How many times this month have you rubbed your muscles, wrinkled your forehead and said: “My back hurts”?
If that routine sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The sad majority of Americans experience back pain at some point in life if not chronic back pain.
The American Chiropractic Association referenced a study revealing the fact that “Worldwide, back pain is the single leading cause of disability, preventing many people from engaging in work as well as other everyday activities”.
Sometimes, back pain will go away on its own, but other times, it simply cannot be ignored.
Persistent back pain has been linked to a variety of other medical conditions that may require professional treatment.
Here are some common conditions connected with back pain.
Headaches
Headaches can be brought on by a wide variety of triggers. Often, patients experiencing back pain also report suffering from frequent headaches.
A study by the University of Warwick revealed that “People with persistent back pain or persistent headaches are twice as likely to suffer from both disorders”.
Yes, these two conditions are closely related and should not be ignored.
Neck Pain
As the back and neck are literally connected, back pain and neck pain are also linked.
Parts of our daily routine can lead to pain in the neck.
“Overuse, such as too many hours hunched over your computer or smartphone, often triggers muscle strains. Even minor things, such as reading in bed or gritting your teeth, can strain neck muscles,” says Mayo Clinic.
Often, soreness from the neck can extend down into the shoulders or even lower.
Chronic neck pain may reveal a more serious underlying health problem. If you are experiencing prolonged neck pain, visit to your practitioner would be prudent.
Whiplash
Common to auto accidents and sports injuries, whiplash can wreak havoc on a neck.
“It is caused by your neck bending forcibly forward and then backward, or vice versa,” explains John Hopkins Medicine, adding “Most whiplash injuries result from a collision that includes sudden acceleration or deceleration.”
Typically, symptoms of whiplash include pain, inflammation, headaches, and in some cases, dizziness, numbness, restricted movement, sleep problems, tingling, and ringing in the ears. Some patients experience permanent ligament damage.
Thankfully, whiplash can be treated with various therapy methods.
Disc Problems
Patients suffering from disc problems often experience pain radiating from the back into their arms and legs, tingling, and numbness. Spinal disc issues can be caused by injury or slow-progressing conditions.
One such condition is known as ‘tech neck’. In reference to this newly emerging condition, the American Osteopathic Association reported “It’s a progressive issue, which may lead to disc degeneration and nerve complications, according to Dr. Pierce-Talsma,” chair of osteopathic manipulative medicine at Touro University California.
Since problematic discs can even affect major organs and only get worse, we recommend promptly seeking treatment if you suspect you have disc issues.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a severely painful, yet treatable condition involving herniation and pinched nerves.
“If you suddenly start feeling pain in your lower back or hip that radiates to the back of your thigh and into your leg, you may have a protruding (herniated) disk in your spinal column that is pressing on the nerve roots in the lumbar spine,” explains the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
If you suspect you are experiencing sciatica, seek professional medical treatment. Testing such as X-rays, MRIs and MyoVision can be used to diagnose the condition.
Back Pain Treatment in Irving, Texas
Here at Spine & Health Wellness in Irving, Texas, we provide professional treatment for all of the above conditions.
We create individualized treatment plans for each of our unique patients to help them successfully recover from back pain, whether it is a result of an accident, injury, or other condition.
Our comprehensive and conservative treatments are designed to promote overall health and well-being. We offer award-winning care to all and accept most major insurance plans.
Make an appointment at one of our 8 locations in North Texas to get on the road to recovery.