Back Pain

BACK PAIN

Back pain is pain that is caused due to the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine.

Common Causes

Mostly pain in muscle tissue is caused by the following reasons –

1. Muscle strain which means pulled muscles in the back

2. Muscle spasm

3. Degenerative disc disease i.e. degeneration of the intervertebral discs of the spine

4. Trauma in the back, cancer, infection, fractures and inflammatory disease in the back.

Prevention and Treatment

   1. Back pain can be affectively reduced by heat therapy
   2. Muscle relaxants and analgesic can provide immediate relief in acute back pain.
   3. Exercises of the back, done under the supervision or guidance of a physiotherapist  also help in reducing the pain.
   4. If pain persists, consult an orthopedician.
   5. If the pain in the back does not reduce even after a few days of prescribed medicines or physiotherapy, one must get an X-Ray and MRI of the spine so that other (possible severe) causes are excluded.
   6. Avoid forward bending and weight lifting and sitting on the ground.
   7. Regular intake of milk products and other food items which are rich in calcium. Supplements of calcium and Vitamin D may be taken under doctor’s supervision.