Spine Pain

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Chronic spine pain can indicate a serious medical disorder that a doctor should address. A variety of spinal problems can occur for a number of reasons, and because of the delicate and complex nature of the spine, the medical solutions can be costly. However, regardless of cost, spine pain should be dealt with quickly because the pain can indicate a severe condition that will cause irreparable damage if ignored. A few causes of spine pain are disk disorders, tumors, infections, and lifestyle.

Spinal disks are the padded portions located between each vertebra. They protect the vertebrae from rubbing together and provide some cushioning, but sometimes not enough to absorb shock. These disks become less efficient with age, and they begin to harden later in adulthood as part of the aging process. However, some younger people also suffer from chronic spine pain; since spinal problems are often just a natural step in aging, back problems before the age of 20 might signal something more serious.

Minor back soreness or acute pain that is severe but temporary can usually resolve itself, but symptoms such as numbness and ...
... tingling usually merit medical attention. These symptoms might signal a slipped disk, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis (instability of the spine). Degenerative disk disease and facet syndrome are associated with arthritis. Limited range of motion and pain are common symptoms of these disorders.

Although disk disorders are a common source for spine pain, doctors usually cannot rule out other possibilities, including tumors, infections, and the patients lifestyle.

Tumors are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) growths that can occur in any part of the body. Usually, benign growths are not an immediate priority since they are not cancerous; however, this all changes when even a benign growth is found in the spinal column. The intricate network of nerves can easily be disrupted by a tumor and result in paralysis.

Improper posture, lack of exercise, and improper lifting habits can all contribute to chronic back conditions. Slumping when sitting or slouching while standing can cause unnecessary pressure on the spinal column over time and lead to disk degeneration prematurely. Excessive strain on the back through rigorous exercise can also take a toll on the back. Correct posture, exercise, and lifting methods can help people prevent spine pain.

In some cases, lower back pain can even be caused by a kidney infection. The kidneys are in the lower back area on either side of the spine. Usually, though, this condition is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, chills, and trouble with urination. Even so, if you experience back pain around your kidneys, it is recommended to get a urine test to rule out the possibility of a kidney infection. Ignoring these symptoms can ultimately lead to kidney failure.

Overall, any kind of spine pain requires attention on your own part. The causes can be as simple as overexertion where exercising, or they can be as severe as a cancerous growth. Since permanent paralysis can result from damage to the spinal column, it is best to address persistent spine pain with a medical professional.