One of the most common issues affecting people worldwide is back pain. There can be many reasons for back pain, each contributing to varying degrees of discomfort and impairment. Sometimes, it occurs suddenly due to lifting heavy weights, accidents, or falls, and sometimes, it starts gradually with age-related degenerative changes in the spine.
According to doctors and researchers, back pain also has different types. Almost everyone experiences it at some point in their lifetime, but the reasons may vary with each pain. Let us delve into the primary reasons for this common ailment, shedding light on the key factors that underlie back pain.
Types of Back Pain
1. Muscle and Ligament Strain
Description: Strain in the muscles and ligaments in the back can be caused by overexertion, sudden movement, or lifting heavy objects using inappropriate lifting techniques. The muscles or ligaments get torn or stretched due to sudden or improper movement. It is a common issue that can cause pain and discomfort for the person.
Symptoms: Muscle and ligament strain can cause acute pain in patients. The person may experience dull, aching pain in the affected area, including tenderness, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion.
2. Herniated Disc
Description: A herniated or slipped disc is when the soft inside part of a spinal disc pokes out through the tougher outer part. It presses nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
Symptoms: The person suffering from a herniated or slipped disc may experience a sharp, shooting pain in the lower back that may reach down from the hips to the legs with time. The person may also experience numbness, tingling, and weakness due to the pressure on the nerve that also affects the other nerves that are going towards the legs.
3. Degenerative Disc Disease (D3)
Description: Degenerative disc disease is a natural aging process that can lead to the deterioration of the discs between the vertebrae (backbone). This weakness reduces the spine’s ability to provide sturdy support. When the person stands or bends, these discs experience more pressure than usual, affecting the other parts and muscles of the spine.
Symptoms: People suffering from degenerative disc disease may experience chronic, low-level back pain, which can interfere with their daily activity. This pain may worsen if they stand for an extended period or walk for an extended period. D3 can make a person feel weak at times.
4. Spinal Stenosis
Description: Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. The pressure on the spinal cord and nerves can cause back pain for the person. These nerves extend down to the feet; hence, the person feels a sensation in the feet. The impact of the exertion increases when the person stands or walks, resulting in back pain.
Symptoms: Pain, numbness, and weakness, particularly in the legs, worsens when walking or standing upright.
Conclusion
In addition to the types of back pain listed above, people may suffer from scoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis, or sciatica. All of them can be treated with non-surgical spinal decompression treatment at ANSSI Wellness, a well-known wellness center.
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