Are you suffering from chronic back pain? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. Of course, back pain can be a nuisance. It affects your physique and interferes with your ability to go about your day.
As a result, you’re looking for a way to treat it. With a wide range of back pain types, you want to narrow things down and determine what you’re dealing with. Doing so will help you identify potential remedies.
Be sure to keep reading below for our in-depth guide on the various types of back pain and what they could be caused by.
Upper Back Pain
Upper back pain can be caused by several things, the most common one being muscle strain. This is also usually due to lifting something heavy, incorrect posture, or sudden movements.
Symptoms of upper back pain include stiffness, muscle spasms, and pain that radiates from the back to the chest, shoulders, or arms. Treatment depends on the cause of the pain, which you can assess at theadvancedspinecenter.com.
For muscle strains, upper back pain treatment may include ice, heat, and over-the-counter pain relievers. More severe cases may require prescription medication or physical therapy.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can be caused by a number of things, including muscle strain, ligamentous sprain, disc herniation, and facet joint inflammation. The pain is often worse with movement and can be associated with numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but can include rest, ice, heat, and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy can also be helpful in lower back pain relief.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a common type of pain that affects the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. This nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the leg.
Sciatica can be caused by a number of things, including a herniated disc, bone spur, or muscle strain. The pain is typically felt in the lower back and radiates down the leg.
Sciatica can be a very painful condition, but it is usually not serious. Treatment typically includes rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the discs between the vertebrae of the spine deteriorate. This causes the discs to become thin and brittle and results in pain and stiffness.
The cause of degenerative disc disease is unknown, but it is thought to be due to wear and tear on the discs. Risk factors for degenerative disc disease include age, weight, smoking, and genetics.
Treatment for degenerative disc disease includes pain relievers, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.
Spinal stenosis is often caused by wear and tear on the spine, such as from arthritis. It can also be caused by tumors or injuries. Treatment for spinal stenosis may include pain medication, physical therapy, or surgery.
Familiarity With the Types of Back Pain
If you’re experiencing back pain, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. The good news is that there are treatments available that can help. This guide has provided information on the different types of back pain so that you can start to find relief.
If you’re still unsure about what’s causing your pain, be sure to consult with a doctor or spine specialist.
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