Is back pain really that common?
Believe it or not, a majority of people do experience back pain to some degree, with most of them choosing to ignore it instead of seeking medical attention. While it is indeed painful and uncomfortable, this could become problematic, as back pain is also a symptom of more serious health issues.
If the pain is concentrated in the upper back, a patient may have an inflamed spine, chest tumors, or aortic disorders. For the lower back, it could mean issues with the spine, the ligaments, or the muscles. It could also be associated with abdominal and pelvic issues.
Luckily enough, surgery is almost always never needed to treat back pain. Simple home remedies, exercises, and rehabilitation sessions can usually ease a patient’s back pain.
What are the other symptoms that can occur alongside back pain?
While most patients only experience pain in their backs, some symptoms also accompany it that can make everything even more uncomfortable. These may include:
In most patients, back pain clears up on spontaneously after a few days or weeks. However, should any of the following signs appear alongside back pain, seek medical help as soon as possible?
A patient should also seek medical attention immediately if they belong to any of the following groups:
How can back pain be properly diagnosed?
In most cases of back pain, doctors can easily determine a cause for it after a physical examination and interview with the patient. However, if they suspect an injury or something different, they may ask for additional tests.
If there is suspicion of problems with a spinal disc, nerves, or tendons, an x-ray or CT/MRI scan may be recommended. As for suspected infections, a simple blood test can tell a lot about what’s causing a patient’s back pain.
How can back pain be treated?
In the vast majority of cases back pain resolves itself without medical help – just with careful attention and home treatment.
Most patients may experience relief from back pain even without medical help. For those who consulted a doctor, the most usual prescription is for over the counter painkillers and regular application of a hot or cold compress on the affected area. Resting is also highly recommended, but only for a couple of days. Muscle may waste away if a patient rests for an extended period of time and may make their back pain much worse.
If these treatments have no effect on the patient’s situation, doctors may suggest other methods to relieve back pain, such as:
For a more detailed explanation on how physical therapy can help with back pain in the long run, visit Revival Ottawa to get in touch with a licensed therapist.