Do you wake up in the morning and say, "Oh my aching back"? If you do, you are not alone. There are millions of people who experience the same thing! Back pain is among the top reasons for missing work, seeing a doctor and experiencing disability. While back pain can come from many different causes, the symptoms often overlap. These symptoms can run the gamut from mild muscle soreness to excruciating shooting or stabbing pain. Often patients report feeling pain in their hips, buttocks, thighs and legs, too. Pain can be exacerbated by twisting, lifting, bending, walking, and standing.
There are many causes for back pain. However, for this article, we will only highlight some of the most common. One of the most prevalent is osteoarthritis. This is an age related wear and tear condition. Patients with osteoarthritis experience pain and stiffness. This occurs when the joints wear down, the run on each other causing friction and inflammation, resulting in pain. It is important to note that osteoarthritis often causes stenosis. Stenosis is when the spaces within the spine narrow. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots which results in back pain. Another back pain culprit, that unfortunately many people don´t even realize themselves with new bone tissue, the process of new bone creation doesn´t occur with osteoporosis. The result is bones that are porous, weak and brittle-ripe for back problems!
Additionally, ruptures, bulging or herniated disks in the spine are common causes of back pain. The function of the disk is to be a "shock absorber" and cushion the spine. When a disk ruptures the gelatinous material inside seeps out, leaving the disk to press on the nerve. The results in back pain. Finally, back sprains/strain injuries are among the most common causes of back pain. A sprain involves an overstretched or a teat to a ligament. (The ligaments are fibrous tissue bands the connect joints to bones). A sprain involves an overstretched or tear to a muscle or tendon. Muscle spasms often occur with strains. Sprain/strain injuries cause inflammation, decreased range of motion, and pain. These types of injuries can occur at any age. Sprains/strains can result from a fall, lifting, pushing, pulling and other reasons.
Although, medication, surgery, and other procedures are a choice for some, not everyone wants to go that route. Here´s some good news! There are many options to treat back pain. For those seeking 100% DRUG FREE pain relief there are great benefits to be had with physical therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments. Another effective treatment that is drug-free and a non-invasive approach is the FDA approved MLS Laser therapy. This innovative technology works by using light energy to minimize pain, reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Don´t let back pain stop you from living the life you want to live and doing the things that you want to do! You can start feeling better today and make tomorrow the morning you wake up and say, "WOW, I FEEL GOOD!".
If you would like more information about this article or anything else with regards to pain management, feel free to contact me at 954-973-0710 or email us at appletonchiro@gmail.com
