy for their back discomfort. Chronic back pain may be an indicator of more serious health risks, some of which we list below.
Misaligned Vertebrae
In a vehicle accident, the bones in your spine might be dislocated. Blood vessels and nerve roots near your spine might get squeezed if this occurs. To avoid long-term pain and suffering due to misaligned vertebrae and to avoid nerve and blood supply issues, you should consult a chiropractor.
Spinal Fractures
A common form of damage among vehicle accident victims is a spinal fracture. For the most part, these injuries result in discomfort lasting more than a few days, and the suffering may be excruciating. Some individuals refuse to visit a doctor despite their distress.
Leaving a spinal fracture untreated might result in a change in the curvature of your spine, which can be dangerous.
Patients who have untreated spinal fractures are at risk of falling, experiencing persistent discomfort, and experiencing exhaustion. Auto injuries Chiropractors can help if you’ve been in a vehicle accident near Atlanta and have back discomfort.
Chronic Pain
If you don’t get treatment for a back injury after a vehicle accident, it might lead to further health issues. When you’re in pain, it’s easy to feel sad and exhausted. Back pain might also force you to adjust how you hold your body to find relief. Muscle weakness and other health issues may result from poor posture, including spinal disc degeneration and back pain.
Chiropractic care for your injury may help you avoid long-term discomfort and the problems that come with it.
When to See a Doctor
Even though many people have experienced back pain, very few see a doctor for consultation. Unfortunately, the few people who consult doctors usually do so when the condition becomes severe and can no longer tolerate the pain.
Back pain can be caused by any disorders of the structures in the back – the intervertebral discs, the vertebrae, the muscles, and the ligaments in the back.
The medical cause of back pain is unknown and cannot be diagnosed with a test. Doctors can, however, classify a patient’s back pain based on the intensity and duration of the back pain.
- Acute back pain: back pain that only lasts for a short time. However, the pain is very intense.
- Persistent or chronic back pain: back pain that persists longer than acute duration.
- Coccydynia: a condition that occurs in individuals who experience back pain in their coccyx (tailbone).
- Sciatica: A condition that accompanies back pain and causes the pain to shoot down the patient’s legs.
Usually, back pain improves after self-care and home treatment, but it can also indicate any above conditions. Individuals who experience any of the symptoms below should consult a doctor:
- The pain is terrible, and neither self-care nor home treatment relieves it.
- The pain shoots down your legs, significantly below your knee.
- The pain causes tingling, numbness, or weakness in either leg.
- Weight loss is unexplained in conjunction with the discomfort.
The following symptoms can also indicate a severe medical condition. See a doctor immediately if:
- Your back pain causes bladder or bowel problems.
- The back pain accompanies fevers.
- The back pain happens after a blow to your back, an injury, or a fall.
Causes of Back Pain
Identifying the exact source of chronic pain is the most effective way to ensure that you receive the proper therapy. Understanding the pain can help you manage the pain better and ensure a fast recovery. Some reasons why you should never avoid back pain are as follows:
- Discogenic back pain: pain caused by the rupturing or bulging of intervertebral discs. It is possible to have ruptured discs without back pain. It can be treated through disc replacement.
- Ligament or muscle strain: pain (muscle spasms) caused by awkward movements or heavy lifting. Very common in individuals who strain their backs or do not exercise regularly.
- Lumbar Spine Arthritis: pain affecting the lower back. This pain usually occurs during movements.
- Osteoporosis: pain caused by fractures in the vertebrae. Can cause discomfort and orthopedic problems.
Prevention of Back Pain
It is possible to lower the risk of getting back pain by changing your habits. Here is what you should do:
- Overweight individuals should increase their level of physical activity
- Avoid sudden movements and awkward movements.
- Have a good sitting posture
- Exercise regularly. Ensure not to jolt or strain your back. Try walking, swimming, or doing yoga.
- Quit smoking.
- Build your muscles. Stronger back muscles are less likely to cause back pain.
- Build your flexibility.
- Individuals already suffering from back pain should avoid bending forward.
Who is at Risk of Getting Back Pain?
Back pain can affect both children and teens. However, the following factors put people at greater risk:
- Physical inactivity – people who do not exercise have weak and unused muscles in their backs that often cause back pain.
- Being overweight – excess weight puts a lot of stress on the back.
- Rather than using your legs, lifting with your back causes back pain.
- Diseases – back pain can be caused by cancer or arthritis.
- Smokers are more likely to get back pain than individuals who do not smoke.
- Depression and anxiety.
Bottom Line
Back pain is widespread, so many relief and prevention products are available. However, beware that there is no proven way to prevent back pain. You can still suffer back pain even with the back support, shoe inserts, special shoes, or ergonomic furniture.