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How To Tell What Kind Of Back Pain You Have

What Is The Treatment For Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

The 3 Different Types Of Back Pain | How To Determine Which One You May Have | Kalkstein Chiro

Initial treatment is similar to sudden-onset attacks. That is, aim to keep as active as possible. Also, painkillers can help. In addition to the painkillers listed above, your doctor may advise a course of an antidepressant medicine in the tricyclic group – for example, amitriptyline. Tricyclic antidepressants have other actions separate to their action on depression. They are used in a variety of painful conditions, including back pain.

Also, a national guideline , referenced below) recommends one or more of the following treatments should be considered. Each of these treatments has some evidence from research trials to suggest that they will help to ease symptoms in some people :

  • Structured exercise programme. This means a programme of exercise supervised by a professional such as a physiotherapist. This is likely to be in a group setting. Exercises may include aerobic activity, movement instruction, muscle strengthening, posture control and stretching. It typically consists of up to eight supervised sessions over 8-12 weeks with encouragement to keep on doing the exercises at home between sessions.
  • Manual therapy. Typically this includes several sessions of massage, spinal mobilisation and/or spinal manipulation. With spinal mobilisation the therapist moves the joints of the spine around in their normal movement range. In spinal manipulation, the therapist moves joints beyond the usual range of movement.
  • A course of acupuncture. It is not clear how this may work.

Persistent Low Back Pain

Nonspecific low back pain is classed as chronic if it lasts for longer than six weeks. In some people it lasts for months, or even years. Symptoms may be constant. However, the more usual pattern is one in which symptoms follow an irregular course. That is, reasonably long periods of mild or moderate pain may be interrupted by bouts of more severe pain.

How Arthritis In The Back Is Treated

Treatment for back arthritis depends on many factors, including your age, level of pain, type and severity of arthritis, other medical conditions and medications, and personal health goals. Because joint damage caused by arthritis is irreversible, treatment usually focuses on managing pain and preventing further damage.

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Conditions That May Cause Back Problems

Back pain or problems may not be related to an injury.

  • Conditions that weaken the spine, such as ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, or Paget’s disease, can cause back pain. These conditions are most common in older adults. In rare cases, tumours or infections can develop in or around the spine.
  • Some medical conditions can cause pain to spread to the back from other parts of the body . Many health problems that can cause back pain have nothing to do with the bones, joints, muscles, or ligaments of the back.
  • Spinal deformities such as scoliosis, kyphosis , and spondylolisthesis can cause back pain.
  • Chronic pain syndrome caused by a previous injury or degenerative disease with aging can cause back pain.

Note The Intensity Of Your Pain

What Kind of Back Pain do you Have?

How bad does it hurt? Knowing this is one of the first steps to working collaboratively with your healthcare provider. Intensity is a measure of the strength of felt pain signals.

As the patient, this is probably the most important part of the ordeal for you. Many healthcare providers will ask you to fill out a visual chart of some sort. You may be asked to rate the intensity of your pain with a number, or by picking a “face” that represents how the pain makes you feel this is called the “oucher” or “faces” chart. The “faces” in the oucher chart go from happy and smiling to crying.

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Musculoskeletal Painusually What You Think Of As Back Paincomes In A Couple Of Flavors And Knowing Which Is Which Will Help You Get The Right Treatment

Pain: Its just a fact of life. Most of usabout four in five, according to some estimateswill feel back pain at some point in our lives. If were lucky, we spend a few weeks grimacing if we get up too fast or turn our neck just so And if were not, we could be looking at medication or even surgery.

Learn about different types of back pain you may experience. Pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage, according to the International Association for the Study of Pain. While its unpleasant, pain is the bodys way of alerting us to a problem, thanks to specialized peripheral sensory neurons called nociceptors. These neurons detect potential or actual damage and transmit the information to the brain. When the brain processes that information, we feel pain.

Musculoskeletal pain, which is usually what back pain is, comes in a couple of varieties, such as:

  • Nerve or neuropathic pain
  • Muscle and ligament pain
  • Bone and cartilage pain

Being able to tell them apart can help both patients and doctors figure out what to do about them.

Does Ovarian Cancer Cause Back Pain

The back pain that you are experiencing is most likely a result of the tumor itself!

According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, a pelvic mass can exert pressure in the pelvic region. Depending on the size of the mass, it can cause pressure and/or pain in both the pelvic region and the lower back, as well as the upper thighs!

Not only that, but the tumor can increase the size of your abdomen this is called distension. When your abdomen becomes bigger than your body is used to, it can cause generalized pain and one of those areas could be your back.

Cancer pain is multifaceted. The pain may come from the cancer itself, or it can be caused by the growth of the cancer as the tumor grows into surrounding tissues. According to Mayo Clinic, some tumors also release certain chemicals our bodies react to these chemicals can cause pain.

