You’ve likely been there before – one minute you’re picking up a heavy box, and the next, you’re laid out on the couch in pain.
Pain in your back can not only leave you in immense misery, but it can also keep you from doing the things you love. However, identifying types of back pain can help you begin treatment and get back on your feet quicker.
If you’re not sure what kind of discomfort you’re experiencing and how to get rid of back pain, be sure to keep reading to help you identify and treat the discomfort.
Strains
One of the most common back pain causes, a strain is often easy to treat and quick to heal. This strain often feels stiff, crampy, and painful. You may find your range of motion is limited and experience muscle spasms.
These injuries often occur when a muscle in your back is twisted, stretched, or pulled consistently over a period of time or in a single instance. Using proper form when exercising or performing chores can help prevent strains.
In order to treat this, you’ll need to rest up. You can also ice the area and look into over-the-counter medication.
Structure
A structural issue is often more serious and can cause more pain. This occurs when the structures in your back, like muscles, discs, or joints, become injured.
Some common kinds of back pain you’ll experience with structural issues include ruptured or herniated discs, which could require surgery.
However, chronic pain like osteoporosis or arthritis will require pain management. Often, this includes a prescription. It’s crucial to look into pain medication management if you have chronic discomfort.
Inflammation
Many people experience what’s known as mechanical back pain, caused by stress on the muscles and structures. Others will experience inflammatory back pain.
This pain is often more chronic and is the result of immune disorders. Symptoms include stiffness, waking up due to pain at night, and alleviation of pain and stiffness with movement.
Back pain treatment for inflammation can rely on medication and movement to help alleviate any discomfort.
Medical Causes
Finally, some medical issues can lead to serious back pain. Diseases and illnesses like cancer, fibromyalgia, and shingles can lead to different types of back pain.
When getting rid of back pain caused by medical issues, you’ll need to treat the source. This will depend on the medical condition causing the pain, so following the treatment plan given to you by your provider is vital.
Identifying the Types of Back Pain
The frustration and discomfort that experiencing back pain can cause are enough to leave you splayed out on the couch for days at a time.
Instead, identifying the kinds of back pain can help you find treatment plans and subsequent relief much faster.
If you found this guide to the common types of back pain informative, be sure to visit the rest of our website. There, you’ll find more great health and wellness content to help you live your best life.
