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Back Pain

Back pain is a very common medical problem. Nearly 80 percent of people will suffer from it at one time or another. Acute low-back pain will normally last for a few days up to several weeks. More often than not, it is the result of some kind of trauma to the low-back area. It can also be from arthritis. Long-lasting pain, called chronic back pain, will last for at least three months. Common symptoms associated with back pain include: shooting pain, muscle aches, decreased range of motion, and pain when standing.

Causes of Back Pain:

The short-term, or acute form, of low back pain normally last from just a couple of days up to a few weeks. This type of back pain is generally due to some kind of injury or trauma. It can also be due to some forms of disease or illness such as arthritis.
 

The causes of back pain may include:

  • Injuries
  • Internal Problems (muscle tension, spasms, and ruptured discs)
  • Hereditary Conditions (scoliosis and arthritis)
  • Infections
  • Tumors
  • Excessive stress on spine and surrounding muscles
 
In chronic back pain, the pain will last for at least 3 months. In many cases, it is progressive, meaning it can get worse. Locating the cause may be difficult.
 

Symptoms of Back Pain:

Back pain symptoms may range anywhere from:
  • Stabbing or shooting pain to simple muscle ache
  • Reduced flexibility and decreased range of motion
  • Not being able to stand upright without pain
 

Treatment for Back Pain

 
Some back pain will go away on its own with nothing but rest. Generally, chronic back pain will need treatment of some sort. In some cases, chronic back pain will require surgery. Most doctors, however, prefer to treat chronic back pain without surgery until everything else has been tried.
 

Medications for Back Pain

Medication can be used to help back pain. Drugs can help reduce the level of pain. Some of the medications used for back pain include: simple analgesics (such as aspirin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, anticonvulsants are sometimes used, opioids, and antidepressants.
 
Analgesic type drugs are used specifically to help relieve pain. Analgesics include:
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) acetaminophen (Tylenol) as well as aspirin
  • Prescribed narcotics, this might include oxycodone with acetaminophen (percocet)
  • Other prescription narcotics include hydrocodone with acetaminophen (vicodin).
 
Most doctors will use non-surgical treatments before they recommend back surgery. The only good candidates for surgery are those with chronic back pain that have not responded to other treatments. Examples of diagnoses that can lead to surgery include: spinal stenosis, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, as well as vertebral fractures, and some forms of discogenic low back pain.
 

Exercise Issues

Exercise is good for some types of back pain. Some examples include: partial sit-ups, wall slides, bridges, and controlled stretching. Exercises can often help prevent future back pain. Other exercises can be done to strengthen all of the muscles that support the back. In addition, aerobic exercise that is combined with good eating habits can help maintain ideal weight standards.
 

Chiropractic Issues

For some, chiropractic treatment is a good option for back pain. With these treatments the doctor will address musculoskeletal conditions, and will work on muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissue. Studies on chiropractic treatments are uneven. Some show it works while others show it does not work. The same, however, can be said of traditional back pain treatments. If chiropractic treatments make you feel better, then use them.