The Back Pain Epidemic

A little over half a million people have back surgery each year. We spend more than 11 billion dollars to relieve pain through invasive back surgery. Johns Hopkins found that only 5% of patients actually need or qualify for surgery.

Back Pain is an Actual Pandemic

Back pain is a common problem. An overwhelming majority of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is not a common problem. However, lifestyle and especially western lifestyle are a major factor.

The good news is that 95% of those who have back pain don’t need surgery. This article may not be appropriate for you if you have had an emergency or are in need of a lifesaving procedure. There are many options for non-surgical pain relief, including yoga, oils, creams, and even good-old-fashioned medication. It can be difficult to find the right solution because there are so many options. The effectiveness of most of these options is questionable at best.

It is simple to treat back pain by simply taking pain medication and combining it with rest. This is the most common way to treat back pain. It’s also the best in the US. This results in little physiological change over the long term, so it’s not surprising. Although medication is effective in relieving pain, it cannot be used to treat long-term pain. Non-stop use of pain medication is not recommended as it can have serious side effects on the body and organs.

According to the National Institutes of Health, 80% of older adults will experience lower-back pain in their lifetimes. At any time, 25% of us have had back pain recently or are currently experiencing it.

Our modern lifestyle is partly responsible for this “epidemic”, which can be hard on our spines. It is not our nature to stand or sit all day. Our lower backs are complex and can be affected by injury or strain. This arrangement of vertebrae and discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and muscles can cause pain and disability.

A strain, injury, muscle strain, disc or bone problem, herniated disc rupture, disc compression, or nerve inflammation can all cause lower back pain. It might take the doctor some time to determine the cause, even if he uses X-rays and other imagery.

Lower back pain is something that can happen to anyone at any age. However, due to years of wear and tear on our spines, it is more common in older adults. According to the NIH, age is the most significant risk factor. Degenerative changes in the spine and arthritis are more common in older adults.

Lower back pain is a common symptom. Most cases resolve on their own. If pain continues, you should seek medical attention. The following are possible treatments for chronic lower back pain:

Medications. Today’s doctors emphasize the importance of not considering medications as the first step in pain relief. Most drugs should be administered for as short a time as possible. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), as well as topical ointments or creams, may be prescribed. Intractable pain may be managed with antidepressants. Some medications can be injected directly into your spine. You should only use opioid drugs for a brief period and keep your doctor’s supervision.

Exercise. When people have sore backs, they believe that staying immobile (lying down or sitting) is the best way to heal. Bed rest used to be a recommended treatment for back pain. However, we now know that it can make things worse. Ask your doctor for a customized exercise program. These will likely include strengthening, flexibility, and aerobic activities. To avoid the “weekend warrior syndrome”, a situation in which a person, who is usually a couch potato, suddenly takes up too much exercise, it’s crucial to continue to do so.

Weight control and nutrition. Spine health is not an exception. To support bone health, nutritionists recommend that we consume enough calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus. It is important to maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight, especially around the midsection, can cause lower back pain.

Good body mechanics. How our posture, movement, and sleep positions affect our lower backs. Back injury is most often caused by lifting heavy objects. Experts say that while it is common to advise us to lift with our legs, experts now recommend personalized instruction. Professor Peter O’Sullivan from Curtin University in Australia stated that “it is unlikely that there is a one-size fits all approach to managing low back pain related to lifting.” “Rather, a more individual approach may be needed.”

Physical therapy. If you are recovering from a back injury or to prevent future back problems, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. To relieve pain, physical therapists may use heat, cold, and electrical stimulation. They can train and supervise patients in good body mechanics, as well as prescribe exercises to increase mobility and strengthen the muscles that protect your back.

Surgery. Some types of lower back pain may require surgery. Most doctors won’t recommend surgery unless non-surgical treatment has been tried. Implantation of nerve stimulation devices can also be done surgically.

Quitting smoking. Research shows that smoking can make it more difficult for the body to absorb calcium and create new bone. People who smoke are more likely to develop disc degeneration due to reduced blood flow.

Alternative therapies. Counseling may be beneficial in pain management. Experts at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine say mindfulness meditation can help seniors manage back pain. Yoga and tai-chi were also found promising in other studies. You can also try biofeedback, traction, massage and spinal mobilization. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health stresses that you should talk to your doctor about any complementary or alternative health practices.

Seniors often think that lower back pain is a normal part of aging. However, there are ways to address the root causes. If lower back pain is affecting your quality of life, talk to your doctor.

This article does not replace advice from your healthcare provider. Before you start an exercise program, or take medication, talk to your doctor.