Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. It accounts for over 2.6 million visits to the emergency room every year in the United States. Depending on the cause, back pain could range from mild discomfort to crippling pain and reduced range of motion. This is why you should always seek treatment for any low back conditions in Edison.
When you visit a specialist for back pain, they will perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your pain. Some of the possible conditions you could have include:
Muscle Sprains and Strains
Strains and sprains are some of the most common causes of back pain. They usually occur due to overuse and may happen suddenly or slowly over time due to repetitive movements. Usually, the two injuries are caused by the following:
- Sudden movements that put stress on the back
- Poor posture
- Lifting a heavy object
- Sports injury
Sprains and strains are muscle and ligament injuries. They tend to range in severity from a simple stretch to a complete tear. Subsequently, they might cause mild to severe back pain.
Herniated Disc
Your spine consists of small cushions called discs. When one or more of these discs slip out of place, they are referred to as herniated, slipped, or bulged discs. They exert pressure on your nerve roots which could manifest as weakness, numbness, pain, or a tingling sensation in the affected area.
Degenerative Disc Disease
When you have Degenerative Disc Disease, it means you have a damaged disc in your spine. This condition is caused by the gradual wear and tear that occurs in the spine over time. As the discs become thinner, they are more likely to tear.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spine, which is often caused by a herniated disc. It could also result from a congenital deformity or back injury. The narrowing tends to exert pressure on your spinal nerves. This, in turn, results in a shooting, debilitating pain in the lower back region.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis can be caused by degenerative disc degeneration or a fracture in your vertebrae. It happens when a part of your vertebrae slips out of position somewhere along your spine. Disrupting its alignment. In some cases, the displacement could cause nerve compression, which could lead to intense pain or numbness in the lower back region.
Sciatica
Does your back pain shoot through your back down to your leg? You may have sciatica. This refers to pain caused by an irritated or pinched sciatic nerve, which runs through your lower back, hips, buttocks, and down each of your legs.
Seek Professional Help
Your back supports most of your upper body weight. If it gets injured, you may experience trouble walking, sitting, lying down, or carrying objects from one point to the next. Fortunately, there are various treatment options you could explore to improve or eliminate your pain.
Jeff Pan, MD, is a neurosurgeon based in Edison. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of low back conditions using the latest technology. If your lower back pain is affecting your daily life, contact him online, or call his office today to schedule an appointment.
