“Anyone can have back pain, & almost everyone will experience back pain at some point in their life. Several factors increase your risk of developing back pain” [1], & the issue can get worse if left untreated. And this is why it is so important to ensure you get an accurate diagnosis by an experienced Pain Doctor as soon as possible
What Causes Muscle Ache?
Various different muscle groups run across our back, and it is these muscles which help to stabilise our spines. Aching back muscles can be attributed to a number of factors, with injury and overuse being the most common in a long list of possible causes.
Is it Possible to Pinpoint the Causes Behind Muscle Pain?
Yes, it is possible to pinpoint some of the reasons for muscle pain. These include:
• Stress
• Tension
• Physical inactivity
• Injuring our muscles while we are doing something which is physically demanding
• Overusing our muscles when we are physically active
• Not doing warm-ups and cool-downs prior to, and after, physical workouts
• Muscular tension related to the back muscles
• Age
• Hereditary factors [1].
If you are suffering from muscle pain which has not ameliorated within a few weeks, then the best course of action to to book an appointment with a Pain Specialist. – They will review your medical history, give you can examination, and if necessary, conduct various tests and scans. After this, they will devise a Holistic Personalised Treatment Program (which could include both conventional and cutting-edge therapies), that you can get started on right away.
How Many Regions Are There in the Spine?
As a Pain Specialist will tell you, there are 4 distinctive regions. These comprise:
• The Cervical spine
• The Thoracic spine
• The Lumbar spine
• The Sacrum and coccyx [1]
What Are the Main Parts of the Spine & Back?
• The Vertebrae: these consist of small bones which are stacked on top of each other in order to protect the spinal cord
• The Spinal Cord: this describes a long bundle of nerves which run down our back via a canal in the vertebrae
• Intervertebral Discs: these are cushion-like pads which are situated between each vertebrae. They serve as spacers for the spine, and act in a similar way to shock absorbers
• Ligaments: describe short bands of flexible tough tissue which hold our vertebrae in place
• Tendons: refer to a cord of tissue which connects muscle to bone
• Muscles: are a bundle of dynamic fibres which serve to support our upper body and spine. They help us move [1].
Reference
[1]. National Institutes of Health (2023). “Back Pain.”
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain
