Back Pain Symptoms: Everything You Wanted to Know
Are you looking for back pain treatment in the Chicago area? If you’re over 35, there is every chance that you’ve suffered from lower back pain at least once in a while. Back pain is actually the most common disorder after headache. 80 percent of adults experience it at some point in their life.
Did you know that back pain is the most common reason for people to seek disability benefits from the government? A majority of health insurance claims relate to back pain. But the problem with this is back pain is not easy to quantify, so not everyone is able to get these benefits.
Back pain usually occurs in the lower back, as that’s the region that bears most of our weight. So from the medical point of view, back pain happens when the muscle, cartilage, bones and spinal cords of the back are out of place or affected in some way.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain is caused by a number of factors such as hard physical labor, repetitive work, heavy bending, twisting, pushing, shoving, lifting, being in a static position for longer than you should, and vibrations. There are psychological factors that cause back pain too, such as stress, job dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression and cognitive dysfunction. Back pain, once it occurs, can get worse every time you cough and sneeze or make even the slightest movement. You will experience a certain numbness and a tingling sensation in your arms and legs, which doesn’t go away.
Everything You Wanted to Know about Back Pain Symptoms
Most adults over the age of 35 experience back pain at some point. The symptoms of the back pain depend on the area of the back that is affected by it. Here are the most common back pain symptoms.
Back Pain Symptoms in the Lower Back
Most people who suffer from back pain get the pain in the lower back region. That’s because the lower back bears the brunt of the body’s weight. Most of the pain is concentrated in the lower back, but it can hurt the front and back of the legs as well. Lower back pain occurs because of following the wrong posture. It can appear all too suddenly, when you are least prepared for it, because of heavy lifting or twisting. After a point of time, lower back pain can become unbearable. The pain is particularly bad at night, and makes it impossible to get a good night’s sleep.
Back Pain Symptoms in the Upper or Middle Back
When back pain hits the upper or middle back, it is concentrated in the thoracic spine and extends from the base of the neck to the lower part of the rib cage. The back pain appears as a shooting or burning pain. Upper back pain is generally caused by damaged nerves and is found in the arms, legs and the chest as well,
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to a severe pain in the lower back, which affects the buttocks and legs as well.
Slipped Disc
Slipped disc is a severe form of back pain which occurs due to the rupturing of the spine. When the spine ruptures, it causes the gel inside the disc to leak out. This causes a great deal of irritation to the sciatic nerve, and results in an unbearable pain that runs from from the lower back area to the front and back of the legs.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is one of the most severe back pain symptoms. Patients with Ankylosing spondylitis experience a severe pain in the lower back, buttocks, neck and in the sacroiliac joint, which connects the pelvis to the spine.
Back Pain Treatment in Chicago
There are a number of simple remedies for back pain which you can try at home. But when the pain is severe, you must get it treated by a trained professional. Back pain relief involves the application of methods such as cold compresses, anti-inflammatory medications and a lot of rest. Chiropractic care is one of the most effective treatments for your back pain. Physical therapy for back pain works together with chiropractic care. Other treatments for back pain in Chicago include ultrasound therapy, use of electorodes on the back muscles, spinal decompression and pain injections.
Book a free consultation at American Back Center and we can work with you to find the most effective and fastest treatment to relieve your back pain.