Are you or a loved one suffering from back pain? Find out what causes back pain and how low level laser therapy can help.
Back pain is very common; so common, in fact, that it has been found to be the leading cause of disability worldwide by the Global Burden of Disease 2010. In another research led by the University of Sydney and conducted by an international team of researchers, it was determined that lower back pain linked to workplace factors accounts for a third of all work-related disability worldwide.
What is Back Pain?
Back pain can range from a dull, persistent ache to a sudden, sharp pain that limits a person’s movement. Back pain can get worse slowly and progressively, or can happen unexpectedly and quickly, such as if you lift a heavy object.
Anyone can be afflicted with back pain; however, there are certain things that can increase your risk for back pain, such as:
- Aging – Back pain becomes more common as people age, commonly starting between the ages of 30 and 40.
- Poor physical fitness – People who lack exercise are more susceptible to back pain.
- Excess weight – Too much weight can stress the back.
- Your occupation – Those whose jobs entail lifting, pushing or pulling objects may get back pain. On the other hand, people who sit at their desks all day and have poor posture may also get back pain.
- Depression – A study revealed that depression is a risk factor for onset of severe neck and low back pain.
- Smoking – Smokers may not be getting enough nutrients to the disks in the spine. In addition, smoker’s cough may also cause back pain.
- Other conditions or diseases – Pregnancy, endometriosis, scoliosis, arthritis, and other conditions or diseases can cause back pain.
Signs and Symptoms of Back Pain
- Muscle pain
- Shooting or sharp, stabbing pain
- Pain that radiates down your leg
- Limited flexibility or range of motion of the back
In most cases, back pain gradually improves within two weeks with home treatment. However, you must see your doctor if it does not. In very rare cases, back pain can indicate a more serious problem. Go to your doctor immediately if your back pain:
- Is accompanied by fever
- Was caused by a fall, a blow to your back or other injury or serious accident
- Is severe and hasn’t improved with rest
- Radiates down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee
- Is accompanied by weight loss
- Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
- Is accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control
Common Causes of Back Pain
Muscle spasms – involuntary, spontaneous contractions of a muscle. Muscle spasms can be exceedingly painful and often debilitating.
Spain/strain – a sprain is an injury to a ligament (which supports the spine, including its joints), while a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. These injuries are usually quite painful and may temporarily limit a person’s movement.
Lumbar herniated disc – a spinal disc herniates and leaks some of its inner material which in turn presses on a nerve.
Degenerative disc disease – the lumbar discs between the vertebrae break down, and the damaged disc can cause inflammation and slight instability in the lower back.
Sacroiliac joint disease – can occur when there is too much or too little movement in the sacroiliac joint which connects the sacrum at the bottom of the spine to the hip on either side.
Bad Habits that Cause Back Pain
- Lifting objects improperly
- Lifting objects that weigh more than 20% of your body weight
- Overextending the body with activities after a prolonged time of inactivity
- Not getting enough exercise
- Spending too much time sitting
Low Level Laser Treatment for Back Pain
Most back pain abates between 48 hours and 2 weeks with a nonprescription pain reliever. In some cases, you will need to see a medical professional for back pain treatment.
In Louisville, patients suffering from back pain can opt for K-Laser Class 4 laser therapy, a painless, non-invasive and drug-free remedy for chronic and acute back pain. These lasers induce a photochemical reaction and therapeutic effect by delivering specific red and near-infrared wavelengths of laser light to the affected area, resulting in increased circulation, reduced inflammation, pain reduction and enhanced tissue healing.
Studies show that laser therapy helps reduce these types of back pain:
Low back:
- Disc degeneration
- Sprain/strain
- Sciatic pain
- Facet joints
Hip and SI Joint:
- Bursitis
- Sports injuries
- Arthritis
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome
During the K-Laser therapy, the metabolic activity within the cell is increased as infrared light interacts with tissues at the cellular level. The improved transport of nutrients across the cell membrane stimulates the increased production of cellular energy (ATP). This results in a cascade of beneficial effects that includes cellular function and tissue repair.