What are the Causes, Risks, and Symptoms of Back Pain?

For seeking medical treatment and for absence from work back pain is a common reason. It can be debilitating and uncomfortable. It is the result of activity, injury, and some medical conditions. Due to factors such as degenerative disk disease and previous occupation, the chance of developing back pain increases, as people get older.

The bony lumbar spine is where the back pain happens, discs between the vertebrae, spinal cord and nerves, ligaments around the spine and discs, abdominal and pelvic internal organs, lower back muscles, and the skin around the lumbar area. Due to disorders of the aorta, spine inflammation, and tumors in the chest, pain in the upper back may occur.

Causes of back pain

According to the back pain specialist, the main causes of back pain are problems with back structures and strain.

1. Strain- Back pain often occurs due to strained muscles. With the incorrect lifting of heavy objects and sudden awkward movements, a strain commonly happens. Over-activity also results in strain. After a few hours of yard work or playing a sport, the stiffness and sore feeling occur is the example of it.
2. Structural problems- On top of one another that make up the spine, vertebrae are the interlocking bones stacked. Between each vertebra, disks are areas of tissue that cushion the space. A fairly common cause of back pain is disk injuries. These disks can herniate, bulge, or rupture sometimes. When this happens nerves can get compressed.
3. Arthritis- For back pain, Spinal osteoarthritis is also a potential cause. In the cartilage joints of your back, it is caused by damage and deterioration. This condition can lead to narrowing of the spinal stenosis or spinal column over time.
4. Osteoporosis- Thinning of bone and loss of bone density is called osteoporosis. In your vertebrae, it can lead to small fractures. These fractures are referred to as compression fractures and can cause serious pain.

Risk factors of back pain

To a higher risk of developing back pain, the following factors are linked

1. Pregnancy
2. Excess weight and obesity
3. Genetic factors
4. A Sedentary lifestyle
5. Smoking habit
6. Occupational activities
7. Medical conditions such as cancer and arthritis
8. Poor physical fitness
9. Older age
10. If done incorrectly work or strenuous physical exercise

As compared to men, back pain also tends to be more summon in women possibly due to hormonal factors says a back specialist. Mood disorders, stress, and anxiety have also been linked to back pain.

Symptoms of back pain

Pain or an ache anywhere in the back is the main symptom of back pain and sometimes all the way down to the legs and buttocks. Depending on the nerves affected, some back issues can cause pain in other parts of the body. Without treatment, the pain often goes away but if it occurs with any of the following people should see a back pain doctor:

• Fever
• Pain down the legs
• Difficulty in urinating
• Swelling on the back or inflammation
• Trauma or blow to the back of a recent injury
• The feeling of numbness around the genitals
• Loss of control over bowel movements

Article source:- https://backandpainclinic.blogspot.com/2021/07/what-are-causes-risks-and-symptoms-of.html

When you suffer from pain, other physical and daily activities are affected. That's why it's important to find a treatment solution to relieve the pain. With treatment, you will get relief from the pain and you can focus on the important things in your life. A pain specialist specializes in diagnosing and treating persistent pain, so this type of doctor can provide many services that other doctors cannot. In case of severe pain, consult a pain management doctor.

Here are 7 reasons to see a pain doctor-

Reason 1: Knowledge and expertise

Pain management doctors specialize in the expertise, knowledge, and equipment, and they provide the best treatment to help find relief.

Reason 2: Identifying the root cause of pain

Whenever any pain arises, it is necessary to identify its root cause, because if ignored, the problem can increase. Visiting any pain doctor helps to identify the root cause of the pain. Following the original identification helps to relieve it effectively. In some complex cases, it is challenging to identify the root cause of the pain. A pain therapist's advanced training allows for a thorough evaluation that may include some tests to diagnose the specific, underlying cause of symptoms.

Reason 3: Need specialist for chronic pain

If you are suffering from pain for more than 6 months then it comes under the category of chronic pain. You will need a doctor’s help to get relief from this pain. Over-the-counter pain medicine can temporarily relieve pain.

