WHAT IS BACK PAIN?

Back pain is a prominent condition that affects a diverse range of people. It favors no age, gender, or any other demographic marker as it can appear suddenly or develop over time. The pain can range in severity from a dull constant ache to a sudden, sharp, and shooting pain. There are two types of pain, acute back pain, and chronic back pain.

Acute back pain is short-term pain that lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks; in some cases, it can last a few months. Typically, acute pain is located in the low back and will resolve on its own with self-care and no medical intervention. There is usually no residual loss of function in cases of acute back pain.

Chronic back pain is defined as pain that continues for 12 weeks or longer. About 20% of people who begin with having acute pain will develop chronic symptoms. Some chronic back pain can persist for a year without having any underlying serious medical condition.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BACK PAIN?

Unfortunately, the back can be extremely prone to injury. The slightest or simplest movements can have extremely painful results; you can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture discs, or irritate joints.

Acute back pain is typically mechanical in nature, meaning that normal movement in the back is disrupted. There are five main causes:

• Congenital Defects
  • Skeletal Irregularities such as scoliosis, lordosis or kyphosis are biological defects that change the shape or the spine and back and cause severe pain.
  • Spina bifida is another congenital defect where the spinal cord and its protective coating do not develop properly. Because of this, vertebrae don’t form properly causing abnormal sensations or possible paralysis.
• Injuries to the back can cause pain, no matter how severe.
  • Sprains- overstretched or torn ligaments
  • Strains- tears in tendons or muscles
  • Spasms- sudden contraction of a muscle or muscle group
  • Traumatic Injuries such as car accidents, sports injuries, or falls can all cause damage to different parts of the back. Certain traumas can compress the spine and cause a ruptured disc.
• Degenerative Problems
  • Spondylosis is general degeneration of the spine that is from basic wear and tear that occurs in all joints, discs and bones of the spine from aging.
  • Arthritis and similar diseases cause inflammation in the back which produces discomfort.
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration is a condition where the intervertebral discs wear down over time. This makes them lose their ability to cushion the bones while they move.
• Nerve and Spinal Cord Problems- There are many different conditions that cause the spinal cord to be compressed or inflamed.
  • The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back through the buttocks and continues through the back of the legs. Sciatica is the condition where something presses down on the sciatic nerve.
  • Spinal stenosis is when the spinal column is narrowed and that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
  • Spondylolisthesis happens when a vertebra of the lower spine slips out of place and pinches the nerves that exit the spinal column.
  • Herniated or ruptured discs are when intervertebral discs become compressed and bulge outward.
  • Infections in any area of the back can also cause pain and discomfort and possibly cause serious damage to the spinal cord or spinal column.
  • Cauda equina syndrome occurs when the ruptured disc pushes into the spinal canal and presses on nerve roots located in the lumbar and sacral regions. If left untreated, this condition could cause permanent neurological damage.
  • Osteoporosis is a progressive decrease in bone density and strength that leads to fractures in the vertebrae that are extremely painful.
• Non-Spine Sources
  • There are many conditions that are unrelated to the spine but cause painful side effects in the back.
    • Kidney stones, endometriosis, tumors and pregnancy all can cause pain and discomfort in the back but are not rooted in that region.

UNDERSTANDING THE STRUCTURE OF THE BACK

It is important to understand the structure of the back and which parts are impacted by different types of back pain. The back is divided into five regions that each have their own function. The first region is known as the cervical region or the neck area. The neck is meant to support the head and maintains the greatest range of motion than any of the other regions. The second region is the thoracic region or the mid-back area. The thoracic spine is meant to hold the rib cage and protect both the heart and lungs. The third region is the low back or the lumbar region. The lumbar spine bears the weight of the body and is typically the area most responsible for pain and discomfort. The sacrum is the fourth region and connects the spine to the hip bones. The coccyx is the fifth region and is also known as the tailbone; it provides an attachment for ligaments and muscles of the pelvic floor.

The spaces in between the vertebrae are known as intervertebral discs. These discs are round and rubbery pads that act as the shock absorbers throughout the spinal column whose primary role is to cushion bones while the body moves. Ligaments hold the vertebrae in place and tendons are the connection between muscles and the spinal column. These components all work together to allow the body to move the way it does. Alongside the mechanical parts, there are 31 pairs of nerves rooted to the spinal cord and they transmit signals from the body to the brain.

RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING BACK PAIN?