Also, pain can be caused by the treatment of cancer, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

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Quiz: Your Back Pain Profile

Take this quick quiz to find out which disharmony is causing your back pain and determine if your pain is here to stay and what you can do about it. This quiz is confidential. Click on the answer that describes your condition and symptoms.

  • I wake-up almost every morning:
  • A.& nbsp

    With a tight lower back.

  • B.& nbsp

    Pain and stiffness in my neck.

  • C.& nbsp

    Just fine until I go to work then my back starts to ache.

  • 2. My back pain symptoms began:
  • A.& nbsp
  • More than 2 months ago after an injury.

  • C.& nbsp

    After I was diagnosed with a herniated disc.

  • 3. My back pain prevents me from exercising:
  • A.& nbsp

    Because I have sharp pain when I move around.

  • B.& nbsp

    My back is prone to injury.

  • C.& nbsp

    Because it feels weak when I move.

  • 4. Stress makes my back pain feel worse.
  • A.& nbsp
  • First thing in the morning.

  • B.& nbsp
  • After any activity or sport.

  • 6. The cause of my pain is:
  • A.& nbsp
    • Sample QuestionWHAT PERCENT OF PEOPLE WILL SUFFER LBP IN THEIR LIFETIME80
    • Sample QuestionIfthere is pain in the left side of the genitalia when side flexing to the right,what is the likely cause?Sacrotuberous ligament sprain

    What Is Low Back Pain

    How To Determine What Type of Back Pain You Have From Your Baltimore Area Chiropractor

    The low back, also called the lumbar region, is the area of the back that starts below the ribcage. Almost everyone has low back pain at some point in life. Itâs one of the top causes of missed work in the U.S. Fortunately, it often gets better on its own. When it doesn’t, your doctor may be able to help with several effective treatments.

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    Tips On Easing Arthritis Pain

    You can lessen your arthritic pain by adopting a few good habits. For example:

    • Change posture often to lessen stiffness in your muscles and joints.
    • Move the painful joint as often as possible.
    • Always squat down before picking up something off the ground.
    • When not sitting, always stand straight so as to properly align the neck, spinal column, hips and knees.
    • Perform body stretches once or twice daily.
    • Choose and wear proper footwear with shock-absorbing soles.

    To help ease arthritis pain, the first choice of pain medication is acetaminophen. An effective pain reliever for this type of pain, it has the advantage of being very safe and has few secondary effects.

    In some cases, you can use anti-inflammatory medication, many of which are sold over-the-counter. These products are not for everyone, and may cause undesirable effects. Always ask your pharmacist for advice before using them.

    Where Can I Get More Information

    For more information on neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact the Institute’s Brain Resources and Information Network at:

    Office of Communications and Public LiaisonNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeNational Institutes of HealthBethesda, MD 20892

    NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient’s medical history.

    All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

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    When To See A Doctor For Back Pain

    is one of the most common medical conditions more than eight in 10 of us will experience it during our lifetime. There are many reasons why your back may hurtfrom a to more serious . The type of discomfort ranges from a dull to sharp pain. The most common type of back pain is acutewhich means it goes away within weeks. Chronic back pain lasts longer than three months. Knowing when to see a doctor for back pain is half the battle when it comes to finding relief. Many people continue to function with mild backaches and find relief with at-home care measures. But, its important to know the signs and symptoms of a more serious back problem that requires a professional medical diagnosis and treatment.

    Most People Will Experience Back Pain At Some Point In Their Lives But What Type Of Back Pain Is It

    What Kind of Back Pain Do You Have?

    Back pain is typically caused by the accumulation of repetitive movements or sitting over many years. Most of the time its due to a sore joint, disc or ligament in your back, but its rarely serious even if its painful enough to feel that way. The good news is that its quite treatable, no matter your type of back pain.

    The first step is to figure out which type of back pain you suffer from.

    The most common type is felt predominantly in your back and it worsens when you bend forward. A doctor, physiotherapist or kinesiologist can show you how to relieve this pain with exercises , or with tools like a lumbar support cushion for sitting or a foot stool to use when standing. These moves and tools make you arch backward, which will reduce pain. A physiotherapist or kinesiologist can also teach exercises that help you maintain an overall better posture to reduce the frequency and intensity of future attacks. Speaking of better posture, make sure you try our weekly back-strengthening workout.

    The next most common type of back pain occurs when you arch backward . Many people can manage this pain on their own, often just by slouching forward, but exercises from a professional can also help.

    No matter the cause, beware of turning to strong painkillers.

    Dr. Hamilton Hall is an orthopedic surgeon and medical director of CBI Health Group.

