Hi Friends, One of my family members is recovering from back pain. He was able to get in with his direct primary care office quickly, but I was still one of the first people he reached out to for advice when it initially presented. Together, we went through the various causes, remedies, and when to really be concerned. As many of us are in the midst of spring cleaning, I thought a summary of back-pain causes might be helpful:
Muscle or ligament strain: Overstretching or tearing of muscles or ligaments in the back due to sudden movements, lifting heavy objects improperly, or poor posture can lead to back pain.
Disc problems: Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae in the spine. Discs may bulge, herniate, or degenerate over time, causing pressure on nerves and resulting in back pain.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the spine, causing inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
Skeletal irregularities: Conditions like scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine), lordosis (excessive inward curvature of the spine), and other congenital conditions can lead to back pain.
Osteoporosis: Weakening of the bones due to loss of bone density can make the vertebrae more susceptible to fractures and collapse, resulting in back pain.
Injuries: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause fractures, sprains, or strains in the back, leading to pain.
Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down the back of each leg, can cause sharp, shooting pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.
Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal due to aging or other factors can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to back pain, numbness, and weakness.
Infections and tumors: In rare cases, infections of the spine (such as osteomyelitis) or tumors pressing on the spinal cord or nerves can cause back pain.
Lifestyle factors: Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, poor posture, and stress can contribute to back pain by putting strain on the muscles and structures of the back.
In my family member’s case, the back-pain was tied to an acute incident of muscle pain from improperly lifting a heavy object. Unfortunately, proper lifting mechanics is often learned the hard way! Rest and PT have helped get him back on the road to health. While still recovering, I’m happy to say we have him back on his feet now and there is noticeable improvement each week.
Remember, it’s always important to visit your primary care provider if you are experiencing back-pain to help you heal the root cause of the issue. Until next time, take care and keep spreading love and positivity…and remember to engage your core!
Farah Myers is a Family Nurse Practitioner with Cool Creek Family Health, a direct primary care (DPC) clinic in Carmel, Indiana. DPC is a model of value based healthcare that allows the patient (you) better access and a more personal relationship with your healthcare provider. Contact us today to learn how we put you in the driver’s seat of your healthcare and can make you love your primary care experience again!
