Back pain can be a debilitating issue to deal with and it can be made even worse by the seemingly inexplicable “heat” that accompanies some conditions. If you’ve ever experienced that burning pain in back, also called “Hot Back”, then you know what we’re talking about.
The name “Hot Back”, is a term that refers to sharp pains and a burning sensation that is caused by an irritation of the nerves in the lumbar spine. In this article, we will examine the symptoms of Hot Back, as well its causes and treatments.
What Are the Symptoms of Hot Back?
Symptoms that are typically associated with this particular type of back pain include but are not limited to:
A Prickly, Stinging Sensation
This type of sensation can be more commonly described as “pins and needles”. You will feel a pins and needles type of sensation along your spine or across your back.
Electrical Shock
Your pain may feel like an electric jolt passing through between your shoulder blades or along either side of the spinal column, causing a tightening of the muscles and sudden flashes of pain.
Itching, Tingling or Numbness
When dealing with “hot back”, in addition to other symptoms, you may experience itching across the agitated areas of your spine, as well as feelings of tingling or numbness.
Radiating Pain
“Hot back” may cause pain to radiate through your neck, shoulders, arms, buttocks and legs. Because this issue has to do with the irritation of the nerves, pain can be sent throughout the body despite being located at a single source.
Muscle Weakness
You may experience muscle pain and weakness, as well as pain while walking. In severe cases patients may even lose control of their bladder or bowels.
Redness, Warmth, and Swelling
Lastly, when dealing with this particular type of back pain, one might notice redness, warmth, or swelling along the spinal column or in the afflicted area.
What Causes a Burning Sensation in Your Back?
There are many different types of back pain, and each of them are caused by a variety of different conditions or occurrences. While we are discussing burning pain back aka. Hot Back, some of the potential causes of this condition include:
Back Injury or Spinal Misalignment
After experiencing an injury, like a fall or a car accident, your spine can often be misaligned as a result. This trauma to the spine has the potential to negatively affect the nerve roots of the spinal cord, resulting in one or more of the symptoms listed above.
Herniated Disc or Pinched Nerve
A herniated or bulging disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes its way through its spinal casing; this can put pressure on the nerve roots, causing a pinched nerve. Pinched nerves can cause serious pain and mobility difficulties if they are not treated properly.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis, also known as MS, is an illness in which a person’s immune system slowly destroys the protective covering of their nerves. Today, there are nearly one million people living with MS in the United States. As these nerves become exposed, they become raw and vulnerable to irritation, which can lead to back pain issues like Hot Back.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis is a condition that involves a narrowing of the spinal canal. This condition is often a result of wear and tear on the back and is most often seen in patients of an older age. As the spinal canal narrows, pressure is applied to the nerves and can cause pain.
In simple summary, Hot Back can occur when a patient is suffering from an injury or condition that is putting pressure on the nerves of the spine. While this condition can be painful, there is good news! Hot back is treatable with the help of a medical professional. With the proper treatment, you can experience an improvement of your symptoms and a decrease in pain.
How is Burning Pain in Back Treated?
Potential treatment options for Hot Back include:
Medication
To deal with Hot Back symptoms, you can use over the counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. In more severe cases, your doctor can write you a prescription for both of these types of medications. Taking medication can help manage your symptoms and reduce your daily discomfort.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy and general exercise are great options for relieving the symptoms of your back pain. By strengthening the muscles of the back and core, pressure is taken off the nerve roots in your spine, thus reducing the pain. Working with a physical therapist can teach you what you need to know about targeting these muscle groups.
Spinal Surgery
In cases where medication and physical therapy are not resulting in improvements, your doctor may suggest surgery as a viable option for addressing your condition. When working with a board-certified neurosurgeon, spinal surgery has the potential to remove the pressure from the pinched areas of your nerves, eliminating your pain.
Bed Rest
Giving your back time to rest, and using ice packs and heat alternatively, can help reduce inflammation, which will cut down on the pressure being experienced by your nerves. This is one of the best options back pain sufferers have for at-home care.
How Do You Know When Back Pain is Serious?
If you are suffering from Hot Back, it is important to know when to seek medical attention. If you have been practicing at-home care, or following the orders of a physician, and your back pain does not improve or worsens and you begin to experience severe pain, you should contact your doctor or seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Additionally, if you begin to experience high fever, a loss of bladder or bowel control, or paralysis (even temporarily) this could be a sign of a dangerous underlying issue and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Get Help for the Burning Pain in Your Back at Village ER!
Getting real assistance for your back pain starts with consulting medical professionals who can help! At Village Emergency Centers, with convenient locations in Jersey Village and League City, our expert team is here to provide the care you need. Find the care center nearest you and begin the process of returning to your life free of back pain.