Reason 4: Headache, Migraines

Headache is a common condition but becomes critical when it takes the form of a migraine. This type of pain causes recurrent, throbbing pain. Migraine pain can last for hours or days and sometimes cause nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sound. In this situation, you need to go to the pain treatment center.

Reason 5: Pain doctors can provide invaluable services

A pain doctor may provide many different services to the patient depending on the type of pain involved such as cognitive behavioral therapy, nerve blocks, trigger injections, physical therapy, hypnotherapy, nerve stimulation, and more. Many of these services not only treat pain but also treat the chronic condition caused by it.

Reason 6: Get comprehensive and personalized care

A pain therapist can provide help with comprehensive pain management. They follow a customized treatment plan that includes medication, traditional treatments, and physical therapy. The most effective pain treatments are individualized because no two patients have the same symptoms, condition, and lifestyle.

Reason 7: For being proactive with your health

If you have any type of pain and you are facing many problems because of it, then going to the pain doctor will help you to stay healthy. You will be active again after getting treatment from the pain treatment clinic.

This blog gives 7 reasons to see a pain doctor when you are suffering from pain. Good primary care can help prevent any health problems from escalating. Sometimes, a small problem becomes a big one, and it can take the form of a serious disease. If you are experiencing any kind of pain, then immediately consult a doctor in the pain clinic.

Article source:- https://backandpainclinic.blogspot.com/2021/07/what-is-most-common-reason-to-see-pain.html

The most common musculoskeletal complaint that brings people to their doctor is knee pain. The number of knee problems is increasing with today’s increasingly active society. Knee pain has a wide variety of specific treatments and causes.

Along with the ankles and hips, the knee joint’s main function is to bend, straighten and bear the weight of the body. However, the knee is more than just a simple hinged joint that also twists and rotates. To support the entire body while doing so and in order to perform all of these actions, the knee treatment relies on a number of different structures including ligaments, bones, cartilage, and tendons.

What are the Knee pain treatment methods?

There are mainly four types of treatment is used in knee pain treatment- Medication, Therapy, Injections, and Surgery.

1. Medication- To help relieve pain and to treat the conditions causing your knee pain, your doctor may prescribe medications such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Therapy- You have to strengthen the muscles around your knee so that it will make it more stable. Based on the specific condition that is causing your pain, your knee doctor may recommend physical therapy or different types of strengthening exercise.

You may need exercises to correct movement patterns that may be affecting your knees and establish good technique during your sport or activity if you are physically active or practice a sport. Your balance and flexibility are also important to improve your exercises.

Sometimes with wedges on one side of the heel, arch supports, can help shift pressure away from the side of the knee most affected by osteoarthritis. To help protect and support the knee joint different types of braces may be used in certain conditions.

1. Injections- Your knee pain doctor may suggest injecting medications or other substances directly into your joint in some cases. For example:

Hyaluronic acid: To improve mobility and ease the pain, hyaluronic acid can be injected into your knee. Hyaluronic acid is a thick fluid similar to the fluid that naturally lubricates joints. The effectiveness of this treatment may last as long as six months. Although study results have been mixed from one or a series of shots.

Corticosteroids: In your knee joint, the injections of corticosteroid drug may help reduce the symptoms of an arthritis flare and provide pain relief that may last a few months. In all cases, these injections aren’t effective.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): To reduce inflammation and promote healing, PRP contains a concentration of many different growth factors. PRP may benefit certain people with osteoarthritis, some studies have found that but more studies are needed.

1. Surgery: It’s usually not necessary to have the operation immediately if you have an injury that may require surgery. Consider the pros and cons of both nonsurgical rehabilitation and surgical reconstruction in relation to what’s most important to you before making any decision. Your options may include if you choose to have surgery:
2. Partial knee replacement surgery
3. Arthroscopic surgery
4. Total knee replacement
5. Osteotomy

Article Source :- https://backandpainclinic.wordpress.com/2021/07/27/what-are-the-different-treatment-methods-for-knee-pain-treatment/

In general, back pain is common; it may be associated with a specific activity such as lifting or twisting incorrectly. This pain goes away within 72 hours with rest and gram/cold treatment; however, if the pain gradually increases, and does not go away, your condition may be more serious. There are several red flags that pain management doctor look for when evaluating low back pain. These warning signs are intended to detect fractures, tumors, or infections in the spinal cord.

