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Top 10 Most Common Causes Of Back Pain

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causes of back pain

Research from the Georgetown Health Policy Institute shows that approximately 65 million Americans have had back discomfort during the last three months. About 16 million Americans, or 8% of the population, are hampered by chronic or severe back pain.

The direct and indirect expenses of back pain exceed $12 billion each year, making it the sixth most expensive ailment in the United States, according to the report.

Disability benefits and time lost from work account for a significant portion of the condition’s indirect expenses.

10 Common Causes Of Chronic Muscle & Skeletal Pain

If you’re among the 8% of American adults who suffer from persistent or chronic back pain, it’s time to get your life back. Here’s some information that may lead to long-awaited relief.

  • Muscle Or Ligament Strain (Muscle Inhibition): Stretching a muscle or ligament causes injury. It may arise immediately with an uncomfortable action or over time with recurrent heavy lifting or bad posture.
  • Herniated Disc: Spinal discs cushion spine bones. A jelly-like disc may swell and compress a nerve, causing discomfort.
  • Arthritis: Spinal arthritis causes inflammation, instability, and discomfort.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease: Aging dehydrates spinal discs. This weakens disc walls, causing discomfort.
  • Spinal Stenosis: Osteoarthritis narrows the spinal canal, causing spinal stenosis. Nerves are painfully compressed.
  • Fracture: Trauma, such as a vehicle accident or fall, or osteoporosis, which makes bones fragile, and may break spine bones.
  • Deformity: Scoliosis may cause discs and joints to break down, causing discomfort.
  • Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS): MPS causes persistent muscular discomfort via trigger points. Lower-back trigger points are common.
  • Gallbladder Issues: Gallstones may cause upper back pain. Gallstones cause shoulder blade discomfort.
  • Fibromyalgia: Body-wide ache. Usually, the upper back.

RELATED: Don’t Risk Your Discs! 5 Tips That Will Save Your Back

Problems With Standard Care & OTC Medications

Low back discomfort disrupts daily living; therefore, most individuals consult a doctor.

Ibuprofen and rest are the standard U.S. therapy for low back pain. Some physicians recommend physical therapy and mobility, which is a positive sign.

Medication. Long-term usage of over-the-counter drugs may harm detoxification organs like the kidneys and liver.

Dr. Zach Rosen states, “NSAIDs kill 16,500 osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients yearly. This doesn’t include all non-fatal NSAID problems. NSAID problems cost over $4 billion yearly.”

NSAIDs are over-the-counter. When treating a chronic illness, momentary respite comes at a cost.

According to a Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Journal research, one-third of patients had recurring low back pain. Recurrence within a year triples if you’ve had more than two bouts of low back pain.

Treat The Problem, Not The Symptom

You’ve undoubtedly been told inflammation causes your discomfort. Inflammation causes pain, but it’s not the reason. Discs, joints, ligaments, muscles, and nerves may cause back discomfort; however, there is debate.

Ibuprofen, Aleve, and other NSAIDs relieve inflammation and discomfort. Treating symptoms does not heal. Treating the primary problem allows healing. 

RELATED: 7 Ways To Naturally Relieve Back Pain

Bye Bye Stubborn Back Pain

Muscle Inhibition (MI) may cause back discomfort that doesn’t respond to physical therapy, rest, or surgery. Eliminating pain requires finding a specialist who treats MI.

Some clinics and doctors expertly diagnose, measure and treat muscular inhibition, joint dysfunction, and muscle strength. Targeted therapy will improve spine and joint muscles after MI. Each visit improves strength, function, and symptoms.

If needed, myofascial/massage work, electrical stimulation, and dry needling/acupuncture are offered. Regenerative medicine specialists may recommend you for chronic back pain with muscle rips and other spine disorders.

Stop enduring lower back discomfort. Long-term, safe, effective treatment is available! 

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