Back pain can depend on various causes such as poor posture , psychophysical stress or being overweight . 

• What is back pain
• Types of back pain
• Back Pain Symptoms
• Causes of back pain
• When to worry about back pain
• Prevent back pain
• Natural remedies for back pain

What is back pain

Everyone, sooner or later, will have woken up with muscle pain in the back, to realize that a repeated movement causes discomfort or tension or even to find themselves suddenly blocked even in the simplest activities: this is because back pain is a annoying disorder which, according to existing studies, affects at least 8 out of 10 people over a lifetime .

The spine has the dual task of supporting our body and protecting the spinal cord contained within it.In addition to supporting the back muscles , tendons and ligaments , its structure is such as to allow it to be stable and flexible at the same time. .

The first condition is guaranteed by the bony parts of which it is composed, which are alternated by intervertebral discs, able to absorb the shocks and stresses to which we are constantly subjected.

The second is instead ensured by the so-called physiological curves of the spine, which are mainly four:

•   Cervical lordosis , composed of the C1-C7 vertebrae;
•   dorsal kyphosis , T1-T12;
•   lumbar lordosis , L1-L5;
•   sacral kyphosis , S1-S5 or sacrum.

Back pain is often sudden and acute pain, which involves reduced mobility and muscle stiffness, but also tingling or numbness , and can affect any of the points on the back, assuming, depending on its location and nature, characteristics and different specifications.

Types of back pain

The first thing to ask yourself to understand the causes or to find remedies for back pain is where the pain is located: whether in the lumbar, back or neck area.

Dorsal back pain , called dorsalgia, is certainly the least frequent, because this section of the spine acts as a support structure for the rib cage, which is responsible for protecting vital organs, including the heart and lungs, and therefore is the least mobile. 

Much more frequent are the pains in the lower back , the so-called lumbago, or the discomfort in the cervical tract, called neck pain: these are in fact the most mobile areas of the spine and as such also the most prone to receiving excessive loads, undergoing compensation and trauma. 

Secondly, it is necessary to understand the intensity of the disorder and its duration : acute but transient pain, which resolves within a maximum of a few months, has different characteristics and needs from continuous and chronic back pain, which persists. in time.

Back Pain Symptoms

The first symptom of severe back pain is generally acute, localized or widespread pain, followed or accompanied by stiffness in the affected area and difficulty in carrying out simple, habitual movements, such as getting up and sitting down or even walking.

Pain in the middle of the back often occurs at the shoulder blades, along the costal arches and up to the breastbone, and can cause breathing difficulties. Lumbar pains are generally associated with a reflex contracture of the paravertebral musculature and can radiate from the buttock to the lower limbs, while neck disorders manifest themselves with tension in this area, the so-called stiff neck, and sometimes discomfort in the shoulders and arms. It is not uncommon for neck pain to also be accompanied by :

• Headache;
• nausea;
• dizziness;
• tinnitus;
• mental confusion.

Causes of back pain

Sudden back pain can be caused by several factors . When it is not a question of back problems of a different nature, for example due to:

• Pregnancy; 
• protusion or herniated disc;
• sciatica;
• arthrosis of the vertebrae;
• osteoporosis;
• trauma related to injuries or falls.

the causes of low back pain and other back pain can be found in everyday habits.

In particular, among the factors that increase the appearance of these annoyances , there are:

• Maintain an incorrect posture;
• lifting weights in an inappropriate way;
• making excessive effort;
• making accidental or sudden movements;
• sitting incorrectly;
• standing for too long;
• doing little activity or movement;
• wearing unsuitable shoes;
• being prone to obesity;
• suffer from stress;
• being affected by anxiety or depression.

When to worry about back pain?

The onset of back pain , however sudden or acute, is in most cases a condition that should not cause undue concern, but it is good not to overlook any signs, understand what may have caused the back pain and treat it with due attention.

However , if other symptoms occur in addition to back pain , it is advisable to consult a specialist and proceed with more in-depth examinations.

Here are some red flags :

• Chronic pain
• absence of improvement following rest and / or treatments recommended by the doctor (drug therapy, physical therapy, manipulations or massages);
• night pain;
•  chills or high fever;
• sudden weight loss;
• injuries or accidents that may have damaged the spine;
• incontinence (fecal or urinary);
• numbness in the groin area and consequent difficulty walking.

Some pathologies or causes that can cause back pain and that only a specialized medical check-up can diagnose, are:

• Vertebral fractures;
• tumor;
• cauda equina syndrome;
• ankylosing spondylitis;
•  abdominal aneurysm;
• spine infection.

Prevent back pain

The first way to treat back pain is to prevent it . Improving one’s habits and quality of life through a healthy lifestyle is in fact the most powerful and effective medicine for any type of ailment.

Here are some helpful back pain remedies :

• Reduce stress on the spine;
• strengthen the back muscles;
• maintain good posture, both upright and seated;
• avoid sitting or standing for too long;
• do regular physical activity that is appropriate to your physical condition; 
• learn the correct technique for lifting weights;
• get up from the chair with strength on the legs, without putting too much strain on the back;
• wear comfortable shoes;
• regulate body weight;
•  avoid consuming excess smoking and alcohol;
• indulge in moments of rest and break;
• decrease stress;
• use an orthopedic mattress suitable to support the back during sleep.

Natural remedies for back pain

Among the most powerful natural anti-inflammatories or pain relievers are:

• Arnica montana ;
• devil’s claw ;
• turmeric ;
• ginger ;
• cayenne pepper ;
• camphor essential oil

which can be applied to the affected area in the form of ointments, gels or compresses.

It is also useful to have massages with essential oils , indulge in hot baths or apply a hot water bottle to relax the muscles and perform acupuncture sessions or osteopathic treatments.

Activities such as yoga or pilates are very effective, because they include numerous exercises for back pain, suitable both to strengthen the deep muscles and to loosen them in case of contractures and muscle tension.