Back Pain - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Most of us experience back pain at some time in our lives. Back problems are a very common reason for older adults to visit their healthcare provider. However, the back problems of older adults are often very different from those seen in younger people. For example, a slipped disk is a common cause of back pain in younger adults but is unlikely to occur after age 60. In older adults, back pain often becomes chronic, typically cycling between improving for a while and then coming back.nnCauses of Back PainnnLumber Muscle StrainnnMuscle strains are the most common cause of low back pain. Patients may or may not remember the initial event that triggered their muscle spasm, but the good news is that most episodes of back pain from muscle strains resolve completely within a few weeks. nnRuptured DiscnnA ruptured intervertebral disc, also called a herniated disc, is another common cause of back pain. How to treat the back pain from a herniated disc depends on the particular individual and situation. nnDiscogenic Back PainnnDiscogenic back pain is thought to be a common cause of low back pain. Discogenic back pain is the result of damage to the intervertabral disc.nnSpinal stenos sisnnSpinal steno sis causes back pain in the aging population. As we age, the spinal canal can become constricted, due in part to arthritis and other conditions. nnLumber spine arthritisnnArthritis most commonly affects joints such as the knees and fingers. However, arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the small joints of the spine. nnBack Pain Symptoms nn• Persistent aching or stiffness anywhere along your spine, from the base of the neck to the hips.nn• Sharp, localized pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back -- especially after lifting heavy objects or engaging in other strenuous activity.nn• Chronic ache in the middle or lower back, especially after sitting or standing for extended periods.nnBack Pain TreatmentnnMost low back pain can be treated without surgery. Treatment involves using over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce discomfort and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation. The goal of treatment is to restore proper function and strength to the back, and prevent recurrence of the injury. Medications are often used to treat acute and chronic low back pain. Effective pain relief may involve a combination of prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies. nnAlthough the use of cold and hot compresses has never been scientifically proven to quickly resolve low back injury, compresses may help reduce pain and inflammation and allow greater mobility for some individuals. Bed rest is recommended for only 1–2 days at most. Individuals should resume activities as soon as possible. Exercise may be the most effective way to speed recovery from low back pain and help strengthen back and abdominal muscles. In the most serious cases, when the condition does not respond to other therapies, surgery may relieve pain caused by back problems or serious musculoskeletal injuries.