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Back Pain: Tests and Causes

Back Pain: Tests and Causes

Back pain, a common ailment affecting most adults, can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. Causes vary from muscle strains and disc problems to lifestyle factors and underlying medical conditions.

Discomfort or pain felt in lower, upper and middle back. It can vary from mild aches to sharp, unbearable pain. Back pain can be acute or chronic. Back pain is a common health issue which every person has felt once in his lifetime. Back pain can occur due to sleeping posture, disc problems or any underlying medical conditions. If the pain heals with exercise and daily movements, then it can be through posture, but if the condition persists continuously without getting better, it can be the cause of any underlying medical condition. In this situation you need doctor’s advice or medical imaging tests for which you can trust us, Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre.

What are the causes of back pain?

Back pain is a most common ailment but not ignorable in some conditions, here are some reasons of causes of back pain- 

Muscle strains

  • It can be caused due to heavy lifting, sudden wrong movements, or bad posture
  • Untreated muscle pain or strain can lead to muscle spasms.

Osteoporosis

Disc Issues

  • Herinated disc can cause pain by putting pressure on nerves.
  • These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine.

Arthritis

  • Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back, and spinal arthritis can lead to spinal narrowing of the spinal canal.

Other causes of back pain include-

  • Injuries- Falls, accidents can cause back pain.
  • Lifestyle factors- Smoking and over consumption of alcohol can lead to back pain risk.
  • You might feel back pain, which can be caused due to kidney problems like stones in the kidney or stone in gallbladder.

What are the risk factors of back pain

  • Age can be a risk factor of back pain, among older adults and older people. 
  • Weaker back muscles can lead to injuries and pain.
  • Jobs involving heavy lifting and heavy work can also be a reason.

What are the tests to detect and diagnose back pain?

  • X-Ray Back Scan (Book Now): A most common painless procedure used to detect and diagnose back pain conditions. X ray is used to see the condition of the bone in the pack.
  • CT Scan Back (Book Now): CT creates high resolution images with a computer to create cross-sectional images of the back for diagnosis purposes.
  • MRI Back Screening. (Book Now): MRI is a diagnostic procedure that uses magnetic fields with radio waves to detect back pain.
  • Ultrasound for Back Pain (Book Now): Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves for the diagnosis of back pain. Ultrasound is also called ultrasonography or sonography.
  • EMG for Both Limbs (Book Now): This diagnostic procedure measures muscle response to electric signals. EMG can be a handy tool for back pain diagnosis.  
  • Urine Test. (Book Now): Urine tests have a wide range of applications for diagnosis like kidney stones, diabetes, STDs etc. which can be the reason for back pain.
  • Back Pain Screening Package. (Book Now) : This is the special type of test that includes all important tests necessary for the diagnosis of back pain having any reason.

How can you prevent back pain?

  • By maintaining a good health and healthy weight you can manage your back pain. Being overweight will affect the back and can cause back pain or back muscle strain. 
  • Strengthen back muscles which will support your core muscles and spine.
  • Exercise regularly like planks, crunches, bridges can help you to strengthen your core back muscles.
  • If you lift heavy, lift properly.
  • Hold the object close to your body.
  • Standing, walking, swimming and cycling can help you in overall health without using your back excessively.
  • Quit smoking and alcohol.
  • Choose your mattress with adequate support. 
  • Avoid wearing heels.
  • Take breaks while moving and working, if your back is included in that activity.

Conclusion

Back pain can be a normal pain caused due to wrong movements, posture and heavy lifting, but if it is unbearable you should consult at the best diagnostics centre near you, The Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre. Back pain is highly prevalent, it affects the vast majority of people. Lifestyle factors are the main cause of back pain. If you’re not exercising or not taking care of your body, it might cause more pains and diseases. 

FAQS-

Q. How common is back pain?

Back pain is the most common discomfort mostly seen in adults.

Q.When should I contact the doctor?

You should seek medical attention if your pain is severe, persistent, accompanied by numbness or weakness.

Q. Is rest can be fine for back pain?

For shorter period or acute pain it is effective but if the pain is persistent, you should seek a medical checkup and for general pain exercise and gentle movements, stretching is recommended.