Back pain can be debilitating and it is one of the most common reasons that a person sees a doctor or misses work and is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Luckily, there are simple measures that can be taken to prevent or relieve back pain. At Bethesda Back Center in Bethesda, MD, Dr. Gina Beech has over thirty years of clinical experience and is committed to correcting your back pain and having you feel better as fast as possible.
Symptoms
The symptoms associated with back pain can vary from person to person with the most common being muscle aches, shooting, burning, or stabbing pain, and pain worsening with movement such as standing, walking, or bending over. If your symptoms fail to improve with rest and self-care, you’ll want to make an appointment with Dr. Beech at Bethesda Back Center.
Causes of Back Pain
Back pain can develop without warning and reason making it an extremely frustrating injury. Typically, back pain is caused by one of four issues outlined below:
- Muscle Strain: Continuous lifting or an awkward movement can cause the back muscles and/or spinal ligaments to spasm leading to significant discomfort.
- Bulging or ruptured disk: Think of a disc as a pillow between the vertebrae in your spine. The material within a disk can enlarge or rupture and press on a nerve causing pain.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis impacts the lower back by compressing the space surrounding the spinal cord and leads to spinal stenosis.
- Osteoporosis: If a person’s bones become brittle, the spine’s vertebrae develop fractures that can cause debilitating pain.
Risk Factors Contributing to Back Pain
Although anyone can develop back pain, there are factors that may put you at higher risk of having pain:
- Age
- Infrequent exercise
- Obesity
- Diseases
- Improper lifting
- Smoking
How to Treat Back Pain
Participate in low-impact aerobic activities like swimming and the recumbent bicycle that will not strain your back. Increase flexibility by strengthening core muscles to ensure your back muscles stay in peak shape. Additionally, focusing on posture and periodic visits to a chiropractor can alleviate pain or stop it from worsening. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Beech at Bethesda Back Center in Bethesda, MD give us a call at 301-897-8500.