Spine Conditions
Back Pain
Back pain is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is one of the leading causes of disability and can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. Back pain can be acute, which lasts for a short duration, or chronic, which lasts for more than three months. It can also range from mild to severe, depending on the cause and severity of the pain.
Symptoms
Back pain can manifest in different ways and can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms of back pain include:
- Stiffness and tension in the back muscles
- Shooting or stabbing pain in the back
- Limited range of motion or difficulty bending or standing up straight
- Pain that radiates down the leg, known as sciatica
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
- Muscle spasms or cramping
Causes
Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Poor posture or body mechanics
- Muscle strains or sprains due to sudden movements or overuse
- Herniated or bulging discs in the spine
- Spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal
- Osteoarthritis or degenerative changes in the spine
- Osteoporosis or thinning of the bones
- Scoliosis or abnormal curvature of the spine
- Pinched nerves or nerve damage
- Infections or tumors in the spine
