You have likely experienced back pain at some point in your life. Often it improves with conservative treatment such as over-the-counter medications and hot or cold compresses. The severity of Frisco back pain varies depending on the cause of the problem. Some people describe the pain as a dull ache, and to others, back pain feels like a burning or stabbing sensation. Back pain may be due to different causes, including muscle and ligament strains. Below are the common medical problems associated with back pain.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to become brittle and weak, that mild stresses can cause them to fracture. It is an age-related problem that develops when bone renewal is lesser than the breakdown. Usually, the bone renews itself as old tissue breaks down. The rate of bone renewal is faster during your 20s, and the process slows down as you grow older. When there is little or no renewal, the bones become weak. The more bone mass you attain in your youth, the less likely you will develop osteoporosis.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the constriction of the spinal space, which often results in nerve compression. The narrowing can occur anywhere along the spine but is more prevalent in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (back) regions. You may or may not experience symptoms if your spinal space is narrow. Most patients with symptoms report pain, tingling, loss of sensation, and muscle weakness. Spinal stenosis is primarily a result of wear and tear in the spine, often related to osteoarthritis. However, some people naturally have a narrow spinal canal, which predisposes them to osteoarthritis.
Herniated discs
The spinal cord comprises several bones called the vertebra, and between each vertebra is a disc. Spinal discs have a soft jelly-like center, called the nucleus, enclosed by a tough outer covering called the annulus. Disk herniation mainly occurs due to wear and tear that gradually develops as you age. Over time, the annulus may develop a weak spot through which the disk’s inner content pushes through. The bulged disc may press on nerves along the spinal space, producing pain. Herniated discs are common in the lower back, but they can also occur along your neck area.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that occurs when the protective cartilage covering the joints gradually wears down. Cartilage cushions the joints in your body, preventing friction between two bones. When the cartilage wears down, the bones may rub on each other when you move, causing pain. Friction between bones also causes them to wear down, and as a natural response, your body forms bone spurs. When this occurs in your spinal cord, the bone spurs cause narrowing of your spinal space, causing spinal stenosis. Although the damage to the cartilage is irreversible, specialists use certain medications to slow disease progression.
If you have further inquiries about back pain, consult with your doctor at Spine & Joint Physicians of Frisco.
