Causes of Back Pain
The common cause of back pain in Liverpool is strain and structural problems. Strain in muscles or incorrectly lifting heavy objects might cause back pain. People experience tension in their back from overactivity. You will feel stiffness and pain that occur after a few hours of vigorous exercise. Structural problems of the spine cause back pain; for example, disks cushion the space between vertebrae. In some cases, disks rupture herniates or bulge, leaving the nerves compressed. Herniated disks can be painful, while bulging disks press the nerve travelling from the back down to the leg can cause sciatica.
Symptoms
Back pain presents many symptoms, such as an aching sensation on the back, a stabbing or shooting pain radiating down to the leg. Other symptoms include the inability to stand without back pain and a diminished amount of flex in the back. These systems are a result of strain or misuse. These symptoms go away within a week; if symptoms persist, seek medical assistance immediately.
Symptoms that indicate serious problems
While you might want to wait for some time for your back to undergo self-relieve and get well soon, some symptoms need serious medical attention. For example, if the pain lasts for one week or more, you have a reason to worry about it and, if possible, seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms that indicate serious problems include;
- Inability to control bladder or loss of bowel
- Numbness, weakness, and tingling in one leg or both
- Falling from high areas leading to trauma or blow to the back
- Intense and constant pain that is worse during the night
- Unexplained weight loss and presence of fever
If you have any of the above signs and symptoms, let your doctor know about this for immediate action.
Diagnosing back pain
All you need to diagnose back pain is a physical exam; your doctor may test the following during physical exams:
- Ability to stand or walk
- Range of spine’s motion
- Reflexes
- Strength of the leg
- Sensations in your legs
If the doctor still suspects a severe condition, further exams are advocated, for example, blood sugar level, urine test to unleash underlying conditions. To check for spine alignment and bones, use the X-ray. CT scan and MRI will assess ligaments, discs, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Other tests include EMG aimed at testing nerve conduction.
Back pain prevention
Here are some tips to follow to avoid back pain. If you can observe these steps, you might ease the back pain.
Carry less: Avoid heavy objects as much as possible; laptop bags, suitcases, and more can cause you unnecessary strain on the neck and the spine. If you must carry, use bags that distribute weight evenly like a backpack. If possible, move your luggage using suitcases with mounted wheels.
Work your core: Work out the muscles around the back and the abdomen; they provide support and carry you during your physical activities. Making them strong reduces the chances of back pain.
Improve your posture: Improper posture can exert unnecessary pressure on your spine. It will lead to pain and damage to the spinal cord over time.
Change shoes: high heeled shoes are not suitable for the health of your spine. Put on low-heeled shoes as much as possible and put on high-heeled shoes occasionally.
Stretch regularly: While working on the same posture for extreme hours, you need to stretch yourself often to prevent your muscles from getting fatigued.
These tips can be useful in keeping back pain at bay. You may also try visiting The Disc Doctor for proper diagnosis and care.