Although back pain can happen to anyone at any time, there are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing it. The following information was collected from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Age is a major factor in developing back pain. Typical onset of acute or chronic back pain occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. Advancing age causes loss of bone strength, decreasing muscle elasticity, and the intervertebral discs that are meant to provide a cushion in between joints, begin to lose fluid and their flexibility which makes them less effective. These are all very natural occurrences within the body, but they can lead to a very painful result.

The level of physical activity can also lead to back pain. Back pain is more common for those who are not physically fit; being inactive can lead to weak abdominal muscles that cannot properly support the spine. Moderate physical activity should be a part of a daily habit to maintain the integrity of back muscles. In addition, maintaining healthy body weight is very important; being overweight or obese puts unnecessary stress on the back.

There are also possible job-related factors that could cause back pain. Certain jobs that require heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling can cause the spine to twist or vibrate incorrectly. Heavy backpacks can also be destructive as they stress the back into muscle fatigue. Working at a desk all day can also cause discomfort; specifically, when a person has poor posture or is sitting in a chair with very little support.

Mental health can also play a role. Anxiety and depression can both influence a person’s focus on pain and the perception of severity. Mood and basic well-being can increase the risk of experiencing back pain and if left untreated, chronic pain can have a negative impact psychologically.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF BACK PAIN?

The American Chiropractic Association reports the following information about how vast the impact of back pain is.

• Worldwide, back pain is the single leading cause of disability that prevents people from engaging in work and everyday activities
• ½ of all Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year
• Experts predict up to 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lives
• Low back pain costs Americans at least $50 billion in health care costs each year
  • If you add in lost wages and decreased productivity that number rises above $100 billion
• A third most common reason for a visit to the doctor’s office
  • Behind skin disorders and osteoarthritis or joint disorders
• One of the most common reasons for missed work
  • Accounts for more than 264 million lost workdays in one year
  • That is 2 workdays for every full-time worker in the country

THE MANY WAYS TO TREAT BACK PAIN

According to Medical News Today, one of the most basic ways to try and alleviate back pain is choosing the right sleep position. The best sleep position is sleeping on the back with knee support. This position evenly distributes weight from across the whole body and ensures the natural alignment of the spine. Another way to sleep on the back is in a reclined position. Head posture should maintain the natural spinal position and raising the head slightly can provide that extra support. If you are a side sleeper, then sleeping with a pillow in between the knees can be effective in relieving strain on the back. The pillow in between the legs raises the upper leg and restores the natural alignment of not only the spine but also the hips and pelvis. For people with a herniated disc, the fetal position is ideal for relieving pain during the night. Having the knees tucked into the chest can reduce the bending of the spine and helps open joints. One of the worst positions for the back is sleeping on the stomach. However, if you are a stomach sleeper then placing a pillow under the stomach and hips can improve alignment.

AMERISLEEP reports that in addition to sleep position, using the proper pillow is fundamental to ensuring a supported neck and spine. A good pillow conforms to special movements and can create a neutral spinal position.

• Stomach sleepers should look for higher fill pillows or a neck-contour style pillow. This would keep the neck at a neutral angle in comparison to shallow pillows allowing the head to bend inward.
• Side sleepers could benefit from using a body pillow because it can be hugged to the chest and prevent shoulder pain. Placing it in between the knees will also keep the spine straight during the night.
• Back sleepers should use medium-filled pillows; the angle created when sitting up straight should be the same angle the pillow provides when laying down. Sleeping at the correct angle will make sure the head does not fall back and not have the chin angle too close to the chest.

Contour Products Inc., offers many products that relieve back pain and support the spine, neck, and hips during the night. Choosing the right pillow can provide an easy solution to treating back pain without getting medications that have their own harmful side effects involved.

Contour Legacy Memory Foam Leg Pillow:

• Perfect for those looking for relief for not only back, but also hip, knee, and leg pain
• Natural alignment stabilizes the pelvis and low back
• Helps alleviate pain points in the back, hips, and knees for all-night comfort
• Prevents the back and hips from rotating which can create painful pressure points
• Unique and patented design that is designed to help side sleeper cushion their thighs, legs, and even their knees
• Features
  • Ergonomic design that promotes air circulation
  • 20% longer than traditional leg pillows for improved support
  • The breathable, removable, and washable quilted cover
  • Curved bottom area fits the body more comfortably
• Good For: Side Sleepers, those suffering from osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, pregnant women, and those who have foraminal herniated discs

Kabooti 3-1 Donut Seat Cushion:

