By BlackPressUSA
Chronic back problems affect Black communities differently through factors like elevated prevalence rates of high-impact chronic pain and increased severity. Black people also appear to have worse functional outcomes than their White counterparts.
A study on chronic low back pain published in ScienceDirect, for instance, noted that Black participants had higher pain intensity than White participants.
Several variables drive such musculoskeletal problems and back pain disparities, from healthcare access inequality to higher prevalence of occupational risks. There’s also the ongoing issue of Black patients reportedly receiving lower-quality treatment and healthcare services.
What Are Common Back Problems?
Some of the most common back problems that affect U.S. adults include:
Muscle strains and sprains
Disc herniation
Degenerative disc disease
Arthritis
Spinal stenosis
Back pain is highly prevalent. According to the National Council on Aging NCOA, 16 million U.S. adults experience chronic back pain (CBP). CBP is back pain that persists for at least three months.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Serious Back Problem?
The symptoms and severity of back pain can vary significantly from one person to another, as some people may tolerate pain better than others. Still, several signs could indicate you have more than just a pulled muscle.
Severe or persistent pain that doesn’t improve after a few days of self-care and rest
Pain, numbness, or a pins-and-needles sensation that radiates down the legs
Loss of coordination or weakness (difficulty standing, walking, or controlling the legs)
Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
If you experience any of the symptoms above, please don’t delay seeking professional help, as you may need neurosurgical care. Expert neurosurgical care can help relieve pain in the back, arm, leg, and neck caused by spine conditions, as explained by the experts at this spine center in Denver, CO.
It’s even more crucial to get immediate assistance if you’re having trouble with coordination and bladder/bowel function. It could indicate cauda equina syndrome (CES). CES is a rare medical emergency resulting from severe nerve root compression that requires immediate medical intervention.
How Do Chronic Back Problems Affect Black Communities Differently?
As some of the most common Black community health issues, back problems affect Black people differently in that they’re more likely to report high-impact chronic pain and more severe pain. They also tend to have worse functional outcomes.
Key contributors to these differences are various racial health inequities, from bias to systemic, socioeconomic, structural, and psychosocial factors.
Racial Bias
Racial bias can stem from various factors, including inaccurate beliefs regarding biological differences between White and Black people.
An article published in Behavioral Health News cited an earlier study that found 50% of White medical students and residents have endorsed at least one of these misconceptions. Due to these biased beliefs, they rated Black patients’ pain as lower compared to White patients’.
As a result, the medical students’ treatment recommendations were less accurate than those for White patients.
Systemic and Socioeconomic Factors
Systemic and socioeconomic factors that contribute to back problems affecting Black communities differently include disparities in health insurance and reduced access to quality healthcare facilities.
Such barriers limit Black patients’ treatment options. They contribute to the progression or worsening of their condition.
Structural Racism and Stress
Historical and ongoing structural racism, including in healthcare, can contribute to higher levels of anxiety and stress among Black people. Unfortunately, these factors have direct adverse effects on physical health and chronic pain management.
According to KFF, for instance, experiences of discrimination and racism can increase the risk for poor health outcomes. It can lead to adverse physical and mental health effects, such as hypertension, anxiety, and depression.
Psychosocial Factors
Negative experiences and cultural factors can lead to Black people’s increased level of distrust in the medical community.
Indeed, a study published in the National Library of Medicine states that Black and African Americans report higher levels of mistrust of healthcare providers, services, and systems. It also notes a strong association between medical mistrust, lower use of preventive care services, and poor health outcomes.
Why Does Addressing Health Disparities Matter?
Addressing racial disparities in Black communities matters because it’s key to breaking the long-standing cycle of socioeconomic inequality. Chronic pain has a strong association with socioeconomic disparities, as it can contribute to more days of missed work and lost wages.
Another reason is that structural and systemic inequalities, combined with higher pain severity, make Black people experiencing chronic pain more likely to develop mental health problems. They have a higher risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
By addressing racial disparities, Black communities can receive the equitable, high-quality healthcare and treatment they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Ways to Prevent Back Problems?
Yes, there are many ways to prevent back problems, including maintaining a healthy weight and practicing good posture. Using correct lifting techniques (e.g., bending at the knees while keeping the back straight and holding loads close to the waist) can also help.
Engaging in regular low-impact exercise can be just as beneficial to back health. Walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and water aerobics are some examples.
If you work in the office and your job entails sitting for long hours in front of a computer, ergonomic adjustments can do wonders for your back. Adjust your chair height so that your feet stay flat on the ground, and ensure your computer monitor is at or just slightly below your eye level.
Make it a habit to stand and stretch your arms and legs once or twice every hour, too.
How Do You Fix Back Pain?
Fixing back pain depends on the underlying problem, although first aid includes cold and hot therapy (applying ice or heat). You should also stay active with light activities rather than resting for hours in bed.
Gentle stretching can also help. If necessary, take anti-inflammatory medications like naproxen or ibuprofen. If the pain persists, worsens, or is severe, seek professional help ASAP.
Black Patients Deserve Quality Care for Back Problems
Since chronic back problems affect Black communities differently in terms of pain severity and functional outcomes, it’s time to address and eradicate systemic and racial biases that contribute to these differences.
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