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Back discomfort may appear to be a problem that only occurs as you become older. This couldn’t be further from the truth: back pain is one of the most frequent health conditions in India, affecting over 30 million people of all ages each year.
Back pain is also the greatest cause of disability worldwide; it is the top cause of people missing work, and it may happen to anyone.
Some of the most common reasons for back pain include spinal problems. Let’s take a look at ten of the most prevalent spine problems and what you may do to get relief from them.
1. Disc Herniation
The vertebrae are the bones that make up the spine. Discs serve as cushioning between the bones.
When a disc herniates, it signifies the cushioning has changed and is bursting through the casing. While some ruptured discs cause no symptoms, they can frequently interfere with spinal nerves. This can result in a variety of symptoms, including: Backache Numbness, Arm and leg discomfort, Muscle tingling and weakness
Herniated discs are more common in the lower back, but they can also occur in the upper back.
If you are suffering pain or any of the other symptoms listed above, you should consult a doctor. Maintaining a healthy weight, maintaining excellent posture throughout the day, and exercising can all help to reduce your chance of disc herniation.
2. Muscle Tension
Overuse, tension, and incorrect posture/positioning can cause the muscles surrounding your spine to become strained and stiff. This might result in neck and back pain and tightness.
Exercise and a healthy weight can help you develop your back muscles. Stretching before heavy activities can also aid in the prevention of muscular strain.
3. Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by abnormal spinal bending or curvature. This illness, which affects around 9 million India, can range from mild to severe.
Scoliosis most commonly manifests itself during childhood or adolescence. Scoliosis symptoms and indicators include:
Shoulders that are uneven
Different rib cage heights
Hips on one or both sides that are higher than typical
One side of the body “leans”
Head not centered above pelvis
Scoliosis can cause back discomfort and pinched nerves in addition to these symptoms.
Scoliosis treatment differs based on the severity of the illness and the patient’s age. Bracing, physical therapy, and surgery are some treatment possibilities.
4. Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by an abrupt jerking or movement of the head. This quick and unnatural neck movement might strain the neck muscles. It can also harm the neck’s intervertebral joints, discs, and ligaments.
Many people might not have symptoms immediately following an event or trauma. It can take up to 24 hours to feel whiplash symptoms, which include:
Neck ache
Neck stiffness
Headache
Back pain in the lower back
Tiredness and dizziness
Concentration issues
Icing can be beneficial in the first 24 hours following an injury. Massage, physical therapy, and heated pads are some of the other therapeutic options.
5. Osteoporosis
One of the most frequent spine concerns in elderly persons is osteoporosis. It refers to weaker bones caused by a decrease in bone mass. Weakened spine bones become brittle and fragile, resulting in fractures, collapsed vertebrae, and a stooped posture.
It can be difficult to know whether your bones are weakening because there aren’t many signs until the bones are osteoporotic. You can try to avoid this by eating a nutritious diet high in calcium and vitamin D to strengthen your bones.
Walking, running, and weightlifting are all forms of exercise that can help you improve your balance, posture, and bone health.
6. Sciatica
The sciatic nerve goes down your leg from your lower back. Sciatica is a disorder in which you have lower back pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates down your leg as a result of sciatic nerve damage.
A narrower spine that compresses the nerve, a herniated disc, or a bone spur could all cause nerve injury.
Physical therapy, steroid injections, and working with a chiropractor can all help you manage sciatica pain. To manage the symptoms, you may be offered pain medications, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatories.
7. Fracture Due to Compression
Cracks and hairline fractures in the vertebrae can occur as people age and their bones weaken. If you have a lot of these breaks in your spine, it could lead to a compression fracture, also known as a collapsed vertebra.
This is usually due to osteoporosis, but you’re also at risk if you have bone cancer, smoke, are very thin, or are a woman over 50.
Fractures can be excruciatingly painful; pain relievers can help. Another typical treatment is physical therapy.
8. Myelopathy of the Spine
Degeneration of the spinal cord causes spinal myelopathy. In layman’s terms, this means that as you get older, the components of your back and spine shift and weaken, which can lead to spinal injury.
Pain, numbness in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, loss of balance, and tingling can result. Surgery can help prevent symptoms from developing and progressing.
9. Osteoarthritis
We’ve all heard of arthritis, but most people associate it with simply your hands and limbs. Arthritis, or joint inflammation, can affect every part of the body and cause problems with the spine.
The spine’s joints and cartilage degrade, resulting in inflammation and pain. It also has the potential to cause bone spurs and nerve damage. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercise, acupuncture, and massage can all help control the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
10. Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which the vertebrae of the spine remain in specific positions. Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the spine’s vertebrae slides forward and over the vertebra below it.
This can cause excruciating pain since it can injure or compress the spinal cord. It can also cause numbness in your limbs, loss of bladder control, and difficulty walking.
Surgery may be necessary in extreme cases, although symptoms are frequently controlled with physical therapy, weight loss, pain medicines, and core strengthening exercises.
Summary –
Back pain is a significant condition that can keep people from working for days, weeks, or even years. These are some of the most frequent spine ailments; perhaps, this helps you comprehend whatever back pain you’re experiencing.
Please contact us if you have any queries or would like more information on managing your spine difficulties.
Know more about Ayurvedic Spinal Disk & Radiculopathy Treatments.
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