Back pain is one of the most common health burdens individuals around the world are subject to. For those who are experiencing back pain, it is helpful to learn more about your symptoms and the potential causes for a simplier diagnosis process. In this blog, we’ll cover all the basics of back pain so you can gain a better understanding of your condition.

What is back pain?

Back pain can come with a variety of symptoms, occur in different parts of your back and have varying degrees of pain. Some individuals experience mild bursts of pain, while others are subject to more tender and regular doses of pain. Back pain can occur from the upper spine to the lower back area.

Due to how subjective back pain can be, it is often difficult to diagnose its causes. Doctors will also need to consider any accompanying symptoms such as pain radiating down the leg or worsening pain occurring when sitting, standing, walking, bending or twisting.

What are the causes of back pain?

Below are common causes for back pain:
Ligament or muscle strain. Pulled muscles may cause both short-term and long-term back pain depending on its severity. Pulled muscles are often caused by a sudden awkward movement or while playing a sport without proper stretching. Bad posture may also cause repeated muscle strain and cause back pain.
Ruptured disks. Disks are located between the bones of your spine and act as a cushion to keep them from rubbing against each other. In the case that a disk is ruptured or is bulging, it may press on a nerve and cause a numbing or back pain. Ruptured and bulging disks can be discovered with X-rays.
Arthritis. Arthritis or joint inflammation in your lower back may cause pain and stiffening as you age. There are many different types of arthritis, such as those caused by wear and tear, infections or other underlying diseases.
Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a relatively serious disease in which your bones become brittle and thin over time. It occurs when your body disposes of old bones (tissues) faster than it can create them.

If you are experiencing back pain and have been for an extended period of time, consider visiting a health clinic to diagnose your symptoms and identify possible causes. If overlooked, back pain can develop into something more serious. Sydney Spinal Care is an option to visit for those local to the Maroubra area.