Post: 3 Reasons Your Back Pain Isn’t Going Away 

3 Reasons Your Back Pain Isn’t Going Away

Sometimes, that persistent bad back pain is more than muscle tension. According to statistics, about 8% of adults experience pain that inhibits them from performing many tasks, and some people manage it for as long as they live. If you know what causes yours, such as occupational hazards, it might be easier to find a solution like changing jobs. On the other hand, if you’re still looking for answers, below are a few things causing your persistent back pain. 

1. Herniated disk

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Medical research says a person is born with 33 bones in the spine. However, some of these bones fuse during the transition from childhood to adulthood. At the end of the process, you are left with 24 bones in the vertebrae. The fusion usually happens in the bottom part of the spine, leading to the coccyx. In adulthood, the lumbar and thoracic parts of the spine contain seventeen bones. They are neatly arranged with a disk that acts as a cushion or shock absorber to protect these bones.

When you do some reading about disks, you will learn that each one contains an outer rind. Additionally, it has a protective inner gel that provides extra cushioning and enhances movement. Unfortunately, persons experiencing herniated disks have one or a few disks out of line. In other words, some of these bones get squished and move outside the outer rind. While herniated disks can result from trauma to the back, sometimes, aging is to blame. Fortunately, something can be done to salvage the situation if detected early. A spine specialist Dr. Todd Francis suggests that you can say goodbye to these back pains, whether they’re in the upper or lower regions.

2. Compression fracture

Compression fracture to the spine is serious. It is painful and almost debilitating for most people who experience it. Your spine supports your entire body, whether you’re in a standing or sitting position. Therefore, a break (a fracture) is likely to affect millions of nerves in this region, impacting mobility.

A spinal compression fracture is when some bones in the lumbar region give way to external pressure in a simple description. In other words, these bones collapse on each other and limit spinal mobility. Medical research has proven that people with osteoporosis are most at risk of developing compression fractures. Therefore, when you experience sudden sharp pains in your back region, a massage may not be enough or even worsen the situation. Your best bet will be to see a specialist.

3. Scoliosis

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Medical studies state that between six to nine million people in the US live with scoliosis. This is a spine condition that causes the backbone to curve sideways. Naturally, the human spine has an ‘S’ shape when looked at sideways. This natural curvature makes the upper back curve backward, with the lower region taking on a forward appearance. Scoliosis can be mild, moderate, or severe. People with mild curvature may not experience pain. However, those with moderate to severe endure varying pain levels that require medication. Sometimes, surgery is the only way to resolve the condition.