This blog mentions such signs by which you will know that back pain is serious.

Fever-

Fever can be a sign of severe back pain. As a result, you may have pain and stiffness in your back. Sometimes back pain can be the secondary result of an infection that causes fever. Your doctor will usually advise you to resume daily activity gradually. Getting too much rest can aggravate your back pain.

Numbness or weakness-

If you experience weakness, incoordination, and numbness in the legs, you are at risk of cauda equina syndrome. This is a serious disease of spinal nerve damage, which can cause nerve pressure. As a result, long-term nerve irritation and damage can lead to permanent disability. In this situation, you need to see a back specialist.

Loss of bowel or bladder function-

Back pain with loss of bowel or bladder control can be a sign of a serious condition. This disease is known as cauda equina syndrome. In this, the nerve roots in the lower end of the spinal cord experience some kind of compression, and paralysis occurs. It can be caused by a herniated disc, fracture, tumor, spinal stenosis, or trauma to the spinal cord. Cauda equina syndrome can be a medical emergency and requires immediate back pain treatment.

Foot Drop-

In severe signs of back pain, you may experience that your toes drag along the ground while walking or that you have to deliberately raise your leg higher to compensate for the drag. This condition caused by back pain is called senile. Dropping of the foot is usually a symptom of a critical problem.

Night pain-

In this type of pain, you will feel that there is no pain during the day but at night the back pain starts, which makes sleep almost impossible. This pain could be a sign of disc degeneration or a sprain or something more serious like cancer or a tumor. If back pain occurs during the night then it should not be ignored. Make a doctor's appointment as soon as possible.

Sacroiliitis-

This is inflammation of the joints that connect your spine and pelvis. This condition can cause pain in the lower back, glutes, and upper legs.In case of severe back pain, assess your pain and symptoms. Although back pain is common, it can take a serious form if it is not treated in time. Consult a doctor if signs of severe symptoms appear. If there are red flag symptoms, you need to go to the pain center. Article Source :- https://backandpainclinic.wordpress.com/2021/07/27/how-do-you-know-when-back-pain-is-serious/

How can I stop knee pain?

Knee pain is common and can be caused by both short-term and long-term problems. Many short-term problems with knee pain do not require seeing a knee pain doctor and you can often get better on your own. However, if the condition of the knee pain is delicate and severe, home remedies will not work. In such a situation, you should take an appointment with a knee pain specialist.

Many home remedies can help in getting relief from pain problems. Depending on the severity and type of pain, you can try home remedies for your knee pain.

Home remedies for knee pain-

Massage therapy-

Mild knee massage with medicated Ayurvedic oils like sesame oil is a great knee treatment

for chronic knee pain. Massage of the thigh muscles is also able to have a strengthening effect; it reduces the pressure on the knees during activities such as cardio.

Physical activity-

Knee pain can be relieved by exercise. Doctors also recommend exercises to manage OA of the knee. Along with this, you can also adopt activities like walking; cycling, and swimming, all of them can be beneficial. Being physically active improves the health of cartilage tissue. Strengthening the leg muscles with exercise can relieve knee pain.

Hot or cold packs-

Using a hot water bag or ice pack as a treatment can relieve pain. This is one of the best and simplest knee pain treatment. Do not apply ice directly to the skin above the knee; Wrap it over the knee in a towel and then place it on the knee under light, steady pressure.

Weight loss and diet-

The risk of knee pain is higher in those who are overweight. Your obesity increases inflammation throughout the body and this affects the knees. Losing weight helps reduce long-term knee pain. A healthy diet can also provide pain relief, Include fruits, vegetables, and high amounts of fiber in your diet.

Use shoes with cushioned insoles-

Wearing shoes with cushioned insoles can help reduce knee pain, as they reduce strain on the knees.

Medicines-

You can take medicines to get instant relief from knee pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and other medications can help with knee pain. Medications that help manage pain include topical capsaicin, steroid injections, and tramadol.

