Back pain is among the most common medical issues in the United States. Experts categorize it as acute, subacute, and chronic depending on its intensity and duration.
Acute back pain happens suddenly and can last a few days to a few weeks. Subacute back pain also occurs suddenly but lasts for four to 12 weeks. Chronic pain, on the other hand, can occur suddenly or gradually but lasts over 12 weeks, and you feel it daily.
What Causes Sudden Back Pain?
Muscle strains or sprains
Strains are tendon or muscle injuries, while sprains are injuries to the ligaments supporting the spine. They occur because of improperly lifting heavy objects, twisting, bad posture, and sudden strenuous movements.
Degenerative disc disease
The disc between the spine’s vertebrae breaks down with age, causing friction between the vertebrae, resulting in pain and inflammation.
Raptured or herniated discs
This happens when the spinal disc’s sift inner portion pushes through the outer layer. That usually compresses nearby nerves, resulting in sudden, severe back pain.
Spondylolisthesis
This happens when a spinal vertebra slips out of place, gradually moving out of alignment.
Sciatica
This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve, running from the lower back to the back of the legs, becomes compressed or irritated. It results in sharp, shooting pains in the legs, buttocks, and lower back.
Injuries
These happen if you are involved in an accident, fall, or sport-related injury, resulting in sprains, strains, or fractures.
Muscle spasms
These are sudden involuntary contractions of the back muscles, usually triggered by fatigue, injury, or overuse.
Treatments
Your back pain treatment in Gainesville, FL depends on the cause and extent of the pain.
Physical therapy
Acupuncture
Heat and cold therapy
Exercises
Massage therapy
Chiropractic care
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
QC Kinetix (Gainesville) is an innovative clinic that offers non-surgical back treatment in Gainesville, FL. Contact them to learn more about what causes sudden back pain and your treatment options.
