Backache

Overview of Backache

Backache Meaning in Urdu

کمر درد یا کمر کے نچلے حصے کا درد ایک عام طبی مسئلہ ہے جو کہ روزمرہ کی روٹین میں بہت سے لوگوں کو متاثر کرتا ہے۔ یہ درد عمومی طور پر کچھ دنوں کے لیے متاثر کرتا ہے اور پھر ختم ہو جاتا ہے، تاہم کئی مرتبہ اس کے متاثر کرنے کا دورانیہ کافی لمبا ہو جاتا ہے اور دوبارہ بھی وآپس آ سکتا ہے۔ کمر درد کئی وجوہات کی بنیاد پر لاحق ہو سکتا ہے۔ اس درد کی سب سے عام وجہ پٹھوں میں کھنچاؤ ہے۔ اس کے علاوہ کمر درد شیاٹیکا کی وجہ سے بھی لاحق ہو سکتی ہے۔

Backache also known as Kamar dard (کمر درد)  is one of the common health conditions in people. Often backache is the reason to take off from work and seek medical help.

The backache is easily curable. Some home remedies and exercise also help to maintain a specific posture of the body which in turn reduces back pain.

Signs and Symptoms of Backache

Several signs and Symptoms of backache are:

  • The pain extended below the knees toward the legs either one or both
  • Inability to stand straight
  • Persistent severe pain
  • The dull sensation of the lower back
  • Reduced ability to bend 
  • Uncontrolled bladder and bowel 
  • Numbness of legs
  • Fever and weight loss

Types of Backache

Backache is further divided into two types based on the location of the pain. 

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is also known as lumbago is associated with the disorder in one of the following parts 

  • Discs between vertebrae
  • Ligaments
  • Lumbar spine
  • Lower back muscles, internal pelvic and abdominal organs
  • Nerves and spinal cord

Lower back pain is quite common as compared to upper back pain. It is mostly caused by strain or injury to the tendons or muscles. Other major causes are disk injury, structural problems, and even arthritis. Pain is often cured by using a medication, physical therapy, and rest.    

Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain is caused by disorders linked to the spine, aorta, and chest. It is mostly caused by overuse, injury, or muscle strain to the ligaments, muscles, and discs that support our spine. Poor posture is also the culprit of back pain as it affects the connective tissue of muscles.

Causes of Backache

Causes of backache are interlinked with structural issues and strain.

  • Strain

Incorrect lifting of heavy objects or sudden moves results in strained muscles that is a leading cause of backache

  • Structural issues

The spine is made up of stacked bones known as vertebrae. The space between each vertebra is cushioned by tissues called disks. Swelling and rupturing of disks make the nerves compressed due to which you experience back pain.

  • Arthritis

Spinal osteoarthritis and arthritis in general can trigger severe back pain by damaging the cartilage in lower back joints.

  • Osteoporosis

Small fractures in vertebrae due to thinning of bone are known as osteoporosis. Such fractures are also called compression fractures and cause intense pain.

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Risk Factors of Backache

You are highly vulnerable to back pain if you are:

  • Older and have arthritis or osteoporosis
  • Don’t exercise at all
  • Overweight (Obesity)
  • Actively smoking
  • Doing a deskbound job

You can avoid back pain in the first place by opting for healthy habits and exercise.

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Prevention

Following are some of the effective tips to prevent backache:

  • Reduce lifting heavy items such as laptops, heavy suitcases, or briefcases to avoid strain on your spine.
  • Avoid wearing high heels or uncomfortable footwear. You need to wear comfortable shoes to balance your weight on your feet. 
  • Work on your core and body muscles by following a regular fitness plan.
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Diagnosis

Your doctor would conduct a physical examination to check your ability to sit, stand, bend, lift, and walk along with this he/she might ask you questions about the area of pain and its intensity.

If the doctor suspects a particular condition then they would suggest some diagnostic tests such as an X-ray, MRI, Bone scan or CT scan, Electromyography (EMG), and blood tests for further diagnosis. 

Treatment of Backache | When to Consult a Doctor

Treatment is initially done in homes with hot bags or compressing ice bags on the painful area and it works well but if the pain remains persistent light activities such as walking is recommended. 

For cases that need medical help, physical therapies, and medication is prescribed by the doctor to ease the pain. Severe cases are dealt with by surgical procedures.

Physical therapists strengthen your body muscles and improve overall posture by teaching exercises that are beneficial for reducing backache.

Medication likely to be prescribed include:

  • OTC pain relievers (ibuprofen and naproxen sodium)
  • Topical pain reliever
  • Antidepressants (Amitriptyline and Cymbalta) 
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Narcotics for a limited period (opioids containing drugs such as hydrocodone and oxycodone)

Bones make you strong, special care should be made necessary for them. Any untreated fracture can lead to serious disability.