Pacifica Orthopedics, Huntington Beach, California.

Request An Appointment

Types of back pains and their causes

by

There are many types of back pains depending on their causes. Every type of back pain is either due to accidental traumatic injuries or self-inflicted from unhealthy or bad posture habits. However, they all share similar symptoms. A few of the common symptoms of back problems include unrelenting aches either in the lower or upper part of the back, stiffness along the spinal column anywhere from the base of the neck down to middle of the hips, sharp ache along the back of the neck, and in the upper or lower sections of the neck, sharp or burning pain along the spinal column when you try to lift a heavy object, and aches or discomforts after sitting or standing for extended periods of time. In severe cases, back pains can extend from the base of the neck, through the upper and lower sections, the buttocks and back of the thighs down to the calf and toes.

Most back pain problems are related to muscle and soft tissues located in the back. Causes for back pains range from over-activity of the back muscles due to repetitive actions or lifting of heavy objects to torn ligaments. In some cases back pain can be a result of an injury in an intervertebral disc which is a condition termed as a disc tear or a disc herniation. The human aging process can also lead to back pains when vertebral discs begin to shrink causing vertebrae and facet joints to rub against each other. Besides herniated discs, other conditions that result in back pain include muscle strains, poor posture, and medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, and scoliosis of the spine.

To prevent back pains, it is advisable to exercise often to strengthen your back muscles, maintain a healthy weight, and eat enough calcium and vitamins for strong bones. It is also important to maintain a straight posture while walking or standing and if possible avoid lifting heavy objects.

Other posts you may interested in…

0 Comments