Nearly 600 million people suffer from back pain. And even if you’ve never experienced back pain, chances are high that you’ll feel it at some point in your life.

If you’re suffering from back pain, you’re probably wondering what treatments are available and how you can start feeling better. Or, what are some ways in which you can prevent back pain?

Keep reading to learn more about symptoms, causes, and the treatments associated with back pain from chiropractors in Mount Pleasant.

Symptoms of Back Pain

Not all back pain is equal. Symptoms of pain range from stabbing, shooting, dull, aching, or burning. The pain may also travel to different parts of your body, like your legs, making walking, standing, or other activities impossible or difficult.

Isolated back pain is common, but you should see a doctor or a chiropractor if you experience any of the following along with your back pain:

• Fever
• Weight loss
• Pain that doesn’t subside after treatments
• Numbness or tingling in any area of the body
• Leg pain
• Trauma or injury to any part of the body
• Weakness or fatigue
• Stiffness or loss of range of motion
• Swelling

Knowing the type of back pain you have is also essential for helping your chiropractor make their diagnosis. The more information you can provide, the better your treatment will be.

What Causes Back Pain?

There are several causes of back pain. Some may be immediately distinguishable, while others are harder to diagnose. Here are some things that cause back pain.

Pulled Muscle

One of the most common reasons for back pain is a pulled muscle or muscles. Too much movement or improper movement may cause muscles to lengthen awkwardly or become strained. If you want to avoid pulled muscles in your back, make sure to pay attention to your movements or use a brace to give support.

Ruptured Discs

Your spine has discs that provide comfort to your bones. When these discs rupture or slip, your bones grate against each other, causing pain or pressing against a nerve. Sometimes you can have a ruptured disc without any pain, but you’ll need an x-ray to determine if this is the case.

Inflammation

Inflammation is your body’s response to pain, but it does cause discomfort. If you have a pulled muscle or other back problems, inflammation and swelling cause pain. To reduce inflammation, you can take medication, and apply ice to reduce swelling, but you’ll need to find the source of the inflammation.

Diseases

Bone diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis can cause back pain because they affect the joints as well. Osteoporosis causes your bones to become fragile and break easily, while arthritis causes pain in the joints, mostly in the lower back. Your doctor or chiropractor can diagnose both of these diseases.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain throughout all areas of the body, including your back, and likely stems from problems with the nervous system. You may feel tenderness or pain in certain areas, like the lower back. Your doctor or chiropractor can help you diagnose fibromyalgia.

Stress

Believe it or not, you can carry stress in your body, and your back in one place where people carry stress. Poor posture due to stress can wreak havoc on your body and back.

What Are the Treatments for Back Pain?

There are many ways to treat back pain. The most important thing is to know why you’re experiencing back pain and then take steps to reduce your pain or eliminate it completely. Here are some common treatments for back pain.

Chiropractic Care

A chiropractor is a type of doctor skilled at understanding and treating the neuromusculoskeletal system. This includes your bones, nerves, and muscles.

Chiropractic care includes treatments like chiropractic adjustments and exercises to reduce pain and align the body so it works better. This should minimize and help manage your pain.

Over-The-Counter Medication

If you have acute back pain that needs to run its course, like a pulled muscle, you can take OTC medication like ibuprofen to manage the pain while you recover. This allows you to rest comfortably and get back on your feet quickly.

Ice and Heat

Ice and heat both work to reduce pain. Applying ice to the site of pain can reduce swelling and inflammation. Heat therapy relaxes the muscles and encourages blood flow to the muscles for repair.

Surgery

In severe cases, especially if your pain doesn’t subside, you may need surgery, especially if you have a pinched nerve or slipped disc. Your doctor or chiropractor can recommend what type of surgery you need and why.

Preventing Back Pain

Back pain may be largely preventable. If you’re prone to back pain, here are some ways you can take control of your health and prevent spurts of back pain.

Exercise

Excess weight on the body causes it to work harder, leading to pulled muscles or strain. Taking the weight off by exercising and improving your range of motion can potentially reduce the severity and possibility of back pain.

Chiropractic Appointments

Keeping your body aligned may reduce the amount of back pain you experience. A chiropractor offers adjustments to get your body aligned so it works properly.

Build Muscle

In addition to keeping off the excess weight, you want to build up muscle. Muscle, especially your core muscles, helps keep your back upright and strong.

You Can Miminimze Back Pain

Back pain can be debilitating, but with a proper diagnosis and treatment, you can regain your quality of life. Don’t let back pain stop you from living your life and doing what you love.

If back pain is interfering with your life, try chiropractic care with the best chiropractor to get you back on your feet. Schedule an appointment today with one of our chiropractors in Mount Pleasant.