What is Back Pain?

• Muscle spasms
• Stiffness
• Weakness
• Numbness or tingling
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Loss of range of motion

Degenerative Disc Disease

As part of the natural aging process, leading to spinal disc degeneration, causing pain.

Spinal Stenosis

A narrowing of the spinal canal, exerting pressure on nerves.

Arthritis

Joint inflammation including those in the spine.

Herniated Discs

Protrusion of spinal discs, irritating adjacent nerves.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Continued pain following back surgeries, sometimes due to residual or recurrent spinal disc herniation, persistent post-operative pressure on a spinal nerve, affected joint mobility, or scar tissue

Fibromyalgia

Characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Chronic muscle pain in the body’s soft tissues.

Infections

Spinal or other infections leading to back pain.

Tumors

Tumors that may compress spinal nerves or surrounding areas.

Muscle and Ligament Strains

Often resulting from heavy lifting or sudden twisting.

Spondylosis

Age-related degeneration of spinal discs and joints.

Vertebral Compression Fractures

Often arising from osteoporosis.

Poor Posture

continuous poor posture placing undue strain on the spine.

Obesity

Extra weight that places additional strain on back muscles and discs.

Smoking

Leading to reduced blood flow to the spine, potentially causing disc degeneration.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Conditions like cancer or kidney disease can induce back pain.

Pregnancy

Leading to back strain.

Age

As we age, people might experience a natural degeneration of the spine. The discs between the vertebrae lose their flexibility and elasticity, leading to discomfort. The onset of conditions such as osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis, which are more common in older adults, can also contribute to chronic back pain.

Occupation

Occupational hazards play a significant role in the development of chronic back pain. Jobs that require heavy lifting, bending, and twisting, or standing/sitting for prolonged periods can exert excess strain on the back. Similarly, a lack of movement can also contribute to back discomfort over time.

Lifestyle:

Certain lifestyle choices can significantly impact the likelihood of experiencing chronic back pain. These include:

• Physical Activity: A lack of exercise can lead to weak back and core muscles, which may in turn affect the spine.
• Obesity: Excess weight can strain back muscles and spinal structures.
• Smoking: Smoking can impair blood flow, leading to oxygen and nutrient deprivation in spinal tissues.
• Poor Posture: Consistently poor posture can place undue pressure on the back which, over time, can lead to chronic pain.

Medical history

Individuals with a medical history of spine or back problems are at a higher risk of chronic back pain. Additionally, other medical conditions such as arthritis and kidney disease can contribute to or exacerbate back pain. Some individuals might be genetically predisposed to certain conditions that induce chronic back pain.

• INDIVIDUAL FACTORS

Age

The onset of back pain commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 50, and may become more prevalent with aging​.

Fitness Level

Individuals with a lower fitness level may experience back pain more commonly, as well-conditioned muscles provide better support to the spine​.

Body Weight

While body weight alone doesn’t necessarily cause back pain, being overweight can heighten the risk of flare-ups, especially if a back condition already exists​.

• OCCUPATIONAL FACTORS

Physical Demands

Occupations with higher physical demands such as lifting, bending, or prolonged standing or sitting may predispose individuals to back pain​.

• INDIVIDUAL FACTORS

Physical Activity

Engaging in activities that may strain the back or lead to injuries could increase the risk of back pain. A lifestyle that promotes regular exercise and stretching may help in preventing back pain.

Posture

Maintaining a good posture is crucial to prevent undue stress on the back which could lead to chronic back pain over time​.

• HEALTH CONDITIONS

Existing Back Conditions

Individuals with pre-existing back conditions are at a higher risk of experiencing chronic back pain​.

Other Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can indirectly contribute to back pain, like arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

• PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Proactive Management

Steps that may help lower the risk of developing back pain include maintaining a healthy weight, ensuring good posture, and adopting a physically active lifestyle​.

• Severe pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Pain that lasts for more than two weeks.
• Pain that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, weakness, or numbness.
• Pain that makes it difficult to walk, stand, or sleep.
• Pain that is getting worse over time.

• If you have back pain that spreads down your leg (sciatica).
• If you have back pain that is accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control.
• If you have back pain that is accompanied by fever.
• If you have back pain after a fall or other injury.
• If you have back pain and you have any underlying medical conditions such as arthritis or cancer.

• If your back pain is interfering with your daily activities, such as work, school, or hobbies.
• If your back pain is making it difficult to sleep.
• If your back pain is causing you significant distress or anxiety.

Anesthetic injections

These injections can help alleviate pain by numbing the affected area.

Radio frequency ablation (RFA)

RFA uses heat to mitigate or halt the transmission of pain.

Spinal decompression

Spinal decompression is a technique that gently stretches the spine to provide relief from back pain by taking pressure off the spinal discs and nerves.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)

SCS employs electrical impulses to alleviate chronic pain.

Intrathecal pain pump

An intrathecal pain pump delivers pain medication directly to the space around the spinal cord.