You may not think about it often, but your back is one of the most important parts of your body. It’s responsible for holding you up and supporting your entire weight. Back pain can be so debilitating – it can make even the simplest tasks impossible.
But what causes back pain? And is it different for men and women?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the causes of back pain and how they differ between men and women. We’ll also discuss some of the best ways to prevent and treat back pain.
What Are the Common Causes of Back Pain in Men and Women?
You’re not alone if you’re dealing with back pain. In fact, it’s a problem that a lot of people struggle with daily.
But what are the causes of back pain? And is it different for men and women?
Well, the causes of back pain can vary from person to person. But in general, there are a few things that tend to cause back pain more often than not.
For men, the most common causes of back pain are,
- Muscular problems
- Herniated disks, and
- Spinal stenosis.
For women, the most common causes are,
- Pregnancy
- Pelvic organ prolapse, and
- Uterine fibroids.
Structural problems
The structure of your back is one of the main reasons why you experience back pain. Your spine is made up of a series of connected bones, called vertebrae, which protect your spinal cord.
If one or more of these vertebrae are out of alignment, it can put pressure on your spinal cord and cause pain. This is known as a structural problem and is a common cause of back pain in both men and women.
In many cases, the cause of back pain can’t be identified. This is known as chronic or nonspecific back pain. But don’t worry—even if the cause of your back pain can’t be identified, there are still plenty of treatment options available to help you find relief.
How Can You Prevent Back Pain?
You can prevent back pain by practicing good posture and lifting correctly. When you’re lifting something heavy, always use your legs, not your back. And make sure to lift with your core engaged.
Make sure to take breaks often when you’re working at a computer. Position your monitor so that it’s at eye level, and use a chair with lumbar support. Try to avoid sitting for too long at a time.
Lower back pain affects 540 million people — or more than 1 in 10 people — worldwide.
When it comes to posture, the key is to keep your spine in alignment. That means avoiding slouching and maintaining a neutral pelvis. When you’re sitting or standing, keep your shoulders down and relaxed, and tuck in your chin.
How Can You Treat Back Pain?
If you’re experiencing back pain, there are a few things you can do to try and alleviate the symptoms.
First, make sure you’re taking regular breaks from your workstation and stretching throughout the day.
Second, try to maintain a healthy weight—being overweight or obese can put a lot of strain on your back.
Third, exercise regularly—this will help keep your back muscles strong and elastic.
If the pain persists, it might be time to see a doctor. They’ll be able to give you a diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment for you.
When Should You See a Spine Specialist or Back Surgeon?
You may be wondering when you should see a spine specialist or back surgeon. The answer, of course, depends on the cause of your back pain.
There are certain red flags that indicate you need to seek medical help right away.
These include:
Severe pain that radiates down one leg
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness or tingling in the buttocks or legs, and
Unexplained weight loss.
If your back pain is accompanied by fever, vomiting, or a recent injury, then you should also seek medical help. These are all signs of something more serious and may require surgery.
But if your back pain is mild to moderate and doesn’t fall into any of the above categories, then you may be able to wait a few days before seeing a specialist.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that back pain can be a sign of something serious, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and see a specialist sooner rather than later.