Back pain, which is a common problem for almost everyone, can be caused by various reasons such as inactivity, poor posture and weak muscles. In addition, this condition is sometimes seen as a symptom of another disease. For this reason, people with back pain should see a doctor for diagnosis. Back pain, which can be experienced by people from all age groups and walks of life, can affect a person’s daily life when it persists for a long time, causing them to be unable to perform the activities they need or want to do. Therefore, it can reduce the quality of life. Depending on the factors affecting the occurrence of pain, the method to be applied for back pain can be easily found and the person can return to his/her routine.
Causes of Back Pain
Back pain is mostly experienced in the muscles, connective tissues and joints. Heavy lifting, sudden movements, poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, stress-induced muscle tension and overweight are among the common causes of back pain. In addition, a number of health problems may also be associated with back pain. These include inflammation of the joints, nerve compression, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, kyphosis, fibromyalgia or osteoporosis. Finally, the cause of persistent back pain can also be psychological. Problems such as depression, stress and anxiety are among the causes of back pain. Although rare, problems such as cancer, nerve compression, inflammation, infection and fractures can also cause back pain. However, these conditions occur in very few people. In case of back pain that does not go away, it is absolutely necessary to consult a doctor to identify this cause and treat the pain.
Risk Factors for Back Pain
Risk factors for back pain include working at a desk or in a sedentary job, not doing sports, starting sports without warming up, smoking, obesity or overweight and advanced age. In addition, inflammation and swelling of the joints can also cause back pain. Situations that cause tension in the person, such as working in a stressful job, can also cause back pain.
When Should I Go to the Doctor for Back Pain?
Back pain can become unbearable if it does not go away for a long time. However, there may be other conditions in addition to back pain. If the person’s back pain is very severe and increases in intensity over time, and if the person has difficulty coping with this pain, it is absolutely necessary to see a doctor. From time to time, the person can find the cause of the pain and find a solution to it. However, if the pain persists despite the elimination of the cause that is thought to trigger the pain, it is necessary to see a doctor. In some cases, other symptoms associated with back pain may be a harbinger of a serious illness. In such a case, it is useful to seek help from a healthcare provider.If, in addition to back pain;
- High fever,
- Sudden weight loss,
- Difficulty going to the toilet,
- Chest pain
- If the pain increases at night,
- If it does not pass with rest,
- Pain in the back when sneezing, coughing or using the toilet,
- Pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the legs or around the genital area,
If symptoms such as loss of bladder control are observed, you should definitely see a doctor as soon as possible.
Treatment Methods for Back Pain
In order to decide on a treatment method for back pain, the possible causes of the pain should be investigated and the necessary information about the person’s medical history should be obtained. In addition, a number of tests and radiological imaging methods may be required to obtain more detailed information. In addition to medication, treatments such as exercise or physiotherapy may also be used. If back pain, which usually improves spontaneously or in a short time with the treatments applied, does not go away within a few weeks, different methods can be tried. In addition to the treatment methods applied, active movement of the person helps to reduce pain. Adopting an active lifestyle is effective as a precautionary measure as well as reducing pain. Unless the back pain is accompanied by other serious symptoms or the person has a pinched nerve, surgery is usually not necessary for treatment.
What can be done to prevent back pain?
Back pain can be an unbearable discomfort that restricts a person’s movements during the day. Back pain can be easily prevented by taking some precautions. First of all, it is necessary to prevent stretching of the neck and spine. For this purpose, heavy objects and bags worn on one shoulder should not be carried frequently. Instead, backpacks that allow the weight to be distributed evenly can be preferred or the load to be carried can be reduced. High-heeled shoes that will cause discomfort during prolonged use should also be avoided. Such shoes can directly affect the back and cause pain.
Comfortable and light-heeled shoes should be preferred. Apart from the accessories used during the day, people can prevent back pain with the help of physical activities. First of all, the posture should be corrected. Posture disorder, which causes pain by putting pressure on the spine, can also cause permanent damage over time. Especially when sitting at a desk, rolling the shoulders backwards or straightening the person contributes to correcting the posture.
Doing the same activities every day can cause the muscles to tire and become more tense after a while. Stretching is a very effective way to reduce the risk of back pain and allow the muscles to recover. In addition, abdominal exercises are also effective in standing upright and getting stronger and help prevent back pain. It is also possible to prevent back pain by practicing regular sports.