Back Pain and its Types

Back pain is undoubtedly the most commonly experienced type of medical problem that was several years ago a problem that accompanied the ageing process. But, today, it affects both old and young alike.

The Mayo Clinic, USA, states that over 80 percent of all the Americans experience lower back pain at least once in their lifetime. Several statistical analyses have stated that back pain is the most common reason why people absent themselves from work and even from visiting the doctor. Let’s find out what it is and why it happens.

Back pain is related to the way in which our bones, ligaments, muscles and backs work together. Back pain is a tingling pain in any part of the back of a human being.

Types of Back Pain

Back pain is classified on the basis of the part of the back the pain is originating from.

Lower back pain: this type of back pain is pretty much a part of everybody’s life. It is one of those inevitable aspects of life that has to strike at some point or another. The series of muscles and ligaments in the back that are help together may strain because of being stretched too far, thus leading to small tears in the tissue. These muscles then get weakened and may fail to hold the bones of the spinal column properly in place. The end result is a less stable spine, which then leads to lower back pain.

Sciatica pain: this is another common type of pain that affects the sciatic nerve, which is a large nerve that extends from the lower back all the way down to theback of the leg. This type of pain affects just one part of the lower body and often extends from the lower back and through the back of the thigh down to the leg. Depending on the part of the body where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain will extend, usually to the foot or even the toes.

Nighttime Back Pain: this is a special type of back pain that can be indicative of a critical problem with the spine. Nighttime back pain, unlike other types of back pain, cannot get any one the rest they need because there is just no way that relief can be sought from this type of pain.

Risk Factors for Back Pain

Some of the factors that increase one’s possibility of suffering from back pain include the following:
•    Stressful job
•    Pregnancy
•    Anxiety
•    Sedentary lifestyle
•    Old age
•    Depression
•    Gender: it has been reported that back pain is more commonly experienced by females than males
•    Smoking
•    Obesity or being overweight
•    Strenuous physical work
•    Strenuous physical exercise, especially when it is not done properly.

If you have acute back pain, it is important to get it checked by a doctor to prevent the possibility of developing a serious medical problem.

Read more articles on Understand Back Pain.