Back pain is a common condition among adults, with half of the population experiencing the problem at some point in their lives. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that lasts for weeks or months. Back pain Houston can affect your daily life and cause you to miss work or school. You may experience back pain when you bend forward, climb stairs or lift heavy objects. Some people have recurring episodes of back pain for months, years, or even decades.

There are many different types of back pain. Your pain depends on where it is located in your back and how severe it is.

Flexion dominant back pain

Flexion-dominant back pain is usually caused by a strain or sprain of the ligaments that support the spine. These ligaments are located in your back, neck, and hips. If you have flexion-dominant back pain, there is not enough movement in these joints and muscles to allow you to move your spine through its full range of motion.

The most common problem associated with flexion-dominant back pain is arthritis or degenerative disc disease. The result of this condition is a decrease in flexibility and strength of the spine, which can cause pain and stiffness when you bend over or twist from side to side.

Inflammatory back pain

Inflammatory back pain occurs when there is an inflammatory response in the body. Inflammation can occur due to an injury or infection. The inflammation causes swelling and heat in the muscles, bones, and nerves.

There are several different types of inflammatory back pain:

• Musculoskeletal inflammatory back pain
• Nerve root irritation
• Muscle spasms

Extension dominant back pain

Extension-dominant back pain is caused by the muscles that move the spine, or extensors, being weak. The muscles on the side of the back that moves toward the ceiling are called flexors, and these muscles can be ineffective due to a lack of use or because they have been overtrained. Weakness in the other muscles will cause extension-dominant back pain. The weakness can also occur due to trauma or degeneration of a spinal disc. A disc that has degenerated may bulge out from the normal space between vertebrae and cause pain when pressure is applied.

Neurogenic claudication

Neurogenic claudication results from the nerves that supply the leg muscles being compressed. The compression can be caused by several conditions, including diabetes, pregnancy, and other medical conditions. Neurogenic claudication usually results from an injury or illness that affects the nervous system.

Neurogenic claudication may develop after an injury to the sciatic nerve or spinal cord. The condition can occur in both legs, but it’s most common in the right leg because most of your nerves are located.

Back pain is a common complaint, and it can be difficult to determine what is causing your pain. The severity of your symptoms depends on how long you have had them and what caused them initially. If you have been experiencing back pain for a few weeks, you may want to see your doctor. Call or visit pain specialist William Yancey, MD and book an appointment to learn more about back pain.