There are many different causes for back pain and they can range from simple strains to something much more serious. Obviously if you’re in a great deal of pain you should consider seeing a top spine specialist to get a diagnosis. A lot of spinal problems are caused by mechanical problems or severe injury or trauma to the spine. But sometimes you can be afflicted by diseases that cause back pain.
Diseases that can cause back pain
Scoliosis: This is a condition in which the spine bends to the side abnormally, either to the right or left. This curvature can range from severe to moderate and any part of the spine can bent in scoliosis. Yet the most common regions are the chest area or the lower part of the back. The risk factors include age, as this disease can often start during a growth spurt that occurs just before puberty. Women have a higher risk for worsening symptoms and if a member of your family has this then there’s a higher chance that you’ll get it.
Treatment options for scoliosis:
- Braces: This is a disease that happens mostly in children and often if their curves are mild they won’t need treatment. There are a number of factors that are considered before treatment is given that include: gender, severity of the curve, where the curve is and bone maturity. Braces are recommended if the patient’s bones are still growing and they have moderate scoliosis the doctor may recommend a brace, which should prevent further curvature, but won’t reverse or cure the disease. Braces are worn at all times, even at time.
- Casting: This is done in early cases for children. The treatment is meant to guide the child’s spine back to normal. This device is usually made of a brace of plaster of Paris and is worn outside the body. This is also worn at all times. And because the child is continuing to grow the cast will often have to be replaced.
- Surgical solution: If braces or casting aren’t effective, then the patients might have to resort to spinal fusing. This is a kind of surgery that involves fusing two of the vertebrae. This kind of surgery can last from four to eight hours and requires the use of metal rods, hoods and screws. The child patient may have to remain hospitalized for up to a week after surgery. Obviously, this treatment should be considered in only the most serious or severe cases.
Osteoarthritis:
This is a degenerative disease that is caused by obesity, injury and aging joints. Symptoms can vary greatly from patient to patient as some people are crippled by their symptoms while others feel only slight discomfort. Pain symptoms usually include limping and joint pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement in the United States.
Treatment options for Osteoarthritis:
- Keep your weight down and exercise: This disease is more common, not to mention painful, in people who have severe weight problems. Common solutions include not only changing your diet but including moderate exercise into your daily routine. Common exercises that are helpful include walking, dancing and riding a bike. Swimming is considered a great exercise because you can work your muscles without putting as much pressure on your joints. Weightlifting can also be helpful.
- Medications: There are a number of over the counter medications you can turn to in order to lessen your pain. These medications include NSAIDs, which include brands like Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, aspirin and Aleve.
- Surgery: Most people that have this disease don’t need surgery but surgery can be an option when other treatment options simply aren’t working. Surgical procedures that can be used to treat this disease can be athroscopy, osteotomy, joint fusion, and joint replacement.
Pregnancy:
It probably seems obvious but pregnancy can put quite a bit of pressure on your back. There are three major factors why pregnancy can cause back pain: biomechanics, hormones and stress.
There are a number of remedies for back pain caused by pregnancy. These include:
- Prenatal yoga. This is a top choice of therapy for women who have been through pregnancy. It strengthens a number of important muscles that are under pressure due to the pregnancy and tone the physical body in preparation for the birthing process.
- Physical therapy. An experienced physical therapist can coach the pregnant woman to better sit, walk, stand and exercise. Check to see if its covered by your insurance.
- Sleep support. A pregnant women can make her sleep better just by the strategic use of a towel or a pillow. Get some advice from your doctor.
- Swimming. This is a great way to get exercise and also takes a lot of pressure off the spine.
- Wear a Maternity Belt. This is a supportive undergarment that helps hold up your belly. Consult your physician about usage.
Wear proper shoes. No high heels, certainly, or shoes with unsupported arches would seem to be the rule here.
