Spinal anatomy is a remarkable combination of strong bones, flexible ligaments and tendons, large muscles and highly sensitive nerves. It is designed to be incredibly strong, protecting the highly sensitive nerve roots, yet highly flexible, providing for mobility on many different planes. Most of us take this juxtaposition of strength, structure and flexibility for granted in our everyday lives – until something goes wrong. Once we have back pain, we’re driven to know what’s wrong and what it will take to relieve the pain and prevent a recurrence.
How the Spine May Produce Back Pain
Majority of back pain in mechanical, which means coming from muscle strain or abnormal body posture. However many different structures in the spine can cause back pain, potentially when:
- The large nerve roots that go to the legs and arms are irritated or compressed
- The smaller nerves that innervate the spine are irritated
- Back muscles are strained
- The bones, ligaments or joints themselves are injured or damaged
- The disc space itself is a source of pain.
Tests
AS detailed neurological and spinal examination id the key to assess the cause of back pain. this also decides further course of investigation and treatment. Tests often used in diagnosis of back pain includes
- X-ray of spine
- spine MRI/CT
- Rarely other tests routine blood tests to specialized tests line nerve conduction studies or EMG can be performed.
Treatment
Prevention is best treatment for back pain.
Regular exercise, Healthy life style and maintain correct posture while sitting, standing, walking and even running is the key to prevent most of back aches. however once you have developed back pain which is not resolved with in few days you should see your doctor.
Treatment of back pain depends largely on its cause and thus can range from simple exercises to complex spinal surgeries. However in majority of cases physiotherapy, analgesics and lifestyle modification can cure you pain.