Most people are familiar with the pain that goes along with a sore neck or lower back. You feel it after sleeping in an awkward position or sitting hunched over our computer for too long. But there are other causes of back pain that you should be aware of to prevent unnecessary suffering, according to County Line Chiropractic North Miami Beach car accident clinic.
The vast majority of people who suffer from back pain can find relief without surgery by working with their chiropractor. However, not understanding these hidden causes leaves you vulnerable to experiencing recurring episodes of discomfort and may lead to more serious problems down the road. Read on to learn about ten hidden reasons for back pain.
Hidden Reasons for Your Back Pain
- Tumors
Tumors are often responsible for significant pain in the back that can be experienced intermittently or constantly. A spinal tumor, a type of tumor that grows in the spinal bone, can cause back pain. Healthline lists other types of cancer that can also cause back pain: lung cancer, breast cancer, and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Because they are detectable on imaging tests, including x-rays and CT scans, the risk of treatment is not as high as it used to be. However, the risks and side effects of treatment should be discussed with your doctor.
- Herniated disks
Herniated disks, which is when an intervertebral disk is compressed by another structure (like a bone spur), result in pain both at rest and with movement. You may feel like your neck or lower back is “on fire”, making it difficult to find relief anywhere. It is caused by the movement of the displaced disk material, which puts pressure on sensitive nerves.
- Degenerative disk disease
Degenerative disc disease occurs due to wear over time on the joints of the spine (vertebrae). Irritation and inflammation of the joints results in pain at both rest and with movement. This is common among people 40 years of age or older.
- Injuries from car accidents
Auto injuries, such as whiplash, are a common cause of back pain. The damage done to your muscles, bones, nerves and ligaments can result in significant discomfort that lasts over time. Whiplash is a serious concern for chiropractors because it can lead to worse conditions if left untreated. When you experience back pain after a car accident, it is best to seek immediate medical attention to prevent further damage.
- Slipped disk
A slipped disk is another medical term used to describe a herniated disk. It can be caused by injury or simply genetics. You could have been born with unstable vertebrae joint that makes future injuries more likely to occur. In addition to pain, slipped disks may also irritate the nerve running through the affected region.
- Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis weakens bones and can result in vertebrae that are more likely to fracture, irritate or compress the disks in your back. It is often associated with advanced age but anyone can be at risk for developing osteoporosis due to genetics, lack of exercise, smoking, lack of certain nutrients (such as calcium), and/or endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism. Many people experience pain in their mid-back when osteoporosis affects them. This makes it difficult to identify who might be suffering from an undetected disease or injury.
- Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the other, according to Cleveland Clinic. It can be caused by injury, but is more commonly experienced as a natural part of aging due to arthritis and disk degeneration. It can cause pain and stiffness in the back, especially after prolonged periods of rest.
- Obesity
Obesity increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis. This condition results in inflammation and irritation of your vertebrae joints, resulting in significant discomfort. Obesity also puts excess pressure on your lower back, hips and knees which can exacerbate an existing condition.
- Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when pressure on a nerve running from the lumbar spine moves down into the area where the sciatic nerve runs (the lower back and buttocks area). This pain is often experienced as a sharp, radiating sensation in the leg.
- Scoliosis
Scoliosis, which is when your spine curves to the side rather than remaining straight, occurs in many people and doesn’t impact all of them equally. It can cause discomfort in your low back (especially during times like pregnancy), but it may not be detected until symptoms worsen or proper treatment isn’t sought early enough.
In conclusion, there are many hidden causes of back pain, including car injuries. It’s important to address back pain promptly because if untreated, it can lead to more serious conditions down the road. Chiropractors are experienced at treating these problems and have an excellent record of helping people to reduce their back pain.
