What makes up the spine?
The spine, or backbone, is made up of a column of 33 bones and tissue going from your skull to pelvis. These bones, or vertebrae, enclose and protect your spinal cord (a cylinder of nerve tissues). Between each one of the vertebra is a disk, or band of cartilage, that absorbs shock between the vertebrae.
What causes back pain?
Causes of back pain can be complex. Some causes include accidents, trauma, muscle strains, and sports injuries.
Common Symptoms
-Constant aching or stiffness anywhere along your spine.
-Sharp, localized pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back
- especially after lifting heavy objects or engaging in other strenuous activity.
-Chronic ache in the mid or lower back, especially after sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
-Back pain that radiates from the low back to the buttock and down the back of the leg.
-Inability to stand straight without having pain or muscle spasms.
How is back pain diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a complete history and physical for your back pain and may suggest one of the following diagnostic studies:
X-rays: x-rays are used to provide detail of the bone structure in your spine and to check for instability, tumors, and/or fractures.
CT Scans: CT scans can identify specific conditions, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
MRI Scans: MRIs can provide details about your backs' disks and nerve roots. A number of other imaging and electrical studies may also be used for diagnostic purposes as well as for pain relief.
Common Diagnoses
Neck Pain Upper & Mid Back Pain Low Back Pain
Treatment
Over-the-counter (OTC pain relievers): Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen or naproxen. Topical pain relievers are also available, such as creams, lotions, or sprays that are applied to the skin to relieve pain from sore muscles. Different kinds of Nerve Blocks are used for pain treatment and management, including therapeutic nerve blocks, diagnostic nerve blocks, and prognostic nerve blocks. Nerve block injections can block the nerves causing pain with the injection of a nerve-numbing medication. Your doctor may recommend Epidural Steroid Injections in which they inject a steroid medication into the epidural space to reduce inflammation. Spinal Cord Stimulation is a procedure that delivers low-level electrical signals to the spinal cord or to specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain.
Should you see a doctor?
You should call YourDrs about back pain if:
-You feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your groin, arms, or legs; this may signal damage to the spinal cord. Seeking medical attention immediately.
-Your pain increases when you cough or bend; this could be a herniated disc.
-Your back pain radiates down the back of your leg; this could be sciatica.
-Your pain is accompanied by fever, burning during urination, or frequent and/or urgent urination. You may have an infection.
-You begin to have difficulty controlling your bowel or bladder; seek medical attention immediately.
Other symptoms that could indicate a serious back pain problem include:
A history of cancer;Unintentional weight loss; You have been on medication, such as steroids, that weaken your immune system; history of trauma; Pain that does not improve after you rest; Pain that has lasted more than a month; Nighttime pain; A history of IV drug use.
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