What is back pain?
Back pain is a potentially serious condition that affects people around the world. It’s one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, and it can impact your ability to work, go to school, and participate in sports.
Most people experience back pain at some point in their lives, particularly low back pain. Back pain can range from a dull ache to severe pain and can come on suddenly or gradually over time.
What are the symptoms of back pain?
Some of the most common types of pain in the back include:
- Dull ache
- Pain that worsens when sitting or standing
- Pain that radiates down the back of the leg
- Shooting pain
- Stabbing pain
- Pain that worsens when lifting or bending
Numbness and tingling in the back can mean that you have a herniated (slipped) disc in your back.
What causes back pain?
Any sudden movement or awkward turn can disturb the muscles and ligaments near your spine, leading to back pain. Some of the most common conditions that cause back pain include:
Herniated disc
The soft discs in your spine are there to provide cushioning between the bony vertebrae. When these discs rupture or bulge, they can put pressure on the surrounding spinal nerves and cause back pain.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis because it causes degeneration of the cartilage that cushions your joints. Without treatment, arthritis in your back can cause pain and a limited range of motion.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal starts to narrow, leading to pain and numbness in the back, arms, and legs. Pain typically develops gradually with spinal stenosis and commonly affects the low back and neck.
Sciatica
The sciatic nerve runs from the low back through the buttock and down the back of the leg. It typically occurs when a herniated disc presses against the nerve, causing pain and numbness in your back and legs.
Postsurgical pain
Scar tissue can form near the nerves in the back after surgery, leading to chronic back pain.
While it can be difficult to prevent back pain, you’re more likely to have it if you’re overweight, a smoker, or over the age of 30.
How do chiropractors treat back pain?
More often than not, relieving back pain involves a combination of different treatments and therapies. Depending on the type of back pain you have, the providers at Magnolia Medical Clinic may recommend:
- Physical therapy
- Weight management
- Spinal adjustments
- Spinal decompression
- Therapeutic stretches and exercises
- Regenerative medicine
To learn more about the back pain treatments available at Magnolia Medical Clinic, call the office or book an appointment online today.
