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Backache - Backache symptom, treatment, causes

Backache is a common, and often, unrelenting discomfort. The spine contains the delicate spinal cord that gives rise, segmentally, to nerve roots. These nerve roots may be compressed by the bony outgrowths of OA (osteoarthritis), or by protrusions of the intervertebral disc. This can result in paralysis. The check list above has all the warning signs of impending paralysis.

The commonest cause of lower back pain is a strain or sprained back muscles. Here the pain is localized to the back. It can follow unusual or vigorous physical activity. While the pain may be severe enough to immobilize, it responds well to rest and local measures. The neck too is strained under similar circumstances. Spasm of the sternomastoid muscle can cause a wry neck.

A backache is generally a gripping pain near the inward curve of the back above the base of the spine. Backaches can be particularly annoying. They can be caused by poor posture, inappropriate lifting techniques, change in the center of gravity due to your expanding abdomen, lack of exercise, or the weight of the baby and the stretching ligaments. Backache is one of the most common problems for pregnant women. Nearly half of all women have Backacheat some point during pregnancy. The pain may be constant or intermittent, stay in one place or refer or radiate to other areas. Sometimes a pain may develop immediately after you lift something heavy, or after an awkward twisting movement. Overweight is a leading factor in backache, because it increases the stress on back muscles. Similarly, pregnancy can produce Backachebecause of the weight or position of the fetus. The pain may be felt in the neck (and might radiate into the arm and hand ), in the upper back, or in the low back, and may include symptoms other than pain, such as weakness, numbness or tingling. In any two week period between one-quarter and one-third of all adults get some Backache. Among 30-, 40- and 50-year olds backache is so common as to be more normal than abnormal.

A herniated disk can cause severe intermittent or constant backache. Backaches occasionally stem from a congenital (present from birth) malformation. In such cases, pain generally results from the unusual stresses that the deformity imposes on surrounding muscular structures rather than from the abnormality itself. Simple home treatment and proper body mechanics will often heal your back within a few weeks and keep it functional for the long haul. Surgery is rarely needed to treat backache. Backache, especially in the lower back (lumbar spine), is a problem that most people experience at some time in their lives. Symptoms may come on suddenly and can be acutely painful; but Backache, in actuality, develops over a long period of time. Although some amount of backache is normal, severe Backacheis not. It can be a warning sign of infection or complications, especially when a woman also has fever or other symptoms. Backaches can appear abruptly after physical activity or may develop slowly. The pain can be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic if it has lasted more than three months. Backache often occurs in younger people whose work involves physical effort and is not uncommon in people of retirement age.

Causes of Backache

The common causes and risk factor's of Backacheinclude the following:

• Weak abdominal and back muscles.
• Strain in the joints.
• Lack of physical fitness exercise.
• Bladder or kidney infection.
• Bacterial infection.
• Excessive exertion.
• Pressure on a nerve root.
• Race can be a factor in back problems.
• Gynaecological problems in women.

Symptoms of Backache

Some sign and symptoms related to Backacheare as follows:

• A pain or ache somewhere between the bottom of the ribs, at the back, and the top of the legs.
• Fever.
• Tense spasm of the muscles surrounding the spine and causing a stiff back.
• The pain may feel like a sharp jab or a dull ache.
• The pain is sometimes accompanied by a tingling sensation or numbness in the back or buttocks or leg.
• Muscle weakness, if persistent squeezing of a nerve root occurs.
• Pins and needles in a particular part of the leg or foot if persistent squeezing of a nerve root exists.

Treatment of Backache

Here is list of the methods to treat Backache:

• Take a painkiller like aspirin (adults only) or paracetamol. 
• Apply heat or ice to the painful area. One good method is to use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat after that.
• Certain exercises can help strengthen and stretch your back muscles. They can also improve your posture and strengthen your abdominal muscles for labor and delivery.
• Nonprescription analgesic creams containing methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) or a similar ingredient produce a soothing warm sensation when applied to the pain site.
• When a backache is the result of some deformity or damage to a disk (the soft material that lies between the bones of the spine), surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
• Muscle relaxants and/or anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed.