Back Pain causes are linked to a malfunction of the spine, mainly due to damage to the various structures of the back:
- The discs between the vertebrae (tear of the disc)
- The posterior articulations between vertebrae (osteoarthritis)
- Ligaments or muscles
Often all the lesions are intricate.
It should not be confused with back pain which wakes up in the second part of the night and is accompanied by prolonged stiffness in the morning upon waking, stiffness which fades during the day and with effort. In the latter case, “inflammatory low back pain” must suggest all other causes, particularly spondyloarthritis. But if the back pain isn’t going away, one must seek treatment for back pain in Houston with the anesthesiologist in Houston.
What promotes the onset of back pain?
Age is, of course, associated with increased back pain. Still, episodes of previous back pain, insufficient abdominal or back muscles, or a history of back pain in the family promote back pain onset.
Pregnancy might be one of the factors behind back pain. The increased weight and distension of the uterus and stomach muscles move the body’s center of gravity forward, causing the back to arch excessively.
The constraints related to a professional, domestic, or leisure activity also promote low back pain, such as bad postures (painful positions, prolonged sitting), carrying heavy loads, exposure to vibrations, or during falls. If you are feeling continuous back pain, then you must see an anesthesiologist in Houston.
When to see a doctor
In 90 to 95% of cases, back pain is a mild condition that rest and pain medication will relieve without a doctor’s help.
But sometimes, the decline of an intervertebral disc, which is normal after a certain age, is not the cause. Several warning signs should suggest another disease and seek immediate medical attention:
- The onset of pain at less than 20 years old or more than 50 years old.
- An appearance in the aftermath of a violent trauma (road accident or violent fall).
- A background of cancer, drug addiction, or HIV infection.
- Taking prolonged treatment with cortisone.
- Back pain of progressive onset and not improved by rest.
- Pain predominantly at night with nocturnal awakenings and back pain in the morning for more than 15 minutes.
- Altered general condition or fever.
- The onset of paralysis of the lower limbs, loss of urine or stools, with disturbances insensitivity.
- The existence of pain in the chest.
Just one of these signs is enough to call into question the diagnosis of “common acute low back pain” and should lead to urgent medical attention.
