Rs Neurology

Back pain is something that is extremely common, and many of us would have experienced it in our lives.

Back pain could arise due to a variety of reasons. Most of the time, the causes of back pain are not serious. For example, the most common cause of back pain is muscle strain. This is usually a result of poor posture or overuse of the back muscle while exercising. However, there are instances when your back pain could be a result of more serious, underlying medical conditions. In these cases, it is important to consult a doctor and seek medical attention.

Back pain can be:

• Like a muscle ache
• Burning
• Sharp and shooting/stabbing
• Radiating down your leg
• Worsening with movement of your back/legs

So, how can you tell the difference between back pain that is likely not a cause of concern from one that is? Well, if back pain is caused by any underlying conditions, it tends to:

• Persist for a few weeks
• Be severe and not improve with rest
• Be accompanied by other symptoms like fever, inflammation and bowel issues

Cervical myelopathy occurs when your spinal cord is compressed. You may experience a burning or shock-like pain in your neck and upper back that shoots down your arms, lower back or legs.

Abnormal growths such as spinal tumours within or near the cervical spine may also compress on cervical spinal cord and cause pain that is not relieved when lying down.

Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back, through your hips, buttocks and down your legs. You may experience a burning or shock-like pain in your lower back that shoots down your buttocks, legs and even toes. The severity and duration of pain varies from person to person.

Spondylolisthesis happens when one of the vertebrae slips out of position. This commonly occurs in the lower back, but can happen in the mid to upper back too. You might experience lower back pain, similar to a muscle strain that gets worse when you move around or stand up. It might be relieved when you lie down.

Spinal stenosis occurs when spaces within your spine, known as the foramen, begin to narrow, thus putting pressure on the nerves that run through your spine. You will likely experience a burning or shock-like pain in your neck or lower back that shoots down your arms, buttocks and legs.

Spinal infections are rare, but often very serious diseases that happen when pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi or prion invade the spinal tissues through the bloodstream or peripheral nerves.

A herniated disc happens when the rubbery pad that lies between each vertebra is displaced. The main tell-tale sign of a herniated disc is a sudden sharp or burning pain that shoots down your arms, buttocks or legs. In some cases, you may experience a tingling sensation instead, and in rare cases, numbness or paralysis.

If you are currently experiencing back pain that is interfering with your daily life, consult a doctor and seek medical attention as soon as possible.