Back Pain… Early warning of these diseases
Back pain may seem to indicate an issue related only to the spine, but in reality, it could be a sign of serious conditions such as infections and heart attacks.
Mark Sanders, a spinal chiropractor and member of the British Chiropractic Association, revealed that back pain, along with other symptoms, could be a sign of something more serious and possibly a medical emergency.
Sanders explained: ‘Chest pain associated with back pain may be a sign of a heart problem or another serious medical condition, so it is essential to seek help immediately.’
Heart attack signs include chest pain that may radiate to other parts of the body, including the back, dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea.
Sanders was quoted by The Sun as saying: ‘If the pain starts after a serious accident, such as a car crash, the resulting shock could lead to hidden injuries or fractures that may not be immediately apparent. Therefore, it is wise for a healthcare professional to assess your condition as soon as possible.’
He advised that if you experience pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness in both legs, especially if these symptoms worsen quickly, it may be a sign of severe nerve pressure or damage.
He continued: ‘Numbness or tingling around your genital organs or buttocks can be symptoms indicating a serious neurological issue. Difficulty urinating may indicate nerve pressure in your back affecting your ability to urinate.’
Sanders suggested the importance of visiting a doctor if you have an elevated temperature along with back pain, saying: ‘This may indicate an underlying infection.’
Meanwhile, physiotherapist Sami Margot stated that one of the main reasons people experience back pain is muscle or ligament injuries due to various causes such as poor posture, improper weightlifting (including during exercise), or insufficient exercise.
The specialist explained: ‘Using too much weight when lifting leads to bending and tilting the body, increasing pressure on the spine and making the back susceptible to injury and pain. Also, lack of exercise makes back muscles weak, making the back stiff and painful.’
Moreover, weight gain can also cause back pain due to excess pressure on joints and muscles, and poor posture and other bad habits can lead to narrowing of nerves and blood vessels in the back, causing pain, according to the expert.
