A variety of conditions can cause back pain. These conditions include Osteoporosis, Fibromyalgia, and Herniated lumbar disc. Inactivity can also be caused by osteoporosis.
Inactivity
If you have back pain, the first step is to get more active. Sitting around the house or in bed, all day will only worsen the condition. Staying active helps your back muscles move and improves your mood; exercise will help your back recover faster and help you get back to work sooner.
Staying sedentary can worsen your back pain because the muscles will weaken. Inactivity also causes your back to become stiff and painful. On the other hand, physical activity releases endorphins, which relieve pain and make you feel better.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone density decreases, causing the bones to become more brittle and susceptible to fractures. In the early stages, osteoporosis does not cause pain, so a patient may not even realize the condition until they have a fracture. Depending on the level of bone loss, pain can develop suddenly or gradually over time. Eventually, a patient may experience pain in all areas of the spine.
Osteoporosis may cause severe disability. An impact of any size can fracture a bone. Hip fractures often result in death. In severe cases, patients may require surgery. If left untreated, osteoporosis can lead to a shortened spinal column and a reduced ability to perform daily activities. Fortunately, a new drug called romozumab was approved by the FDA in April 2019 to treat osteoporosis in women.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition where pain persists for three months or longer. It can be aggravated by exercise, cold weather, or emotional stress. There are several causes of fibromyalgia, including poor diet and other medical conditions. Treatments for fibromyalgia include physical therapy and an exercise regimen.
Fibromyalgia symptoms include widespread aches and pains that vary from person to person. The pain is typically located in the muscles and points where the muscles attach to bones. A patient may also experience burning numbness or stiffness.
Herniated Lumbar Disc
Herniated lumbar discs cause pain in the lumbar spine. Most of these discs can be treated without surgery. The pain associated with herniated discs is often related to pressure on the nerves. If the pressure is severe, the affected nerves may not recover. Even if surgery is performed, pain can persist for weeks. Occasionally, the herniated disc may result from another condition in the back.
There are several causes of herniated lumbar disc. Age and physical inactivity make our back muscles weak and susceptible to injury. Lifting heavy objects and bending over their place is a great force on our spine and discs.
Work environment
Back pain is a common condition caused by repetitive tasks or injuries to the back. Repetitive tasks may include lifting, twisting, and standing for long periods. Other factors that may cause back injuries include extreme heat or cold. While it is often impossible to eliminate these factors, implementing a comprehensive plan to assess and improve working conditions will go a long way toward preventing back pain.
Back pain affects almost everyone worldwide and is the leading cause of disability. In the United States alone, about 16 million people are affected by back pain. Chronic back pain can affect your productivity and mood. It can also affect your ability to concentrate and interact with others. This can make your work environment suffer. To help avoid back pain at work, remember to maintain good posture. Sit upright and avoid leaning forward. Sit comfortably, and remember to keep your knees at 90 degrees.
