At any given time, nearly 31 million Americans suffer from low back discomfort.
It’s common for humans to experience back pain. While people of all ages experience this issue, middle-aged adults usually feel it more heavily.
Back pain can range from mild to severe. Identifying what type of pain you have to get proper treatment is essential.
If you’re struggling with pain, check out our guide on the different types of back pain.
Upper Back Pain
Chronic upper back pain is long-term back pain lasting more than three months. It is often the result of an injury, such as a muscle strain, ligament sprain, or herniated disc.
However, it can also result from a degenerative condition, such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease.
Treatment for chronic upper back pain often includes a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Surgery is rarely necessary.
If you are experiencing these problems, you should know the back pain symptoms. If you ignore them, it may cause radicular pain.
Lower Back Pain
The lower back is the most common type of back pain, accounting for around 13% of all cases. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Muscle Strain
- Ligamentous Sprain
- Facet Joint Dysfunction
- Disc Herniation
- Spinal Stenosis
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Back pain treatment options include rest, ice, heat, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections. When all conservative measures fail, surgery may be necessary.
Buttock and Leg Pain
One of the most common types of back pain is buttock and leg pain.
This can be caused by several different things, including Sciatica, which is a condition that results when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed. Sciatica can cause a shooting pain that starts in the buttock and radiates down the leg.
Other causes of buttock and leg pain include a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. Buttock and leg pain treatment often includes physical therapy, pain medication, and steroid injections. Surgery is usually only recommended as a last resort.
Spinal Cord Compression
One type of back pain is spinal cord compression. This type of pain is caused by spinal cord compression, which can be due to a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or a host of other conditions.
Treatment for spinal cord compression generally involves a combination of pain medication, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.
If you are experiencing back pain, it is essential to see a doctor so that they can properly diagnose the source of your pain and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Herniated Disk: One of the Most Severe Different Types of Back Pain
A herniated disk occurs when the soft inner core of the disk breaks through the tough outer shell. It can cause the disk to bulge or rupture. If you suspect you may have a herniated disk, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
A herniated disk is a severe condition and can require surgery to correct. If the herniated disk presses on the nerves in your spine, it can cause severe pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs or arms.
If you are experiencing back pain, you must consult your doctor to determine the cause.
Prevention is a Must
There are different types of back pain, and each style has its characteristic symptoms. Treating back pain often requires a combination of different approaches. The most important thing is to find the right direction for your situation.
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