Back Pain

Understanding and Treating Back Pain at Pharaoh Health and Rehab in League City, TX

Back pain is an all-too-common ailment that can affect individuals of all ages and lifestyles. It can arise from a multitude of causes, often making it challenging to pinpoint the exact source of the discomfort. When left untreated, back pain can progress to a chronic condition, significantly impacting one’s quality of life. At Pharoah Health and Rehab in League City, TX, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of treatments designed to alleviate pain, address the underlying causes, and enhance overall well-being.

Common Causes of Back Pain

Back pain can be attributed to various factors, and in some cases, multiple issues may contribute to the discomfort.

Understanding the potential causes is crucial for effective treatment. Here are some of the common causes of back pain:

• Sciatica: This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the legs, becomes irritated or compressed. It often results in sharp, shooting pain that can extend from the lower back to the feet.
• Arthritis: Various forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the spine, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
• Pinched Nerves: Compression of nerves in the back can cause pain, numbness, and tingling sensations. Conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis can lead to pinched nerves.
• Sprains and Strains: Overstretching or tearing of ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains) can result in acute back pain, often due to sudden movements or heavy lifting.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: This term encompasses several conditions, including herniated discs, bulging discs, and slipped discs, where the spinal discs deteriorate over time, causing pain and reduced mobility.
• Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas, fibromyalgia can also affect the back.
• Osteoporosis: This condition causes bones to become brittle and weak, increasing the risk of fractures, including vertebral fractures that can lead to back pain.
• Muscle Spasms: Sudden, involuntary contractions of muscles can cause intense back pain, often triggered by muscle fatigue or dehydration.
• Poor Posture: Maintaining improper posture while sitting, standing, or sleeping can strain the back muscles and lead to pain over time.
• Scoliosis: This condition involves an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, which can cause discomfort and pain, especially if severe.
• Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects without proper technique can strain the back muscles and ligaments, resulting in pain.
• Housework or Yardwork: Activities like cleaning, gardening, or shoveling snow can involve repetitive motions or awkward positions, leading to back pain.
• Sleep Positioning: Sleeping in positions that do not support the natural curve of the spine can contribute to back pain, particularly if the mattress or pillows are not supportive.