Six Things That Could Be Causing Your Back Pain

Six Things That Could Be Causing Your Back Pain

Intense lower and upper back pain ails many Americans. In fact, experts estimate up to 80% of working Americans will suffer from back pain at some point. Let’s look at the most common causes for back pain and standard treatment options.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Lower Back Pain

The jarring sensations in your lower back may be fleeting and simply a nuisance. But sufferers of chronic back pain should not ignore their symptoms. Occasional back pain may indicate a much larger issue. Our trained professionals can analyze back pain with X-ray equipment, computed tomography (CT), resonance imaging (MRI) or an electromyogram (EMG).

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Six Factors That Cause Intense Back Pain

If you’re experiencing back pain, it’s important to pay attention to the most common causes, including:

1. Poor posture: Slouching is one of the leading causes of back pain, especially for working adults whose jobs require them to sit for long periods of time.
2. Sports injuries: These can include strains or tears to the muscles and ligaments supporting the back. Other sports injuries that can cause back pain include compression fractures, muscle spasms and facet joint injuries.
3. Obesity: People who hold extra weight in their stomach area are at risk for intense lower back pain. The excess weight pulls the pelvis forward and can cause strain.
4. Infection: Different types of spinal infections can cause severe back pain, including abscess, osteomyelitis and discitis. Kidney infections or kidney stones are another cause of intense pain in the upper and lower back.
5. Disease: Kidney infections, infections of the spine, sciatica, arthritis, a ruptured or herniated disc or cancer of the spinal cord can cause back pain.
6. Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis, or the narrowing of the spinal canal, occurs when the spaces within your spine narrow. This can put pressure on the nerves in the spinal canal, causing pain.

Treatment Options for Back Pain

Try these treatment options at home to alleviate your back pain:

1. Apply ice or heat: Ice works best after the initial injury. Apply ice packs for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times a day for the first 48 to 72 hours. After the first 72 hours, apply moist heat.
2. Use pillows: Place a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side. When sleeping on your back, position a pillow under your knees for support.
3. Use over-the-counter pain killers: Aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen can relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
4. Talk to a professional: If intense back pain persists, reach out to our staff at Spine INA.

Feeling Back Pain? Visit Spine INA Today

If you are in pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to our compassionate staff at Spine INA. Our extensively trained staff specialize in alleviating back pain for residents throughout East Windsor, Marlton and East Brunswick, NJ. We strive to relieve your pain and revive your life.

Call us today at (609) 371-9100 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment!

This content was medically reviewed by Baher Yanni, M.D, on October 10th, 2019.