Back pain is relatively common with up to 20% of Australians seeking treatment for back related problems. In fact, it is expected that 70-90% of Australians will suffer at some point with back pain.
More often, back pain is chronic and recurring. So, people get used to the discomfort and discount the fact that it could be a sign of something more serious.
Common Back Pain Red Flags
Most causes of this kind of pain are relatively straightforward. For example, if a person stumbles, they will more likely feel a discomfort in their back.
Although pain medication may provide limited relief for this kind of scenario, it is worth understanding that there may be a more serious underlying cause of the pain which may be overlooked and left untreated.
Health professionals have back pain red flags they look for when diagnosing and offering possible solutions for back pain.
A more serious medical checkup is needed when the discomfort is accompanied by these back pain red flags:
Thoracic Pain
Thoracic refers to the area of the spine from the base of the neck to the bottom of the ribcage.
Pain may be felt on the thoracic spine or behind the shoulder blades and may indicate a more serious condition.
Thoracic Pain may be caused by a sudden sprain, prolonged sitting or standing as well as lack of muscular strength. Any pain in the spine should be thoroughly examined to exclude other medical conditions.
High Fever
Fever is not an illness. It is a symptom.
Therefore, a fever means that your body is trying to fight off pathogens in the body.
If back discomfort is accompanied by fever, there may be more investigations needed to rule out any serious underlying medical condition.
Saddle Anesthesia
When lower back discomfort is accompanied by a feeling of numbness, weakness or loss of sensation in the lower pelvis area, including the area around buttocks, inner thigh and perineum.
If you have this symptom, your health professional will undergo more tests to find out more about your condition.
Bowel or bladder Problems
This may be a variety of symptoms. It may be the inability to urinate, an increase in urination frequency or worse, urinary incontinence.
Any changes in bowel movements should be noted. If back pain is accompanied by any of these symptoms, see your health professional without delay.
Deformity
Any pain that is accompanied by a malformation in the body such as the appearance of lumps, change in shape or even severe stiffness may indicate further investigation.
Cancer History
A patient with cancer history will always be of special concern. The pain may be caused by something related to their previous medical condition.
Possible Causes of Back Pain
It is important to seek the services of a qualified health professional to diagnose any back pain. If back discomfort is accompanied by any of the symptoms specified beforehand, these medical conditions may be the possible cause:
- Lumbar Disc Herniation
Thoracic pain may be caused by a herniated lumbar disc. This happens when a disc in the spine ruptures squeezing out the inside of the gel from the disc. If this gel-like substance leaks out of the disc, the sufferer normally experiences severe pain.
- Peripheral Neuropathy
This is a kind of nerve damage that affects the brain as well as the spinal cord. If back pain is accompanied by numbness or weakness, this may be the underlying cause.
- Infection
When pain is accompanied by a high fever, it may be caused by an infection. For example, a patient is in pain because of a fall. If the patient does not have a fever, pain medication and rest may be prescribed.
However, if a fever is present, and does not abate with medication then an infection may be considered, and a more thorough investigation taken.
- Fracture or Rheumatoid Arthritis
If there is swelling, lack of movement or even fever, a simple back discomfort may be caused by fracture or rheumatoid arthritis.
Self help steps to take to Prevent Back Pain
Good Posture
Learn how to maintain good posture while seated and standing. Incorrect posture puts unnecessary strain on the spine from the neck down.
Maintaining proper posture can take pressure off and reduce discomfort. A Chiropractor will have an in depth look at your posture as part of your initial assessment.
- Quality Sleep
Have you ever felt tired even right after waking up? This can be caused by poor positioning while sleeping. It is important to have a supportive mattress and pillow to encourage a decent night’s sleep.
Your Chiropractor will be able to suggest the correct pillow for you.
- Learn relaxation techniques
It is always a good idea to relax. Meditation and yoga not only help to relax your mind, but it can also help in managing your back pain.
Searching for solutions for back pain?
See a qualified health professional.
As pointed out earlier in the article, back pain can be caused by a wide variety of medical conditions.
How Can a Chiropractor Help?
Chiropractors use alternative treatments that involve hands-on gentle manipulation. The belief is that the body can heal itself through having the spine properly aligned, achieved with gentle Chiropractic adjustments.
As part of the consultation prior to treatment, x-rays are normally taken on site for accurate diagnosis. They also provide nutritional counselling, and rehabilitation exercises as part of their treatment.
If you are suffering from any of the back pain red flags discussed in the article a Chiropractor may offer an alternative natural solution in the treatment of back pain and associated disorders.
Chiropractors aim to treat the condition, prevent recurrence, and maintain optimal spine health and wellness.
For further information on Back Pain in your area follow the links: Gold Coast Back Pain
