Back pain is a problem most people will encounter at some point in their lives. If you are looking for lower back pain treatment in Corpus Christi, here’s some information that will help.
The spine is one of the most important structures in your body. It provides support and stability for your torso and head, and allows you to bend and twist your upper body. Without your spine, you would be unable to stand up, keep yourself upright, or perform many of the daily physical tasks that you probably take for granted.
But in addition to its many important functions, the spine can also cause some problems when pain arises in the region. Back pain is one of the most common and troublesome medical conditions in existence. Up to 80% of the population will experience at least one episode of back pain in their lives, and about 50% will deal with it at some point every year. About 200,000 Americans are currently living with a disability related to spinal cord injury, and back pain actually ranks as the second most common reason for visiting a doctor behind the common cold.
Low Back Pain Relief In Corpus Christi Start By Understanding The Anatomy Of The Spine
To understand the many conditions that can result in back pain, it’s helpful to first develop a clearer picture of the anatomy of the spine. The spinal column, or backbone, consists of small bones called vertebrae, which are connected by ligaments, muscles, tendons and joints. These vertebrae divide the spine into the following three segments:
- Cervical spine: consists of the first seven vertebrae of the neck
- Thoracic spine: consists of 12 vertebrae in the upper and mid-back, extending from the bottom of the neck to about five inches below the shoulder blades
- Lumbar spine: consists of five vertebrae in the lower back down to the pelvis
Each pair of vertebrae is connected by two facet joints, which help to stabilize the entire spine and allow it to move. Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disc, which consists of a jelly-like substance contained within a fibrous sheath. Together, the vertebrae and discs can only move a limited amount, but they are responsible for allowing considerable flexibility of the spine without reducing its stability.
Our Back Pain Specialists in Corpus Christi Regularly Treat These Common Issues that Affect the Spine
Within these many components that make up the spine, a variety of problems can come about. One of the most frequent causes of back pain is a simple back strain, in which muscles in the back are pushed beyond their limits, usually from twisting, bending or lifting movements. This can lead to immediate pain that may go away in a few days or last much longer, depending on how severe the damage is.
Other common causes of back pain include:
- Herniated disc: condition in which the jelly-like substance in an intervertebral disc pushes out through a tear in the outer layer
- Spinal stenosis: a narrowing of the spaces within the spine that usually occurs later in life
- Degenerative disc disease: another problem that results from the aging process in which the intervertebral discs start to thin and wear away
- Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis: conditions related to a crack or stress fractures in a vertebra
Regardless of what causes it, back pain of any sort can result in similar problems for those who experience it. The pain will usually lead to difficulty performing many daily activities, especially those that require any bending of the spine, as well as trouble exercising or playing certain sports. If nothing is done to address it, back pain can get so bad in some individuals that it will prevent them being able to perform their job, and they will have to miss work as a result.
This is why it’s crucial to seek out treatment for any episode of back pain that does not go away on its own within a few days.
