Back pain tends to be one of the most common reasons why people skip school or work. Due to the fact that many people usually don’t rush to the doctor with mild back pain, they might treat chronic back pain in the nearest future. If you want to avoid such complications, it is essential to visit a back pain doctor when you have noticed even slight symptoms of some disorders. In this article, we gathered five dangerous causes of back pain you should know.
1. Poor posture
If you don’t maintain proper posture, you may find yourself suffering from back pain over time. Poor posture is a quite common issue for people who have a sedentary lifestyle. If you don’t sit correctly, your spine doesn’t function properly. As a result, you may get not only back pain, but also headaches and neck pain due to pinched nerves or stiffed muscles.
Posture correction may be more difficult then you think. The reality is that people usually get used to their poor postures so much that even if they want to correct it, they return to their normal position almost immediately. You can set your alarm every 20 minutes with a reminder to keep your back straight. Another option is to ask your colleagues to remind you of the pose.
2. Muscle strain
A muscle strain occurs when you overuse your muscles and they become stretched or even torn. This condition may develop if you lift something heavy or during active exercising. The most common symptoms of muscle strain include:
- Severe pain in the affected area
- Weakness
- Swelling
- Bruising (because of the damaged blood vessels)
You should also know that muscle strain usually appears in the lover back. Despite the fact that there are a lot of home remedies for this condition, you should always visit a doctor to evaluate your condition. If the pain becomes unbearable, you can apply a cold compress and take painkillers.
3. Abdominal disorders
There are a lot of abdominal diseases (like hernia, endometriosis, IBS, and other medical conditions) that can cause painful sensations in the lower back area. All these conditions should be treated as soon as possible since they can cause dangerous complications.
For example, hernia develops when an organ is pushed through a hole in muscle or tissue. Despite the fact that this condition is not life-threatening, it is important to perform hernia surgery since it doesn’t disappear without treatment.
4. Arthritis
Spinal arthritis is inflammation that occurs in the spine joints or between the spine and the pelvis. It can develop because of wear and tear, autoimmune disorders, infection, or other factors. In some cases, inflammation can also affect the areas where ligaments and tendons are connected to the spine.
You should also know that spinal arthritis usually causes severe and often becomes chronic. It can be treated with the help of NSAIDs, physical therapy, and surgery. Lifestyle changes can also have a positive effect on spinal arthritis and your well-being in general.
5. Herniated disc
A herniated disc is a condition in which the disc that cushions your vertebrae slips and starts to irritate nerves. As a result, a person with a herniated disc usually experiences severe pain, discomfort, and a limited range of motion. Despite the fact that the condition usually affects the lower back, the pain can be located in any part of your spine.
There are a few treatment options for a herniated disc. Your doctor may recommend you to try non-surgical options. Physical therapy and OTC painkillers can significantly reduce painful sensations. However, surgical treatment is usually more effective.