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    Additional Sleeping Accessories For Sleepers With Back Pain

    Besides a mattress, other accessories can play a part in making your bed conducive to quality, pain-free sleep. Upgrading your pillows and your bed base can be done as a lower-cost way of improving your sleeping surface, or you can purchase these along with a new mattress as part of a complete overhaul.

    Pillows

    Pillows play an important role in preventing and reducing back and neck pain. Pillows that provide proper support to the neck can improve spinal alignment because the spine extends into the neck . In addition to supporting the head, pillows can be strategically placed to provide cushioning and comfort to other parts of the body.

    Numerous factors affect which pillow can best help any individual fight neck and back pain. The amount of loft of your pillow should fit your personal preference and body shape. The right loft level is also largely determined by the firmness of your mattress and your sleeping position, as outlined in the following tables.

    Sleeping Position
    Medium Firm Firm High

    To reduce back pain, pillows can be used to support other parts of the body besides just the head and neck.

    Bed Platforms and Bases

    The base of the bed can contribute to a supportive overall sleeping surface for people with back pain.

    Some people opt for an adjustable bed, which allows for the upper and lower body to be raised at various angles. Many adjustable bed frames also include a heat or massage feature that can be a nice bonus for back pain sufferers.

    Back Pain Culprit: Chronic Conditions

    Several chronic conditions can lead to low back pain.

    • Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, which can put pressure on the spinal nerves.
    • Ankylosing spondylitis inflames the joints of the spine, and sometimes the shoulders, hips, ribs, and other areas too. It causes chronic back pain and stiffness. In serious cases, spinal vertebrae start to fuse .
    • Fibromyalgia causes widespread muscle aches, including back pain.

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    Signs Your Back Pain Might Be An Emergency

    In our 20s and 30s, normal back pain often can be attributed to factors of daily life, such as sitting too long, picking up children, or overdoing it while exercising.

    In our 40s and older, work injuries and the beginnings of arthritis and degenerative conditions are more common.

    Back pain is so common, in fact, that many patients shrug off symptoms that might indicate a medical emergency.

    Approximately 80% of adults will experience back pain in their lives, so its important to be able to identify the severity of your symptoms and track how long the pain lasts.

    If back pain can be associated with a specific activity, such as lifting or twisting wrong, and the pain goes away within 72 hours after resting and applying ice, its usually nothing to worry about. However, if pain creeps on gradually, appears suddenly, or doesn’t go away, you might have a more serious condition.

    What Is The Outlook

    What is piriformis syndrome and how to tell if you have it.

    Most of us will have a bout of nonspecific low back pain at some point in our lives. The severity can vary. However, it is difficult to quote exact figures as to outlook . This is partly because it is so common and many people with back pain do not consult a doctor. Roughly, it is thought that:

    • Most nonspecific back pains ease and go quickly, usually within a few weeks.
    • In about 4 in 10 cases, the pain has completely gone within four weeks.
    • In about 7 in 10 cases the pain has completely gone within one year.

    However, once the pain has eased or gone it is common to have further bouts of pain from time to time in the future. Also, it is common to have minor pains on and off for quite some time after an initial bad bout of pain. In a small number of cases the pain persists for several months or longer. This is called chronic back pain.

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    Symptoms Of Lower Back Pain

    Sometimes a pain may develop immediately after you lift something heavy, or after an awkward twisting movement. Sometimes it can develop for no apparent reason. Some people just wake up one day with low back pain.

    Although nonspecific back pain is sometimes called simple back pain, simple does not mean that the pain is mild. The severity of the pain can range from mild to severe. Typically, the pain is in one area of the lower back but sometimes it spreads to one or both buttocks or thighs. The pain is usually eased by lying down flat. It is often made worse if you move your back, cough, or sneeze. So, nonspecific low back pain is mechanical in the sense that it varies with posture or activity.

    Most people with a bout of nonspecific low back pain improve quickly, usually within a week or so, sometimes a bit longer. However, once the pain has eased or gone it is common to have further bouts of pain from time to time in the future. Also, it is common to have minor pains on and off for quite some time after an initial bad bout of pain. In a small number of cases the pain persists for several months or longer. This is called chronic back pain .

    What Doctor Should I See For Back Pain

    If your back pain is from a recent strain or mild injury, your primary care doctor can probably help. But if the pain is severe, ongoing, or accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, it may be time to see a back doctor. Start with someone who specializes in nonsurgical treatment for back pain. This can include a physiatrist, chiropractor, physical therapist, or orthopaedic physician assistant. They can evaluate your condition and offer appropriate treatment to help alleviate your pain. Depending on your circumstances, they might also refer you to another type of back specialist — for example, a pain management specialist or spine surgeon.

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