Americans suffer from back pain at a high rate. Although they may seem painful at the time, chances are they will get better after 2 to 12 weeks have passed. This is particularly true of pain that strikes your lower back. Most instances will resolve without surgical intervention.
Types
Back pain may be mild, moderate or acute. Medical professionals usually classify them into two major types:
1. Acute: this form of pain in the lower back lasts a period of less than 6 weeks.
2. Chronic: this form of pain in your lower back, less common than other types, lasts for more than 3 months.
Both types require care to prevent further damaging of the back.
Who Suffers?
Sore and painful backs most commonly occur among men and women over the age of 30. The causal factors for those within this age group may differ as well as the typology. For those over 60, the pain they suffer tends to be related to the deterioration of the joints in the lower spin. This includes several diseases including osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis.
Causes
A number of health problems among older adults can cause pain in the lower back. Among them are the following:
Degenerative Osteoarthritis: this condition, also known as facet joint osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis, is a condition that develops slowly. The breaking down in the spine of the facet joints results in pain in the lower back.
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: also known as lumbar spinal stenosis, pain results from pressure on the nerves where they exit the spine.
Spinal Compression Fracture: this is more common for post-menopausal women over the age of 50 who have osteoporosis. Both genders who have extensively used corticosteroid may also be subject to this problem.
These are not the only causes of lower back pain among older adults. Others, however, are less common.
Lower Back Pain: Talk to a Specialist
As you get older, you may suffer from pain in various parts of your body. The back is one common area afflicted, and the causal factors may vary so it is always best to see your doctor. Start with a visit to your primary care physician. After an initial examination, he or she can then recommend you to a specialist.
An orthopedic spine surgeon will be able to tell you what treatment your lower back issues require and explain to you all your options, including spinal surgery. While most instances of lower back problems will not require surgical intervention, what afflicts you may. This is one major reason why it is very important to talk about your lower back pain first to your doctor and then to a specialist.
Back pain is a very common and debilitating health problem. If you are concerned about what to do about it, or want to learn more about your treatment options, contact the medical staff at Suburban Orthopaedics. Their highly-trained, Board-Certified and eligible physicians are equipped to help you address the serious issue with caring and skill. To learn more about what services they have to offer, visit them at www.suburbanortho.com. You can connect with them on Facebook for further updates!
