Lesser-Known Causes of Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common complaints among adults. While muscle strains or sprains cause most back pain, there are a number of lesser-known causes that can also be responsible for back pain. 

Less-Common Causes of Back Pain

• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This tissue can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and bowels. Endometriosis can cause a variety of symptoms, including back pain, pelvic pain, and painful periods.
• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that causes widespread pain throughout the body, including the back. Fibromyalgia can also cause other symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints in the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis can cause back pain, as well as stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders, and hips.
• Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the back, legs, and feet.
• Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebra slips out of place. This can cause back pain, as well as pain and numbness in the legs and feet.

In addition to these specific conditions, there are a some other lesser-known causes of back pain, such as:

• Spinal Infections: Spinal infections, such as osteomyelitis and epidural abscesses, can cause back pain.
• Spinal Tumors: Spinal tumors, both benign and malignant, can cause back pain.
• Vascular Problems: Problems with the blood vessels that supply the spine, such as aortic aneurysms and spinal artery stenosis, can cause back pain.
• Connective Tissue Disorders: Connective tissue disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can cause back pain.
• Metabolic disorders: Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, can cause back pain.

Tips for Managing Back Pain

• Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate your back pain.
• Ice or heat: Apply ice or heat to your back for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Yoga for Upper Back Pain:Yoga for upper back pain not only alleviates mild pain or discomfort but when used on a regular basis, is a great preventative therapy. Let’s look at ways you can stretch your back to relieve strain on those affected muscles.
• Stretches to Release Lower Back Pain: If you have stiffness, posture problems, or muscle spasms in your lower back, your first instinct may be to get in bed and rest; the experts will tell you to get up and move instead. Certain exercises can stretch those strained lower back muscles, providing relief.
• Over-the-counter pain medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around your spine and improve flexibility.
• Medications: Prescription medications, such as muscle relaxants and antidepressants, may be necessary for some people with back pain.
• Surgery: Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat certain causes of back pain, such as spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis.

When to See a Pain Management Specialist for Back Pain

If you are experiencing back pain that is not relieved by home remedies or over-the-counter pain medications, or if you have any other symptoms associated with the lesser-known causes of back pain, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

The symptoms of lesser-known causes of back pain can vary depending on the underlying condition. However, some signs you should see a pain management specialist for your back pain include:

• Back pain that is not relieved by rest or over-the-counter pain medications
• Back pain that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, weight loss, or numbness and weakness in the legs and feet
• Back pain that is worse at night or in the morning
• Back pain that is aggravated by certain activities, such as sitting, standing, or walking

Lesser known causes of back pain can be difficult to diagnose and treat. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, most people can find relief from their back pain. The best way to diagnose and fix back pain long-term is to visit a National Spine & Pain Centers affiliated pain management specialist. They will develop a treatment plan to ease your pain by getting to the root of the problem.

Find a National Spine & Pain Centers affiliated location today.