Did you know that back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States? It’s estimated that eight out of 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. So if you’re one of the many Americans who are currently suffering from back pain, don’t ignore it!
Let’s take a closer look at why it’s important not to ignore back pain.
Why ignoring back pain can lead to long-term problems?
Back pain is one of the adults’ most common complaints, yet it is often ignored. This can be due to several factors, including the belief that back pain will go away on its own or that it is not severe enough to seek medical attention. However, ignoring back pain can lead to long-term problems.
One of the dangers of ignoring back pain is that it can become chronic. Chronic back pain is pain that lasts more than three months. This pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making it difficult to carry out everyday activities. Additionally, chronic back pain can lead to psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.
Another danger of ignoring back pain is that it can lead to further injury. When you experience back pain, take preventive measures to protect your back from further damage. This includes avoiding activities that may aggravate your pain and using proper posture and techniques when lifting objects.
If you ignore back pain and continue to put a strain on your back, you may end up causing additional damage to your spine or other structures in your back.
Consult your doctor so that the cause of your pain can be properly diagnosed and treated. Ignoring back pain can lead to serious long-term problems, so do not hesitate to seek medical attention if you have any difficulties.
Common causes of back pain
There are many different causes of back pain, but some are more common than others. Here are some of the most common causes of back pain:
- Muscular strains and sprains are the most common cause of back pain, often occurring after lifting something heavy or after participating in activities that strain the back muscles.
- Disc problems: The discs in your spine act as cushions between the vertebrae. When they become damaged or degraded, they can cause pain.
- Arthritis: This is a common cause of back pain in older adults. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other forms of arthritis can all lead to back pain.
- Pinched nerves: This happens when a nerve in the spine is compressed, often due to a herniated disc or bone spur.
- Spinal stenosis is the spinal canal’s narrowing, which can put pressure on the nerves and cause pain.
- Scoliosis: An abnormal curvature of the spine that can lead to back pain.
- Back injuries include fractures, herniated discs, and other injuries that damage the spine or surrounding tissues.
- Cancer: While cancer is not a common cause of back pain, it can occur if cancer spreads to the spine or surrounding tissues.
- Other conditions can cause back pain, such as kidney stones, endometriosis, and fibromyalgia.
While back pain is often not serious, it can be debilitating and interfere with your daily life. If you are experiencing back pain, talk to your doctor to determine the cause and get treatment.
Get help from the experts for your back pain
If you’re one of the millions who suffer from back pain, we understand how debilitating it can be. Don’t try to tough it out on your own; get help from the experts at Texas Neuro-Spine Surgery.
Our team has years of experience diagnosing and treating back pain and will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. Schedule a consultation today and start feeling better tomorrow.