• Relieves lower back pain and lumbar discomfort
• Provides pregnancy pain relief, post-surgery recovery, and general seating discomfort
• Slightly tilts pelvic region forward which promotes proper seating posture
  • Thighs at a slight angle reduce pressure points in the lower back
• Addresses unique orthopedic factors
  • Sculpted surface- contours to your unique body shape and distributes your body weight to alleviate pressure points while sitting
  • Larger center opening- provides comfort and relief for those struggling with sore bottom pressures
  • Innovative stability lobes- improve sitting balance and ensures we stay in the proper position; improved balance in comparison to traditional ring-shaped donuts
  • Tapered front edge- reduces the pressure on your thighs from sitting
  • Male/female recess- provides a pressure-free area for your specific anatomy
  • Ergonomic wedge shape cushion- promotes better seating posture that helps reduce the pressure points in the back
  • Generous coccyx cutout- reduces tailbone pressure

Freedom Back Support Cushion

• Helps relieve stiffness and pain around the lower back, legs, and tailbone
• Keeps pressure off the spinal column
• Anatomic shape provides fitting comfort for lumbar support
  • The spinal channel allows your back to be fully supported without exerting pressure on your spinal column
  • Contours to the shape of your back
• Inspired by the body’s natural posture and designed to fit the curves of the back
• The spinal groove provides a place for the spine to comfortably rest while the full size back supports from shoulders down to the tailbone
• Wrap-around sides ‘hug’ the body for extra comfort and support
• Cut out shape reduces pressure in the sacrum area
• Tapered bottom eases adjustability and ensures less pressure to the hips
• Ergonomic shape allows free movement of the arms and shoulders
• Full length back provides complete body support
• Features
  • The form-fitting cover includes a positioning strap and is machine washable
  • Easily attachable to any chair because of Velcro strap design
  • High grade molded foam holds shape and provides long-lasting support
  • Perfect for office chairs and computer users

Contour Deluxe 2-1 Leg and Back Relief Inflatable Wedge Pillow Cushion

• Designed for gentle elevation of the body to relieve a sore back, hips, legs, knees, and feet
• Provides orthopedic level wedge support
• Benefits
  • Muscle relief
  • Multi-positional- can be used in an upward or downward position
  • Adjustable
• Features
  • Perfect for travel- compressible and lightweight
  • Deluxe EZ valve allows you to easily adjust the firmness of air level in the pillow
• Good For: reclined sleepers

BACKMAX Foam Bed Wedge Body Cushion

• Zero-gravity elevated sleep position
  • Full incline support wedge to alleviate pressure points while laying down
  • Perfect for those struggling with back pain
• Reduces stress on the body
• Ensures the natural curvature of the spine
• Multi-functional- only bed wedge that provides comfort and support no matter the sleep position
• Features
  • Detachable wedges to use them as individual pieces allows multiple levels of support
  • Ergonomic design
  • Portable, use anywhere and anytime
• Good For: all sleepers

Contour Pedic Memory Foam Pillow

• Cradles neck and head in comfort to allow proper spinal alignment
  • Molds to your shape thus providing support throughout the night
  • Keeping head and neck at the correct angle allows the spine to be in a natural position
• Features
  • Orthopedic design
  • Luxurious memory foam
  • Temperature-sensitive material
    • Uses body heat to activate the molding process
  • Good For: Back Sleepers

In addition to choosing the right pillow, alternative treatments such as lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases surgery can reduce back pain symptoms.

Certain lifestyle changes can help to prevent the development of back pain. Reoccurring back pain can result from improper body mechanics, as previously mentioned, this can be prevented by avoiding certain movements that strain the back. Maintaining good posture and lifting heavy objects in proper form can help prevent back injuries and discomfort. Other things like maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, wearing comfy low-heeled shoes, quitting smoking, and using ergonomically designed furniture can all help stop the future development of back pain.

If lifestyle changes don’t prevent back pain from starting, there are medications that can help treat the symptoms. Acute back pain typically goes away on its own, but medications are designed to relieve pain and inflammation while it is occurring. There are analgesics like aspirin and acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, and muscle relaxants that are all designed for short-term pain relief.

If medications don’t work either and the acute pain turns chronic, more serious medical intervention may be required. Before choosing surgery, a person can try physical therapy, spinal mobilization, spinal injections, or even acupuncture. These have all been proven to be at least moderately effective in lessening back pain. Surgery and implanting nerve stimulators are last resorts in the approach to treating back pain; only suggested when all other courses of treatment have failed.