If you have been experiencing back pain in Tampa, it may be due to various causes. The treatment you receive depends on the cause of your pain. Millions of Americans struggle with back pain. It is the top cause of disability for people under the age of 45. Common causes include:
Strains
The ligaments and muscles in your back may stretch and tear if you perform strenuous activities. The symptoms of a strained back include stiffness and some pain in your lower back. The best treatment is getting physical therapy and rest.
Disc Injury
The discs in your back are prone to injuries, especially as you get older. The outside may herniate or tear. You may have herniated disc injuries if the cartilage around the disc is pushed against your nerve roots or spinal cord. The cushion between your spinal vertebrae may move away from its usual position. As a result, the nerve root may compress. Disc injuries are common for workers who have to lift heavy objects. The difference between a disc injury and back strain is that the pain from disc injuries lasts over 72 hours.
Spinal Stenosis
This injury happens when your spinal column narrows and exerts pressure on your spinal nerves and spinal cord. The spinal column may narrow when the discs between your vertebrae degenerate. The symptoms include weakness, numbness, and cramping. The symptoms may manifest in part of your body. They get worse when walking or standing.
Bulging Discs
Bulging discs are a lot like herniated discs except that they don’t bulge so much. You may not experience any pain until the disc pushes on your nerve root.
Abnormal Spine Curvature
Various conditions may cause the spine to curve abnormally. They include kyphosis, lordosis, and scoliosis. Congenital conditions cause poor posture or pain. They may be diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. Abnormal curvature may put pressure on your tendons, ligaments, muscles, or vertebrae.
Other Conditions That Cause Back Pain
Many other conditions may cause back pain or discomfort. They include:
- Fibromyalgia
- Uterine fibroids
- Bladder or kidney problems
- Arthritis
- Spondylitis
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Cancer
Diagnosing Back Pain
If you have been experiencing pain or discomfort in your back, your doctor may give you a diagnosis. They will perform a physical test and take a look at your medical history. They will examine your reflexes and response to specific sensations. They will monitor your condition for a few weeks unless it is severe. In most cases, the pain resolves itself. You may need more testing if you have the following symptoms:
- Weakness
- Fever
- Reduced bowel control
- Sudden weight loss
They are indicators of bigger problems. Upon diagnosis, your doctor will give you the relevant treatment. For severe cases, surgery may be necessary. They will give you ideas to prevent back pain in the future.
If you have back pain, talk to your doctor about it as soon as possible. They will help you determine the cause and come up with a relevant treatment plan.
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