Most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is a regular occurrence that interferes with work and daily activities. In fact, back pain is one of the leading causes of missed work days in the United States and lower back pain is often the culprit. Fortunately, you do not have to live with back pain as a regular part of your life. By understanding what could be causing your pain and knowing when to see a doctor for pain management solutions, you can enjoy more pain-free days with greater freedom to move and enjoy the activities you love.
Why Back Pain Is So Common
People are living longer in the modern age, and that means dealing with a broader range of degenerative disorders that can cause pain, stiffness, and discomfort. These disorders include osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and spinal stenosis. Each can cause pain and weakness in the spine that is likely to get worse with advanced age. However, the average American adult may have a handful of risk factors for back pain that causes symptoms to show up earlier than the retirement age. These risks include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and improper medical care for existing injuries.
Sitting has been shown to be a particular risk for back pain because remaining seated for long periods of time puts excessive pressure on the lower spine, weakens the muscles in the lower body, and limits circulation in the lower body. Because so many Americans work in desk-bound jobs and commute to work by car, they spend most of their days sitting down. To combat the fatigue of constant sitting with this type of lifestyle, take frequent walks and stretch breaks throughout the day and implement an active routine during non-work hours.
Associated Symptoms of Back Pain
Back pain is known to cause a wide range of secondary symptoms because pain is often linked to the spinal nerves, which connect with every other area of the body. Pain in the mid and upper spine may cause frequent headaches. In some cases, bowel and bladder control may even be affected by back pain.
Therefore, lower back pain may be associated with:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Shooting pain in the legs and feet
When to See a Doctor
If back pain is causing any disruption in your life, it’s worth seeing a doctor. Even the occasional backache may develop into something more serious without medical attention, so you should not hesitate to explore treatment. Many people will shy away from seeing a pain management specialist because they fear they will need surgery, but modern minimally-invasive surgical techniques make these procedures much easier to manage. Plus, you may never even need surgery because your doctor will introduce you to more conservative treatment options first to apply only as much medical intervention necessary for your relief.
To find relief from back pain, look no further than Next Generation Orthopedic and Spine Institute. Our physician, Dr. Anthony Owusu, specializes in treating back pain caused by degenerative spinal conditions, injuries, or the aging process.
Contact Us to Find Relief Today
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