Most adults suffer back pain at some point in their lives. This condition makes it hard for patients to manage daily tasks, enjoy activities they love, and attend to personal and professional tasks. Back pain can range from aches in the muscle to a burning or shooting sensation and can be mild or disabling. Keep reading to learn more about back pain, its causes, symptoms, and how to manage it.

Causes
Back pain may be induced by a variety of factors, including-

• Strained muscles or ligaments– This is the most common cause of back pain, often due to lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, or poor posture.
• Ruptured disks– Disks function as cushions between the bones in your spine. They can press on a nerve if they protrude or rupture and trigger discomfort.
• Arthritis– Osteoarthritis can have an impact on the lower back. Spinal stenosis, a disorder often resulting from arthritis in the spine, causes a narrowing area around the spinal cord and can also cause back pain.
• Skeletal irregularities– Conditions like scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, can cause back pain.
• Osteoporosis– This condition makes the bones brittle and weak, leading to fractures that can cause back pain.
• Infections and tumors– In rare cases, infections or tumors can cause back pain.

Common signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of back pain can vary depending on the underlying cause and location of the pain. Common symptoms of back pain may include-

• Having lower back shooting spasms or muscle aches for three months or more
• Pain that radiates throughout the leg and the foot
• Stiffness or limited range of motion
• Difficulty standing up straight or walking
• Pain that worsens with movement or lifting and improves with rest or lying down

Foods that help manage back pain
Foods with specific properties such as anti-inflammatory properties, abundance in vitamin D, and calcium and magnesium are essential to be included in the daily diet. Here are those foods,

• Green leafy vegetables
• All kinds of edible berries
• All kinds of edible nuts
• Fatty fish like salmon and tuna
• Milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Egg yolk
• Spinach
• Almonds
• Black beans
• Water
• Tart cherries

Home remedies to address back pain

• Stretching– Stretching can help loosen tight muscles that may be causing pain.
• Heat and cold therapy– Applying heat or cold to the affected area may help relieve pain and inflammation.
• Massage therapy– Massage therapy can help relax muscles and improve circulation.
• Yoga and Pilates– Practicing yoga or pilates may improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce back pain.
• Acupuncture– Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny needles into specific points of the body to help relieve pain.
• Chiropractic care– This treatment involves spinal manipulation and other techniques to help relieve pain and improve spinal alignment.

Back pain treatment
The treatment methods for back pain depend on the underlying cause and severity. Some standard treatment options to manage the condition are listed below.

• Physical therapy– This involves exercises and stretches to improve flexibility and strength in the back muscles, which can help relieve pain.
• Surgery– In some specific cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of back pain, especially in cases involving a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

It is pertinent to note that back pain can have various symptoms depending on the underlying cause. Therefore, one must consult a healthcare professional if the pain is severe, persistent, or interferes with daily activities.