Back pain is pain and discomfort in the spine and back, ranging from mild to disabling. Back pain often radiates from injuries, activities, and medical conditions. Both men and women are vulnerable to back pain, although the risk is higher in women.

It usually develops between the ages of 30 and 50 due to the aging process, but an inactive lifestyle also leads to back pain over time. With age, the risk of lower back pain increases due to degenerative disc disease, previous occupation, etc.

Low back pain, also called lumbago, is not a disorder, but rather a symptom of a number of other conditions in one or more parts of the body, such as the muscles, nerves, ligaments, or bone structures that make up the spine, called the vertebral bodies.

Sometimes the pain can come from nearby organs such as the kidneys, abdomen, and internal pelvic organs. Upper back pain can occur due to conditions of the aorta, inflammation of the spine, etc.

In most cases, back pain is nothing to worry about. Treating the underlying cause will help avoid the inconvenience of back pain.

Signs and Symptoms of Back Pain

Back pain is followed by muscle pain and a burning or throbbing sensation, especially in the lower back. The pain may radiate down the leg or intensify when walking, staying in one position for a long time, bending, twisting, lifting, etc. Back pain decreases your range of motion and your ability to flex your back.

Symptoms of exertional back pain usually don't last more than days or weeks. If symptoms persist for more than three months, back pain is classified as chronic and usually requires medical intervention.

When To Consult A Doctor

In most cases, upper back pain is nothing to worry about. It usually improves with home treatment and over-the-counter pain relievers within a few weeks. However, it can be uncomfortable, painful, and cause discomfort.

Contact Your Doctor If Your Back Pain:

• Lasts more weeks
• If it doesn't improve with the rest
• Radiates down one or both legs
• Unexplained weight loss ensues
• Causes numbness around the genitals, anus, and buttocks.

If pain develops suddenly, such as following an injury or accident, and signs and symptoms progress sharply, seek medical attention immediately.

Sometimes back pain is a symptom of a serious medical condition, causing signs such as bowel or bladder problems, urinary incontinence, falls or blows to the back, presence of fever, etc.

Inform your physician if you experience any of these symptoms.

Back Pain Causes

The human back is the framework of muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs, and bones that together support the body and allow us to move.

The segments of the spine are filled with cartilage-like pads called discs. If there is a problem with this back structure, pain may be felt.

Falls, back injuries, and health issues can all make your back uncomfortable.

Pressure

Back pain due to strain, injury, or pressure can be caused by:

• Tight muscles or ligaments
• Muscle spasm or tension
• Damaged discs
• Injuries, broken bones, or falls

Lifting heavy objects and making awkward movements can cause this type of back pain.

Structural issues

Structural problems also lead to back pain.

• Ruptured or bulging discs
• Sciatica
• Arthritis
• Abnormal curvature of the spine
• Osteoporosis
• Kidney problems

Using a very slouched or slumped sitting position while using computers can lead to back and shoulder pain later in life. Back pain can develop due to poor posture or daily activities.

Examples include:

• twist
• cough or sneeze
• Excessive stretching
• Prolonged durations of standing or sitting; ailments include cancer and arthritis;
• Long driving sessions without rest
• sleeping on a mattress is not comfortable for the body

Other causes of Back Pain

Some Medical Conditions Also Cause Back Pain:

Cauda equina syndrome:

This is a rare but serious condition that indicates pressure and inflammation of the nerves at the end of the spinal cord. Symptoms include lower back pain as well as numbness in the genitals.

Spinal Cancer:

A tumor growing in the spine can cause back pain.

Spinal Infection:

Back pain or discomfort can also occur due to spinal infection.

Other Infections:

Infections such as inflammatory diseases of the kidneys, bladder, or pelvis often cause back pain.

Trouble Sleeping:

If you have trouble sleeping, you are more likely to have back pain than others.

Shingles:

This is an infection that damages the nerves and causes back pain. The area affected depends on the nerves affected.

Risk Factors in Back Pain

The following factors are linked to an increased risk of developing low back pain:

• Occupational activities, such as sitting or lifting heavy objects
• The pregnancy
• An inactive lifestyle
• Poor physical condition
• Older
• Physical exercise or intense work
• Genetic factors

Lower back pain is more common in women than in men due to hormonal factors. Back discomfort has also been connected to stress and anxiety.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Back Pain

Ayurvedic treatment for back pain works on different aspects such as lifestyle, diet, and herbal medicines. Lifestyle changes are helpful in maintaining the natural curvature of the spine, and herbal remedies tend to ease dosha addiction. This aggravation of the dosha is the main factor responsible for the inflammation of the soft tissues.

Poor posture leads to reduced space in the inter-vertebral joint space. This depletes the Vata balance which is supported in the treatment process. It ensures that the body gets rid of all toxins to improve overall efficiency.

Panchakarma therapy is considered the best therapy for alleviating the imbalance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in the body. As the doshas restore their balance, bones and joints become stronger and back pain eventually disappears.

Abhyanga is another therapy to treat back pain by balancing the doshas.

Along with the therapies, the diet of the patient is also taken care of. We suggest patients consume only warm and salty foods to calm aggravated Vata.

Additional therapies like Pranayam and Anuloma Vilomam are considered best for Vata management.