Common Causes Of Back Pain

At Integrated Pain Consultants, Dr. Nikesh Seth treats back pain more than any other complaint. According to the American Chiropractic Association, 31 million Americans are currently suffering from low-back pain, and it’s the leading cause of disability around the globe. It’s one of the most commonly-given reasons for missing work, and the second most common cause of visiting a doctor. Half of all Americans say they have had back pain at least once in the past year. What causes it, and what can we do about it?

BACK PAIN AND THE US WORK FORCE

Since around 80 percent of people will have back pain at some point in their life, it’s essential to get to the root. Most causes are “mechanical,” meaning they aren’t caused by chronic or serious conditions like cancer or a fracture. Still, Americans spend over $50 billion every year to treat their back pain. The back is a complex structure made up of several bones, ligaments, joints, and muscles. You can rupture a disk, sprain your ligament, strain a muscle, or put too much pressure on joints by using incorrect posture or carrying heavy items. A lot can go “wrong” with your back, and our culture of chronically sitting doesn’t help.

Although weightlifters and manual laborers face unique risks to back injuries, sometimes even the slightest movement can cause back pain. Add in excess weight, arthritis, and mental stress, and you have a perfect storm for back pain. It can also be a side effect of numerous other conditions, ranging from bone loss (which happens naturally with age) to kidney stones.

Unfortunately, “treating” back pain with opioid prescriptions became too common in the past few years. In some cases, opioid prescriptions can help back pain, such as if the pain is caused by a short-term injury and the prescription is only for a small timeframe. Otherwise, it’s better to avoid this dangerous and addictive drug by using one of the various alternative therapies.

TALK WITH DR. NIKESH SETH ABOUT BACK PAIN

From spinal cord stimulation to injections and everything in between, customizing a pain treatment plan that’s as unique as you are is vital. Call Dr. Nikesh Seth and Integrated Pain Consultants today at 480-626-2552 and book your consultation.