Data compiled by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that as much as 80 percent of all adults may have to endure lower back pain while alive. Statistics also show that back pain is a leading reason why workers are forced to call in sick to work or file for disability. Data suggests that men and women are afflicted with lower back pain equitably and that it generally starts between the ages of 30 and 50 and worsens with age.
While many low back pain suffers are forced to endure a persistent, nagging aching sensation on a regular basis, a select few have to instead live with sporadic, acute or stabbing pain or discomfort.
The onset of lower back pain can be caused by a number of different factors including an individual living a sedentary life, engaging in strenuous activities or an accident. Most back injuries that employees end up with on the job are caused by workers working atop vibrating surfaces, having to twist and turn repetitively or pushing, lifting or pulling heavy loads without proper support.
Children can suffer back sprains and muscle fatigue if they’re forced to carry backpacks that exceed 20 percent of their body weight.
Doctors often diagnose back pain after conducting a series of imaging studies such as computerized tomography (CT) scans, ultrasound, X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone scans. It may also be possible to diagnose them though a blood test.
After analyzing these results, a doctor may diagnose a patient as having sprains or strains, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, spinal irregularities, herniated discs, skeletal abnormalities or any number of other conditions.
Treatment for back pain rarely involves a doctor recommending that their patient remains sedentary. Instead, orthopedic physicians will often recommend that their patients perform a number of strength building exercises on a regular basis to help stabilize their backs.
Doctors will often prescribe their patients both over-the-counter and prescription medications as well. In some of the worst cases, doctors may recommend more invasive pain management options or surgery.
Some of the most common spinal cord injuries can make it difficult for an individual to perform everyday household tasks and to resume working in the role that they previously worked in. In cases such as this, an experienced St. Louis Social Security Disability attorney may suggest that you file a claim to help you cover your living costs.
