If you are struggling with back pain, you are not alone. Millions of Americans live with back pain, and it is one of the most prevalent reasons people miss work or seek medical help. Anybody can suffer back pain at any moment, regardless of whether you have a past injury or potential risk factors. Often, back pain Naples is not life-threatening and resolves by itself. However, in some instances, the pain is your body’s signal that something is wrong. Therefore, if you struggle with back pain, it is important to learn about the possible causes of your discomfort. Continue reading to learn more.
- Degenerative Disc Disease
During birth, intervertebral discs are filled with water and are fully healthy. As you age, the discs lose water and deteriorate. As the discs dehydrate, it becomes less functional to resist stresses and transmits force to the disc wall, which might develop rips and induce discomfort or deterioration that could result in a herniation. Besides, the disc may rupture and lead to stenosis.
- Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a disorder caused by facet joint and disc degeneration. This condition can affect a single level or several levels of one’s lower spine, inducing different degrees of inflammation, pain, instability, and stenosis. Spinal osteoarthritis is connected with aging and progresses slowly. This condition is also known as degenerative joint disease or spondylosis.
- Lumbar Herniated Disc
The jelly-like core of the lumbar disc may penetrate the rigid exterior and irritate a surrounding nerve root. The herniated section of one’s disc is packed with proteins that induce inflammation once they invade a nerve root. Nerve compression and inflammation both contribute to nerve root pain. The disc wall is also rich in nerve fibers, which means a tear in the wall can result in intense pain.
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint links the sacrum at the foot of the spine with every side of the pelvis. This joint is sturdy and has reduced mobility, and its primary role is absorbing tension and shock between the lower and upper body. The sacroiliac joint may become painful if it gets swollen (sacroiliitis) or if there is excessive or insufficient joint motion.
- Stress
The spine plays a key role in maintaining your body upright. Excessive weight and poor posture could place additional strain on the spine. If your back muscles must work harder than usual, you may experience pain.
- Deformity
Spinal curvature can include kyphosis or scoliosis. If the deformity causes a deterioration of the facet joints, discs, or sacroiliac joints, it could be associated with pain, particularly in the lower back.
- Fibromyalgia
The effects of fibromyalgia are not clear-cut, but one of its common concerns is back pain. Although studies continue to understand the pains and aches that fibromyalgia can cause, most people concur that it results from anomalies in the nervous system.
- Infection
A spinal infection, also known as osteomyelitis, is uncommon but could cause excruciating discomfort and is life-threatening if not addressed. This infection could also result from injections, and surgical treatments, among other concerns. For instance, patients with weakened immunity are more vulnerable to spinal infections.
Back pain could range from a chronic, dull ache to intense, unexpected pain. Back pain can sometimes arise from a fall, heavy lifting, or accident or develop gradually due to age-related degenerative spinal shifts. Although there are numerous reasons for back pain, this concern is frequently treatable and manageable. Lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining correct posture, learning proper lifting techniques, and avoiding high-risk activities, can alleviate back pain. Nevertheless, if your back pain is intense or incapacitating, you should discuss alternative therapies with your specialist.
