It is thought that almost 85% of Americans will experience some sort of back pain or sciatic nerve pain at some point during their lives. In fact, back pain is the number two reason people see their family doctor.
We all know someone at the office or jobsite who is currently not at work due to back pain. In workers under 40-years-old, back pain is the most common reason for the inability to perform daily duties. It also is the direct cause of enormous health care expenses soaring into the billions of dollars each year.
Doctors are very careful to separate common back problems from the more specific sciatica (sometimes spelled ‘sciattica’). Typically, sciatica is the result of a "pinched nerve" in the spinal column. In most cases, the cause of the sciatica is clearly defined; for example, a disc problem or arthritis. General back pain, however, is not as clearly described as far as a cause goes.
The Cause of Back Pain
Back strain is the leading cause (85 percent of cases) of back pain in the United States. Other causes of back pain include:
* Disc herniation
* Osteoarthritis/spinal stenosis
* Ankylosing spondylitis
* Spondylolisthesis
* Infection
* Cancer
* Fracture
* Trauma
How Do Physicians Diagnose Back Pain?
The doctor must first look into the patient’s medical history to gain a few clues. It’s like being a detective, sorting through the clues. The questions may focus on lifestyle factors, such as where you live, what type of work you do, etc.
There are also extensive tests that can be performed, including X-rays and MRI scans.
Back Pain Treatments
Most back pain can be successfully treated physical therapy and other non-surgical considerations. Conservative treatment includes bed rest (no more than two to three days), acetaminophen (non-aspirin over-the-counter pain reliever) or an anti-inflammatory medication, and cold packs to diminish swelling and muscle spasm.
However, in the case of sciatica, bed rest will many times worsen the pain.
When back pain is chronic, persistent and crippling, a comprehensive treatment approach addressing all aspects of the problem, including psychological as well as physical, offers the best hope for a cure.
Medication
Medications used in the treatment of back pain are not always meant as a cure, but rather a way for the patient to return to everyday life during the treatment and therapy process. An array of new medications is now available to assist in achieving this goal. The newer anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as celecoxib or rofecoxib, are less likely to cause gastric problems, such as nausea or diarrhea. Oftentimes sleep aids are prescribed because chronic back pain keeps people from getting enough rest.
Anti-convulsants, such as gabapentin, often are helpful for nerve irritation symptoms, such as burning or numbness. In rare instances, careful use of long-acting opioid pain relievers may improve the condition and patient outlook.
Exercise and Back Pain
Properly supervised exercise within the scope of a medical physical therapy program is at the heart of most back and sciatica treatment regimen. Heat, ice, massage and ultrasound may provide temporary relief, but rarely provide long-term benefits.
Typically, the exercise program can be performed at home without special equipment. Follow-up visits with the therapist are necessary to "fine tune" the program. Returning to work in any capacity is strongly recommended.
In addition, there are several good physical therapy-type ebooks and videos available online.
As always, you should consult your physician immediately before trying any self-treatment options.
You can find a sciatica cure. You don’t have to suffer with sciatica and back pain any longer. Start getting better today!