Posture and support-

Following remedies that help in reducing knee strain:

• Avoid sitting for long periods of time and without moving for long periods of time.
• Checking that you have a good sitting posture, without slouching or slouching.
• Do not sit on such chairs and sofas, on which they get down while sitting.
• Avoid shoes with broken arches.

Acupuncture-

Acupuncture is the most popular and beneficial home remedy for knee pain relief. In this procedure, small needles are inserted at specific points in your skin at various places on the body to relieve knee pain. You can take the help of a qualified acupuncturist for acupuncture sessions.

If the above self-care measures fail to provide adequate relief for knee pain, consider seeing a knee pain specialist. If you are dealing with kidney or liver disease, do not take any analgesics before consulting your doctor.

Article Source :- https://backandpainclinic.blogspot.com/2021/07/how-can-i-stop-knee-pain.html

All You Should Know About Low Back Pain

Back pain is a typical cause of an uncomfortable condition seeking medical treatment. It can occur from injury, wrong body postures, or activity. When people get older, the chances of back pain become higher. In such a case, visit a pain clinic to get relief from back pain.

How is back pain diagnosed?

For proper diagnosis of back pain, the pain specialist will ask patients ‘ medical history and physical exam. Patients will need to tell clear symptoms of the pain so that the physician may know the root cause of the problem. Professional will ask specific questions such as:

• How did the pain start?
• Why did it happen?
• What is the level of severity?
• Pain is acute or chronic?

Patients will be required to go through some diagnostic tests such as x-rays, bone scans, and MRIs. Normally, when people suffer from bone, soft tissue, or injuries, they have to visit doctors for treatment. A back pain specialist may prescribe blood and urine tests to find if there is any infection. The physician may suggest EMG(electromyography) or nerve study if the pain might be caused by a nerve problem. An EMG is an evaluation of the electrical impulses of nerves and the response of the muscles.

How is Back Pain Treated?

• Back pain treatment aims to relieve back pain and restore mobility. The treatment may vary depending on the severity and nature of the injury. Heat technique is used to advance circulation to the area and get rid of spasms. Cold packs can be used if the patients have inflammation or swelling issues in the back. Moreover, OTC (Over The Counter) medications such as Aspirin, Motrin, Tylenol, may be prescribed to help the pain and inflammation.
• Physicians, generally don’t recommend long bed rests as it can cause recovery slower and also generate other issues. Doctor asks patients to resume their physical activities after the rest of twenty-four to seventy-two hours. Moreover, physicians recommend physical therapy that would involve heat, massage, ultrasound, and a personalized exercise regimen. The pain does not recede and bothering you, specialists may suggest medications such as Darvocet, Vicodin, or Percocet and anti-inflammatory agents to reduce muscle spasms.

• If the pain becomes unbearable and chronic, back pain specialists may advance the mode of treatment such as epidural nerve block. It involves the injection of anesthetic anti-inflammatory or steroid into the epidural space of the back for long-term pain relief.
• Other medicines, for example, antidepressants and anticonvulsants may be recommended to help and relieve pain resulting from nerve damage.

Other types of low back pain treatment include:

• TENS((transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) functions using electrodes that are placed on two three affected areas of the back. These electrodes are connected to a unit that offers mild electrical stimulation to the painful areas to get rid of the pain.

• Chiropractic arrangements of the back.
• Acupressure or acupuncture treatments.
• Rest and breathing methods and stress control instruction.
• Massage and basic stretching workouts to better movement and reduce spasms.
• Yoga and Pilates- This mode of treatment can help relieve pain and stress. Some Yoga postures may help get rid of low back pain and help enhance strength, flexibility, and balance. Yoga is a good option for stress reduction and can help with the psychological aspects of pain.
• Aquatic or water therapy- people suffering from chronic back pain can get an advantage of this method to relieve pain and improve mobility. There won’t be resistance to movement in the water as it is soothing, comforting, and relaxing for the body.

However, some people say that you can't stop harming your back, most specialists agree the regular reasons for back pain can be prevented by making some changes in lifestyles.

Article Source :- https://backandpainclinic.wordpress.com/2021/06/26/lower-back-pain-diagnosis-and-treatments/