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The Most Common Back Problems That Are Diagnosed Today

Zoom Local News > Health > The Most Common Back Problems That Are Diagnosed Today

The Most Common Back Problems That Are Diagnosed Today

Common back problems such as lower back pain will affect between 60 and 70 percent of the population throughout their lifetimes. That’s more than 4.6 billion people, according to the World Health Organization!

You might not be able to prevent becoming one of them. However, knowing what the most common types of back pain are will give you a plan for preventing or treating them for a higher quality of life. Let’s look at some of the most prevalent.

Sprains or Strains

Strains and sprains of the lower back and neck are among the most common types of back pain. Regardless of age, you’re susceptible to them.

Younger people or the physically fit can experience these pains from lifting something heavy or lifting with improper form. They can also happen during everyday activities like sweeping the floor or mowing the yard.

Good posture can help prevent them. That means being more mindful of how you carry yourself throughout the day.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease occurs when there is significant thinning of the discs in between your vertebrae. These discs are meant to cushion and prevent the grinding of bone on bone.

It’s common for discs to wear down with age even among those with optimal health. However, the 3 million diagnosed cases of DDD in the US go one step beyond the normal aging process to cause chronic pain, especially when sitting down or putting direct pressure on the spine. Treatments range from surgery to physical therapy.

Herniated Discs

Spinal disc herniation, or herniated discs, are also commonly seen among healthcare industry professionals. This occurs when the softer portion of the disc cracks through the rougher exterior.

The level of pain depends on how it interplays with the surrounding nerves. Some herniated discs are unnoticeable while others can result in excruciating pain that requires surgery.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the weakening of bone density. This makes it more difficult for the person with osteoporosis to move freely and take part in strenuous activities.

It also makes them more susceptible to broken bones and potentially serious injuries from slips and falls. Subjects diagnosed with osteoporosis will not be able to exercise as well as they once could. This leads to a weakening of the muscular system as well and an overall decline in one’s health and wellbeing.

Stenosis

Lower back pain is common among those experiencing spinal stenosis. Stenosis, in this case, is a narrowing of the spinal column. This puts undue stress on the spinal cord and can lead to debilitating nerve pain in the region.

This affects movement and quality of life. Surgical intervention may be necessary in extreme cases, but it’s typically handled through physical therapy and medication to treat the symptoms.

Scoliosis

No discussion of diagnosing and treating back pain could be complete without mentioning one of the most common problems of all. We’re talking about scoliosis or curvature of the spine.

Scoliosis makes it difficult to maintain proper posture. As a result, one can experience a number of aches and pains to the point of debilitation.

These Common Back Problems Can Cause Great Discomfort

The phrase “common back problems” seems so innocuous unless you’re one of the unlucky millions who suffer from them. You learn quickly, in such cases, how important the back is to the rest of the body.

But knowing what the common problems are can help you find the right solutions or treatment options. For more health and wellness articles, check out some of our additional posts!