Back Pain

There are many common reasons of back pain, including each and every day wear and tear, sports injuries, auto accidents, terrible posture and repetitive motions. Back pain that comes on unexpectedly and lasts no more than six weeks (acute) can be caused through a fall or heavy lifting. Back pain that lasts in excess of three months (chronic) is less common than acute pain.

COMMON CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH BACK PAIN CAN INCLUDE:

• Muscle or ligament strain. Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. If you are in poor physical condition, consistent strain on your lower back can cause painful muscle spasms.

• Bulging or ruptured discs. Disks act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. However, you can have a bulging or ruptured disk without back pain. Disk sickness is often found by the way when you have spine X-rays for some other reason.

• Arthritis. Osteoarthritis can have an effect on the back. In some cases, arthritis in the backbone can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a situation called spinal stenosis.

• Skeletal irregularities. A situation in which your spine curves to the side (scoliosis) also can lead to back pain, but usually not until middle age.

• Osteoporosis. Your spine's vertebrae can develop compression fractures if your bones become porous and brittle.

There are some common risk factors that can increase the chance of someone developing back pain,

• Age. Back pain is more common as you get older.

• Lack of exercise. Weak, unused muscle mass in your back and abdomen would possibly lead to back pain.

• Excess weight. Excess body weight puts extra stress on your back.

• Diseases. Some kinds of arthritis and cancer can make a contribution to back pain.

• Improper lifting. Using your back instead of your legs can lead to back pain.

• Psychological conditions. People susceptible to depression and anxiety appear to have a higher risk of back pain.

Here at Redwood City Health and Wellness we provide several natural and drug free ways to help manage and relieve your pain. We also value the importance of an interdisciplinary approach for conditions and treatment options not offered through Redwood City Health and Wellness, we will do our best to recommend you to the healthcare practitioner that best suits your needs.