Chronic pain is never something that is easy to live it. Imagine feeling something wrong and painful in your body at every moment of the day, yet being unable to really do anything to make the pain stop.
This is even worse when dealing with back pain. Given that the spine is what supports the rest of our body — the head and our limbs — pain here can lead to limited mobility and a diminished capacity to perform even the simplest of tasks.
Hence, if you experience back pain that lasts for an extended period of time, it is best that you consult a doctor right away. There are many in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the rest of the country who can help diagnose what exactly is causing your pain and thus help you on the road to recovery.
Here are some of the causes of chronic back pain:
Spinal and vertebral problems
As you get older, it is possible that you develop diseases that affect your spine and the vertebrae, or the bones that make up your spinal column. One of the most common of these is osteoporosis, which leads to weakened and brittle bones, leading to compression fractures that result from a decreased ability to bear weight. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, causes inflammation in the joints and bones. This can result in spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal column, leading to increased pressure on the spine and nerves.
Problems with discs
The discs in your back act as cushions that prevent the bones in your spine from rubbing against each other. Bulging or herniated discs result in these discs protruding or being displaced. This can cause pain if the disc ends up pressing on a nerve, particularly in the lower back and hips.
On the other hand, degenerative disc diseases result in the cumulative wearing down of these discs. Given that discs act as “shock absorbers” to prevent the bones from coming into contact with each other, if these wear down, your bones will constantly rub against each other as you move. This leads to increased pain and difficulty in movement, especially among the elderly.
Strains and sprains
Injuries to your back can occur during physical activities. For example, repeated improper heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can lead to sprains or strains in your back muscles and joints. These can also result from sports injuries or car accidents, in which cases these may be accompanied by painful muscle spasms which refers to sudden involuntary contractions that result from tears in the muscles.
Poor lifestyle habits
Back pain can also be the result of seemingly insignificant habits. These include constant sitting and slouching, as these result in the spine and muscles being contorted into unnatural positions, thus adding pressure to the bones, muscles, and joints.
At the same time, your bones and muscles need to be strong enough to support the rest of your body. Without proper exercise, it is unlikely that your spine will be able to bear the weight of your head and limbs, thus resulting in pain. This is further compounded if you are overweight or obese, as this is an even greater weight to bear.
Lastly, mental and emotional stress can compound the pain. Stress can result in tension in the bones and muscles, while negative feelings can make the pain feel even worse. Hence, both physical and mental health are necessary to prevent back pain.
