Back pain is a problem that affects more than 80 percent of all adults at some point in their lifetimes. In Greenbelt, most missed work days are as a result of some form of discomfort in the back. Research has determined that both men and women are affected equally by back pain. The pains range in intensity from dull constant aches to sudden, sharp sensations that render sufferers incapacitated. For the sake of this article, the abbreviation CBP will be used for chronic back pain.
Any discomfort in the back region, which persists for more than three months is classified as CBP. The classification holds if any possible underlying cause has been diagnosed and treated. Up to twenty percent of all acute pain back cases develop into CBP. Surgical and medical intervention are the main treatment options for this condition and they work in most cases, but not always.
CPB characteristically occurs in the lumbar region within the five vertebrae of the lower back region. This region is the one responsible for supporting the upper part of the body. Movement and other bodily actions result into shock, pressure, and friction in the vertebrae discs. The intervertebral discs function to absorb the shock and minimize friction. Ligaments are available to maintain the vertebrae in place. Signals from the spinal cord are transmitted to the brain by a total of 31 pairs of nerves.
In most cases, this problem is caused by causes that have a mechanical nature. For instance, the spine undergoes wear and tear naturally as people continue to age. The wear and tear results in pains over time. Additional causes include sprains and strains, herniated or ruptured discs, intervertebral degeneration, radiculopathy, traumatic injury, skeletal irregularities, and sciatica.
In most people, the cause of this problem is sprains and strains. When ligaments of the vertebrae are overstretched, sprains result. Conversely, strains come from tearing of muscles and/or tendons. There are many causes for both strains and sprains including lifting heavy objects and overstretching. The same causes may also cause spasms, which are equally painful.
Radiculopathy is a condition that results from inflammation, injury and/or compression occurring to the spinal nerve root. When pressure is exerted on a nerve root, a tingling sensation, numbness, or pain is caused which radiates to all parts of the body served by the nerve. When spinal stenosis or a ruptured disc exerts pressure on a nerve root, this problem is caused.
Sports, car accidents, and falls may injure muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the back, causing CBP. Intervertebral discs are usually herniated or ruptured as a result of excessive compression caused by traumatic injury. Nerve roots are in turn pressured by herniated discs, resulting into pain. Irregularities in the skeleton include congenital anomalies such as scoliosis and lordosis. Scoliosis only manifests in middle aged people. It is caused by presence of a curvature in the spinal cord.
CBP may also be caused by serious underlying medical conditions although this occurs rarely. Several medical conditions may cause the problem. Major ones are infections, tumors, cauda equine syndrome, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and kidney stones. Osteoporosis, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and inflammatory diseases of the joints predispose people to CBP.
Any discomfort in the back region, which persists for more than three months is classified as CBP. The classification holds if any possible underlying cause has been diagnosed and treated. Up to twenty percent of all acute pain back cases develop into CBP. Surgical and medical intervention are the main treatment options for this condition and they work in most cases, but not always.
CPB characteristically occurs in the lumbar region within the five vertebrae of the lower back region. This region is the one responsible for supporting the upper part of the body. Movement and other bodily actions result into shock, pressure, and friction in the vertebrae discs. The intervertebral discs function to absorb the shock and minimize friction. Ligaments are available to maintain the vertebrae in place. Signals from the spinal cord are transmitted to the brain by a total of 31 pairs of nerves.
In most cases, this problem is caused by causes that have a mechanical nature. For instance, the spine undergoes wear and tear naturally as people continue to age. The wear and tear results in pains over time. Additional causes include sprains and strains, herniated or ruptured discs, intervertebral degeneration, radiculopathy, traumatic injury, skeletal irregularities, and sciatica.
In most people, the cause of this problem is sprains and strains. When ligaments of the vertebrae are overstretched, sprains result. Conversely, strains come from tearing of muscles and/or tendons. There are many causes for both strains and sprains including lifting heavy objects and overstretching. The same causes may also cause spasms, which are equally painful.
Radiculopathy is a condition that results from inflammation, injury and/or compression occurring to the spinal nerve root. When pressure is exerted on a nerve root, a tingling sensation, numbness, or pain is caused which radiates to all parts of the body served by the nerve. When spinal stenosis or a ruptured disc exerts pressure on a nerve root, this problem is caused.
Sports, car accidents, and falls may injure muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the back, causing CBP. Intervertebral discs are usually herniated or ruptured as a result of excessive compression caused by traumatic injury. Nerve roots are in turn pressured by herniated discs, resulting into pain. Irregularities in the skeleton include congenital anomalies such as scoliosis and lordosis. Scoliosis only manifests in middle aged people. It is caused by presence of a curvature in the spinal cord.
CBP may also be caused by serious underlying medical conditions although this occurs rarely. Several medical conditions may cause the problem. Major ones are infections, tumors, cauda equine syndrome, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and kidney stones. Osteoporosis, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and inflammatory diseases of the joints predispose people to CBP.
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