Back pain is attributed to being the biggest reason why people miss work, and one of the most commonly listed reasons for scheduling a doctor’s appointment. Back Pain is known to be the number one cause of disability. Most people experience back pain at least once in their lifetime. Fortunately, in most cases, back pain usually goes away within a few days with little to no treatment. There are several measures that people can take in an effort to prevent back problems, and multiple ways of finding relief should one find themselves in pain. Sometimes, prevention and home remedies fail, and the pain in your back persists for more than just a few days. Should you find yourself in this position, it is imperative for you to seek the assistance of a pain specialist. For example, those experiencing back pain in Austin, Texas can find an abundance of treatment options available from medical experts at Republic Spine and Pain. Below are some important things that you should know about back pain.
Symptoms of Back Pain
Of course, the symptoms and signs of back pain can vary significantly in severity from one case to another, but generally, the symptoms of back pain will include:
- Stabbing or shooting pain
- Muscle ache
- Pain that gets worse when you bend, walk, or stand
- Pain that extends to the legs
- Pain that gets better when you recline
Generally, back pain should improve with adequate rest and proper home care. However, it is important for you to seek the assistance of a medical professional if your back pain is severe, and/or does not seem to be getting better after a week of rest and trying home remedies. If the pain is accompanied by fever or bowel and bladder problems, then you should seek medical care immediately.
Causes of Back Pain
Acute back pain occurs suddenly and it can last for up to six weeks. It’s usually severe and is likely to result from heavy lifting, or from a fall. On the other hand, chronic back pain is less severe, it develops gradually without any apparent cause, and it lasts more than six weeks. Generally, the following conditions can be linked to back pain:
- Muscle or ligament strain
- Ruptured or bulging disks
- Arthritis
- Skeletal irregularity
- Osteoporosis
Some contributing factors to back pain can include old age, a lack of exercise, other diseases, lifting excessive weight, smoking, and psychological stress or depression.
Prevention and Treatment
Perhaps prevention is the best way of dealing with back pain. Some simple things that you should try to do to avoid situations that typically cause back pain include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, maintaining an upright posture, and sleeping on a comfortable mattress.
When you go to see your doctor for back pain, diagnosis may include X-rays, MRI or CT Scans, Bone Scans, and EMG. Treatment can include a variety, or combination of options including possibilities such as pain medications, steroid injections, physical therapy, multiple surgical options, and many more.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that back pain is quite a common medical issue in the world. Although the pain may often go away without treatment in smaller cases, while other cases can be severe and require the attention of a pain specialist to be treated appropriately. If you are looking for a reliable pain specialist to help with managing and treating back pain in Austin, TX, Republic Spine and Pain is an excellent pain management and treatment facility for you to consider. Feel free to contact or visit them today for more information about the services that they offer.
