Back pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages.

Some of the most common back pain reasons include:

• Poor posture: Prolonged sitting or standing in an improper position can put a strain on the back muscles and lead to pain.
• Muscle strain or injury: Overuse, over-exertion, or repetitive motions can cause muscle strains and injuries in the back.
• Herniated disc: This occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc bulges out and presses on surrounding nerves, causing pain.
• Degenerative disc disease: As people age, the spinal discs may wear down and cause pain.
• Sciatica: This is a type of pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg, caused by compression of the sciatic nerve.
• Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints in the spine can cause back pain, especially in people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Osteoporosis: This condition causes the bones in the spine to become weak and brittle, leading to compression fractures and pain.
• Spinal stenosis: This occurs when the spaces in the spine narrow and put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain.

Other kinds of back pain

Is your pain chronic or acute?

It can be difficult for a doctor to evaluate whether a person has acute or chronic back pain if they have both occasional moments of more terrible pain and reasonably continuous mild back pain. Back pain usually goes away with rest and home treatments, but medical treatment is sometimes required.

Treatments at home

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, typically nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like ibuprofen, can alleviate discomfort. A hot compress or a cold compress applied to the affected part may also help to relieve pain. Resting from intensive activities can help, but trying to move around will help with stiffness, pain, and muscle weakness.

Medical attention

If home remedies do not help ease back pain, a physician may prescribe one or both of the following medications or physical therapy.

Medication:

Back pain that does not react well to over-the-counter pain relievers may necessitate the use of a prescription. Narcotics such as codeine or hydrocodone may be recommended for short periods of time. These must be closely monitored by the doctor. Muscle relaxants could be used in some cases. Antidepressants may be recommended, but research into their efficacy is ongoing, and evidence is conflicting.

Physical therapy:

Application of appropriate heat, ice, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound to the lower back and soft tissues, as well as some muscular techniques, may help relieve pain.
As the pain subsides, the physiotherapist may introduce some back and abdominal muscle flexibility and strength exercises. Methods for improving posture may also be beneficial.

Cortisone injections:

If other choices fail, these can be infused into the epidural space, which surrounds the spinal cord. Cortisol is an anti-inflammatory medication. It aids in the reduction of inflammatory response around the spinal nerves. Treatments could also be employed to numb areas suspected of causing pain.

In addition to these physical causes, emotional stress, anxiety, and depression can also contribute to back pain. If you are experiencing back pain, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and to receive appropriate treatment. At Elite Body Home Slimming and Physiotherapy Center in Dubai, our experienced physiotherapist will guide you on how to properly address back pains. Book a free consultation today.