Experiencing pain in any part of the body is never pleasant and can be excruciating. Pain can strike anywhere. One of the most common places to hurt is the back. The spine is a complex structure that contains the spinal column which connects the brain to every other part of the body. There are several things that can go wrong in the spine to cause back pain. Working and performing daily chores can be difficult or impossible when your back hurts so effective treatment is a necessity. It’s important to know the symptoms of back problems, what causes them, and how to get them treated.
Back Pain Symptoms
The are several symptoms that go along with back pain. The hurt can be anywhere along the spine. Pain in the low back is common but it can also appear in the middle and upper back. Tightness is another symptom that can make it difficult to stand or sit up straight.
Pressure along the spine can press against the spinal cord. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or a pins and needles sensation virtually anywhere in the body. It most commonly happens in the limbs, hands, or feet. In extreme cases, the pain can be so severe that even lying down hurts.
Back Pain Causes
The spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae or discs. They connect together from the neck all the way down to the lower back. There is cartilage between the discs which provides padding, absorbs shocks, and allows the spine to be flexible. This is why you can bend, twist, and move in ways that involve a flexible spine.
Sometimes, one or more vertebrae can be moved out of alignment due to a fall or over-taxing the spine by lifting something heavy, especially with improper form. This is called a subluxation. It’s painful and limits the spine’s flexibility. It can also cause pressure on the spinal cord.
Vertebrae can also be compressed or crushed. The pain caused by a compressed disc is usually extreme and very limiting to mobility. If not treated, damage can be permanent.
Back Pain Treatment
There are several ways to treat back pain. In extreme cases, you may need surgery. This can be avoided if you seek treatment as soon as symptoms appear. One option that has helped many people is chiropractic care.
Chiropractors are accepted in the healthcare community as medical professionals. They undergo extension training and are licensed in the state in which they practice. A chiropractor will perform an examination and find the source of your back pain. They are then able to fix the problem with a series of gentle adjustments.
In addition to pain relief, your spine will be realigned. This can prevent future pain. One of the great advantages of chiropractic is that it is all-natural and doesn’t use any drugs.
A hurting back is one of the worst kinds of pain there is. Don’t ignore the symptoms. Seek treatment and consider seeing a chiropractor. They have proven effective for many people with back pain.
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