Back is a well-designed structure made up of bone, muscles, nerves and other soft tissues. The pain may be have a sudden onset or it can be a chronic pain. Back pain in the lower back or low back pain is a common concern, affecting up to 90% of Americans at some point in their lifetime. Back pain is one of humanity’s most frequent complaints.  About nine out of ten adults experience back pain at some point in their life, and five out of ten working adults have back pain every year. Back pain can be a sign of a serious medical problem. The first attack of low back pain typically occurs between the ages of 30 and 40. Muscle strains are the most common cause of low back pain. A ruptured intervertebral disc, also called a herniated disc, is another common cause of back pain. Spinal stenosis causes back pain in the aging population. As we age, the spinal canal can become constricted, due in part to arthritis and other conditions. Arthritis most commonly affects joints such as the knees and fingers. However, arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the small joints of the spine. Arthritis of the spine can cause back pain with movement.

Back pain may be mild or extreme, quick or constant. Some believe this pain to be caused by tension myositis syndrome. Back pain becomes more common with age. Weak back and abdominal muscles may not properly support the spine. Back pain that occurs after a trauma, such as a car accident or fall, should also be promptly evaluated by a medical professional to check for a fracture or other injury. Back pain in individuals with medical conditions that put them at high risk for a spinal fracture, such as osteoporosis or multiple myeloma, also warrants prompt medical attention. Back pain from osteoporosis is most commonly related to compression fractures of the vertebra. Osteoporosis causes weak bones and can lead to these fractures. Chronic back pain may be related to changes in how nerves respond to frequent pain stimuli. Injury-Damage to the bones, ligaments, or muscles of the back can cause severe pain. Symptoms include  is  muscle spasm, pain with walking, concentration of pain to one side, and no radiculopathy (radiating pain down buttock and leg). 

Most individuals recover completely by simply avoiding strain to their spine. A regular schedule of pain relievers and hot or cold therapy may be all that you need to improve your pain. Heat therapy is useful for back spasms or other conditions. Bed rest is recommended for only 1–2 days at most.  Massage therapy, especially from an experienced therapist, may help. Acupressure or pressure point massage may be more beneficial than classic massage. Patients often find help from ice, heat, and medications. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are most commonly recommended for pain relief. Electrical stimulation. A procedure called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses a unit that sends a weak electrical current through specific points on the skin to nerve pathways. Other treatments-Anesthetic injections or self-administered pain medications that are sent directly to the spinal cord through a thin tube (catheter) attached to a programmed pump. Chiropractors and osteopaths manipulate the spine, called an adjustment, to relieve pain arising from musculoskeletal conditions.

Back Pain Treatment Tips

1. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are most commonly recommended for pain relief.

2. Chronic back pain  treated with tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline   and nortriptyline (Pamelor ).

3. Selective nerve root block (SNRB) uses a steroid with anesthetic.

4. Physical therapy are to decrease pain, increase function, restore normal movement, and prevent recurrences.

5. Massage therapy increases circulation to the affected area. There are several techniques and devices used in massage therapy.

6. Electrotherapy involves sending gentle electric currents through the skin to stimulate muscular contraction.