Back pain is a common health issue that we hear of every day. According to research by Cross River Therapy, around 540 million people suffer from back pain, which affects their daily lives. The condition can be caused by various factors, such as injury, poor posture, or underlying medical conditions. If untreated, it can worsen over time and become chronic. This blog will explore some common causes, symptoms, and medically-proven treatments for back pain.
What causes Back Pain?
There is no one cause of back pain, and the condition can vary from person to person. However, some common causes include the following:
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Muscle and Ligament Strain:
Muscle and ligament strains are one of the most common causes of back pain. This strain can typically occur due to constant heavy lifting, overuse of back muscles, or sudden movements.
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Herniated Disc
The spinal disc contains a soft material called the pulposus inside it. When this material pushes out through a crack in the outer layers of the disc, it causes herniated discs. This makes the surrounding nerves feel pressurized, resulting in back pain.
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Spinal Stenosis
Oftentimes, the spaces within the spine can become thin, which puts pressure on the nerves. This condition is called spinal stenosis, which can cause back pain and other symptoms.
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Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a joint-related disease that can affect the joints in the spine, causing back pain.
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Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle. As the bones weaken, it leads to compression fractures in the spine, causing back pain.
Symptoms of Back Pain
The symptoms of back pain can vary depending on the cause of the pain. Some common symptoms include:
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Dull, Aching Pain
This is the most common form of back pain. It usually occurs in the lower back and can be mild to severe.
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Sharp, Shooting Pain
This type of back pain can radiate down the legs and may be caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
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Limited Mobility
Back pain can make it difficult to move or perform daily activities. This can be due to muscle spasms or nerve compression.
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Numbness or Tingling
Back pain can cause numbness or tingling in the legs, indicating nerve compression.
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Weakness
Back pain can lead to weakness in the legs, making it challenging to walk or stand.
How to Treat Back Pain?
Back pain can be a debilitating condition, and if you are experiencing the discussed symptoms, you must know how excruciating it can be. The good news is that there are various methods available to treat back pain, ranging from home remedies to medical interventions.
Home Remedies
If you are experiencing mild to moderate back pain, there are several home remedies that you can try to alleviate your symptoms.
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Cold or Heat therapy
Applying ice cubes or heat to the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
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Stretching
Gentle stretching can help to loosen up tight muscles and lessen back pain.
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Massage
Massaging the affected area can help to relax tense muscles and relieve pain.
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Rest
Resting the affected area can help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
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Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be an effective method for treating back pain. A physical therapist can develop a personalized exercise program to help strengthen the muscles in your back and improve your range of motion. They can also provide manual therapy, such as massage and spinal manipulation, to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Medications
Several medications can be used to treat back pain. These include:
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Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, can be your saviors to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
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Muscle Relaxants
Muscle relaxants can help to relax tense muscles and reduce pain.
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Opioids
Opioids can be used to get rid of severe pain, but they are generally only recommended for short-term use due to the risk of addiction and other side effects.
CBD – the new remedy for Back Pain
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the hemp plant. CBD has become a popular alternative treatment for various health conditions, including chronic back pain. CBD cream and oils can be applied directly to the skin for localized pain relief. Here’s how CBD can help with back pain:
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Anti-inflammatory Properties
One of the primary benefits of CBD products is their anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can contribute to back pain, and CBD can help to decrease inflammation in the affected area. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate inflammation and pain.
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Pain Relief
CBD products can also help relieve pain by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. So use an oil or a pain relief cream 2500 mg to reduce the level of discomfort. The endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating pain perception, and CBD can help reduce the sensation of pain. CBD cream can be used directly on the affected area, targeting the pain upfront and providing localized pain relief.
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Muscle Relaxation
CBD-infused solutions can also help to relax tense muscles in the back, which can contribute to back pain. CBD interacts with the body’s cannabinoid receptors, which are involved in regulating muscle tension. By relaxing tense muscles, CBD can help alleviate back pain and improve mobility.
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Minimal Side Effects
CBD-based products are generally considered safe and have minimal side effects compared to other pain medications. Solutions like CBD cream do not produce the psychoactive effects associated with THC, which is another compound found in the hemp plant. This means CBD cream can relieve pain without causing cognitive impairment or other side effects.
Conclusion
Back pain can be a challenging condition to manage, but there are several methods available to alleviate pain and improve mobility. If you are experiencing back pain, it is important to seek professional advice to identify the best treatment route for your individual needs. If you think CBD cream might be a good idea to treat your back pain, it is important to consult your healthcare provider to know if it is safe for you and the proper dosage. By understanding the methods available to treat back pain, you can actively manage your condition and improve your quality of life.
