Back Problems

Eighty percent of Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Whether caused by injury or overuse, there is usually a solution to addressing that pain and reducing it. With at least 20 percent of Americans suffering from back problems at a given time, this is a welcome message to many. The key to finding relief is through identifying the pain’s origination, diagnosing the problem, and evaluating treatment options. A positive attitude toward healing is vital, as studies have shown that a psychological component does exist with back pain (Linton 2000; Pincus et. al. 2002).

Identifying Back Pain

The onset of back problems can occur through muscle trauma, strains, prolonged positioning or a degenerative joint disease such as arthritis or a herniated disc. Muscle strains do not seem as serious, yet they may result in back problems for years if not addressed correctly when the injury occurs. Disc and joint problems may sound much worse, but in reality they are just as treatable. Most respond well to conservative, non-invasive treatments. Myths that a herniated disc will require surgery to repair abound, yet only a small percentage of sufferers will undergo surgical correction.

Muscle Pain in the Back: Evaluation

Because muscle tissue makes up most of the body mass and controls the movement of the body, it is prone to injury from various causes. One of the first and most common ways muscular back problems begin is from trauma, or any muscle reaction to an uncontrolled movement of the body. It could be as serious as a car accident or fall or a micro trauma from turning one’s head quickly or a sneeze with gusto.

Sprains happen when a muscle is subjected to trauma and is torn, while a strain is a separation of muscle tissues after heavy lifting or a forceful exertion of the muscle. Then there is prolonged positioning in which the body is held in a particular position for long periods of time without a chance for the muscles to be activated. Sitting at a computer all day without much movement is one example of prolonged positioning.

Back problems can start suddenly with a strain or can occur gradually for no apparent reason. The pain may begin or get worse when your body is in one position. One might feel pain early in the day with improvement as time passes, or the pain may come and go. Sometimes the pain intensifies with extended lack of movement and then goes away when repositioned or moving.

Most back problems caused by muscle pain are located in a specific, small area or a large band across the lower back. In a severe muscle case, an entire region of the back may be affected. The good news is that muscle pain, unlike joint and disc pain, is usually localized and easier to treat.

Joint and Disc-rooted Pain: Evaluation

Usually caused by a degenerative condition, which is the lowering of the effective power or vitality of the spine, joint and disc, joint and disc-rooted pain make up a much smaller percentage of back problems. This type of pain may start in the same way, via trauma or lack of movement, but the progression, intensity and length of pain can be much different.

Instead of being localized, back problems from joint and disc pain may be regional, referred and radiating pain. Regional pain is stabbing and intense. Referred pain occurs when the nerves of the disc or joint become so irritated that they affect a nearby extremity – typically the arms or legs. Radiating pain travels the entire extent of the nerve to the hands and feet. A common radiating pain is called sciatica, which travels from the lower back all the way down the leg, and often with no back pain at all.

Treatment of Back Problems

When anti-inflammatories and rest do not bring relief from back pain, individuals should consult their doctor for a diagnosis and treatment options. All information about past back trauma and the patient’s lifestyle should be provided to the physician so a proper plan of treatment can be developed.