Spine Pain Information
Spine pain can be caused but a wide variety of issues. Since there are several spine pain causes, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing spine pain. The cause of spine pain can be as simple as the daily wear and tear on our bodies or even inactivity. A more serious medical condition could also be the cause of spine pain. Some medical issues linked to spine pain include misalignments, disorders and infections. Spine pain can be caused by a physical change within the body; for example injuries, bone spurs, a fractured disc, a herniated disc, loss of the cushioning between the discs, inflammation, muscle tension and muscle spasms. Obesity and pregnancy and pregnancy can also cause spine pain. Medical conditions that can cause spine pain include fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, arthritis, scoliosis and spinal stenosis, just to name a few. Serious conditions that require immediate medical treatment that are linked with spine pain are kidney stones, gallstones, infections within the spinal canal, and tumors. Since the causes of spine pain can be very serious you should see your doctor immediately. Not seeking treatment can lead to a wide range of serious complications including breathing issues, chronic pain, loss of bow and bladder control, loss of feeling in body parts, weakness and even the spread of cancer or infections.
Spine Pain Symptoms
There are a wide range of causes and therefore a wide range of symptoms of spine pain. Spine pain symptoms can include sharp and shooting pains or a dull and constant pain. Some other symptoms include stiffness and pain when moving only a certain way. Spine pain can be related to neck pain, hip pain, muscle spasms, weakness, swelling, pain in the back, shoulders, knees and ankles. If you experience any of the following symptoms, be sure to call 911 for immediate medical assistance; a fever more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, a loss of bowel or bladder control especially if a weakness in the legs is felt at the same time. These can be life threatening and should not be ignored.
Spine Pain Treatment
Since there are several causes of spine pain, there are several treatment options. If the cause is a treatable disease or condition then your doctor may first want to get that certain issue under control which may, in turn, relieve the spine pain. You should also discuss lifestyle changes with your doctor. If you are a smoker, this should be the first lifestyle change you make. Studies have shown smoking has a direct link with back pain due to the lessening of blood flow caused by smoking. If you are overweight, exercise and weight loss maybe your first step to relief. The combination of extra weight and inactivity can be taxing on your back. With the guidance of a physical therapist, you can use particular exercises to strength your back to relieve the pain. You should discuss any new exercise plans as spine pain treatments before you begin. Another option of pain management maybe medication, although this may not be the best long term option, it may be a positive short term option. Your doctor may recommend spinal injections or surgery if necessary. Be sure to discuss all your concerns about spine pain treatment with your doctor.
