Does your back pain persist despite resting and taking pain medication? Find out when back pain could be an indicator of an issue that needs medical attention.
Do you often suffer from pain, numbness, or stiffness in your back? If so, you’ve probably wondered what causes the symptoms.
To help you get a better understanding of what may be causing your discomfort, Bonaventure Ngu, MD, of Premier Spine Institute explains the structural components of the spine, how changes in these structures can cause issues, and things you can do to get relief.
Your spine has three sections: the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine. The cervical spine is the part of the spine closest to your head. The thoracic spine is located in the middle and upper back, and the lumbar spine is located in the lower back. The spine is composed of the following parts:
Vertebrae are the building blocks of your spine. And between your vertebrae are discs that allow your spine to bend, twist, and absorb shock.
If a disc herniates, the jelly-like substance inside the disc squeezes out to the exterior. If the substance pushes against a nerve, this can lead to pain.
A disc can herniate if there is poor blood supply to the disc, you lift heavy weights, you smoke, or because of dehydration. Regular exercise can increase the flow of blood to your discs, which can help prevent injuries.
In the back of your spine, facet joints link your vertebrae together and allow your spine to be flexible.
Unfortunately, you can injure these joints by severely twisting your body or lifting heavy weights. Painkillers and injections containing a small amount of anesthetic are sometimes recommended if the pain doesn’t go away on its own.
The spinal muscles are what allow you to stand upright. These back muscles contract and relax as the spine moves.
However, if you have weak spinal muscles or lift heavy weights, the muscles may become tense and painful. Pain in the spinal muscles can be severe, but it usually goes away with a combination of rest, ice, and pain medication.
You may be able to reduce back pain or eliminate it by implementing a few simple preventive practices, such as the following:
If your back pain doesn’t improve, Dr. Ngu can help you get relief. After a thorough evaluation, he may recommend medications, injections, or even minimally invasive surgery to repair spinal issues. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Premier Spine Institute today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Does your back pain persist despite resting and taking pain medication? Find out when back pain could be an indicator of an issue that needs medical attention.
Do you have persistent stiffness or pain in your shoulder? You could be suffering from a condition called frozen shoulder. Read on to learn about the signs of a frozen shoulder and the available treatments for the condition.
How many hours do you spend at a desk? If you spend most of your days leaning forward in front of a computer, your posture and neck may suffer. Here’s what you can do to prevent a stiff neck.
Is your back pain failing to respond to pills, creams, or patches? Find out how stem cells may be able to repair the damaged tissues in your discs.
Have you noticed your joint pain and stiffness worsening during the colder months? Read on to learn why symptoms can ramp up during the winter and what you can do about it.
Herniated discs are common, especially among people who lift heavy weights, smoke cigarettes, or carry extra pounds. Click here to find out if your discomfort could be caused by a herniated disc.