Pregnancy is both an exciting and mysterious time. In addition to that natural pregnancy glow, you can experience weird food cravings, mood swings, and annoying aches and pains, especially in your back. As your body…
Your spine is made up of different bones called vertebrae. Ligaments connect these vertebrae and fibrous tissues called intervertebral discs. Each vertebra has a particular function, as well as a particular structure, making it unique from the others.
When you experience back pain or any spine-related issue, it’s essential to know all the parts of your spine to understand better what’s going on and how they affect your pain. Learn how each part of your spine affects back pain, understand why some people have a curved spine and look at some common complaints from each vertebral segment.
Understanding Your Back Pain
There are many different types of back pain, but the most common is lower back pain. A strain or injury usually causes this pain to the muscles and ligaments in the back. Other causes of back pain include degenerative diseases such as arthritis, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.
Most back pain can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications and simple home remedies such as heat or ice therapy. However, if your pain is severe or does not improve after a few days, you may need to see a doctor for further treatment. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve your pain.
What Are the Parts of the Spine?
The spine is the backbone of the human body and runs from the base of the skull to the bottom of the spine. The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae, which are bones that protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carries signals from the brain to the rest of the body.
Back pain is a common problem caused by various factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, and injury. The cervical spine is the portion of the spine that runs through the neck, and the Thoracic spine is the portion of the spine that runs through the chest. The lumbar spine is the lower portion and includes the lower back. This area is susceptible to pain due to various factors, including poor posture, lifting heavy objects, and injury.
What Are Some Different Types of Back Pain?
Back pain can be broadly classified into two categories: chronic and acute. Chronic back pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three months, while acute back pain refers to pain that lasts for a shorter period. Pain may be experienced in the lower back, upper back, or middle back. Leg pain may also be present.
Common Causes of Back Pain
There are many common causes of back pain, including back injuries, spinal problems such as spinal stenosis, and everyday wear and tear on the spine. Some other common causes of back pain include:
- Sprain
- Strain
- Herniated Discs
- Scoliosis
In many cases, the exact cause of the pain cannot be determined.
Other Causes of Back Pain
Other causes of back pain include muscle or ligament strains, herniated disks, degenerative disk disease, compression fractures, and spinal tumors. Some people also experience back pain due to pregnancy, poor posture, obesity, and psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Rare Causes
There are many different possible causes of back pain, but some are much rarer than others. Some rarer causes include ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that affects the spine, or a condition called cauda equina syndrome, which occurs when the nerves at the bottom of the spine are compressed. Other potential causes include things like tumors or infections. While these rarer causes are much less common than more mundane causes like strained muscles, it’s essential to be aware of them and to see a doctor if you experience any unusual back pain, to be safe.
Schedule a Consultation With Orthopedic Laser Spine Surgery
Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States, affecting millions yearly. Although back pain can have many different causes, it is often preventable and manageable with proper care.
Living everyday life can be difficult if you suffer from chronic back pain. In many cases, the pain can be prevented and managed with the proper treatment. If you suspect that you may be suffering from back pain, it’s essential to seek medical attention, as there are many different causes of back pain, and only a back doctor can determine what’s causing it. Contact Orthopedic Laser Spine Surgery at (855) 853-6542 or fill out our online form for help treating your back pain.