Back pain?

Back pain can range from a mild, constant ache to sudden sharp stabbing pains that make movement difficult. The pain can come on suddenly, from a fall or lifting something heavy. It can also get worse gradually.

​Anyone can suffer from back pain, but there are several factors that increase the risk, including: Aging. Back pain is more common as you get older. Pain may begin between ages 30 and 40. Poor physical condition. Back pain is more common in people who do not exercise regularly (lack of exercise). Weight gain. A diet high in calories and fats can lead to weight gain. Being overweight can put too much strain on the back and cause pain. Hereditary factors. Some causes of back pain, such as ankylosing spondylitis, an arthritis that affects the spine, may have a genetic component.

Having other diseases. Some types of arthritis and cancer could cause back pain.

Doing certain types of work. Lifting, pushing, and pulling while twisting the spine can cause back pain. If you work at a desk all day and feel unwell, you can also have back pain. Smoking. If you smoke, your body may not be able to deliver enough nutrients to the discs in your back. Smoking causes coughing, which in turn can cause back pain. Smokers take longer to recover, so back pain may last longer. Another factor is race. For example, black women have a displaced disc two or three times more often than white women.

What causes back pain?

Back pain can have many causes. Problems related to the mechanics of the back itself can cause pain. For example:

-Damaged discs

-Muscle spasm
-Muscle strain
-Herniated disc.

-Injuries caused by sprains, fractures, accidents, and falls can result in back pain.


Back pain can also occur alongside some other conditions and diseases such as:

-Scoliosis
-Spondylolisthesis
-Arthritis
-Lumbar stenosis
-Pregnancy
-Kidney stones
-Infections
-Endometriosis
-Fibromyalgia.

Infections, tumors, and stress may also cause back pain.​

Can back pain be prevented?

The best preventive measures against back pain are:

-Exercise regularly to strengthen the back muscles.
-Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if overweight. To keep bones strong, you need to consume enough calcium and vitamin D every day.
-Maintain good posture by standing straight and avoid lifting heavy objects whenever possible. If you have to lift something heavy, bend your knees and keep your back straight.

When should I see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if you experience:

-Numbness or tingling
-Severe pain that does not improve with rest
-Pain after a fall or injury
-Pain accompanied by any of the following problems:
-Difficulty urinating
-Weakness
-Numbness in the legs
-Fever
-Unexplained weight loss.​

How is back pain diagnosed?

To diagnose back pain, your doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam. The doctor may also order other tests, including:

-X-rays
-Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
-Computed tomography (CT Scan)

What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?

Acute pain begins suddenly and lasts less than 6 weeks. It is the most common type of back pain. Acute pain may result from falls or lifting heavy objects. Chronic pain lasts more than 3 months and is much less common than acute pain.

What is the treatment for back pain?

Treatment for back pain depends on the type of pain you have. Severe back pain usually gets better without treatment, but you may take acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen to relieve the pain. Exercise and surgery are not usually used to treat acute back pain.
Below are some treatments for chronic back pain.

Hot or cold packs (or both)

Hot or cold packs can relieve stiffness and back pain. Heat reduces muscle spasms and pain. Cold helps reduce swelling and numbs deep pain. Using hot or cold packs can relieve pain, but this treatment does not fix the causes of chronic back pain.

Exercise

Proper exercise can relieve chronic back pain but should be avoided in acute pain cases. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend appropriate exercises for your case.

Medications

The following types of medications are used for back pain:

-Pain relievers, which are medications against pain. Some, such as acetaminophen or aspirin, can be bought over the counter. Others require a prescription.
-Topical analgesics like creams, ointments, and balms applied to the skin over the painful area.
-Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which reduce pain and swelling. NSAIDs include over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium. Your doctor may prescribe stronger NSAIDs.
-Muscle relaxants or certain antidepressants may be prescribed for some types of back pain, but these do not work for all chronic back pain.

Behavior changes

You can learn to lift, push, and pull without putting too much pressure on your back. Changes in the way you exercise, rest, or sleep can also help relieve back pain. Quitting smoking and eating healthy may also help.

Alternative and complementary medicine treatments

When back pain becomes chronic or when other treatments don’t relieve it, some people try complementary and alternative treatments. The most common are:

-Manipulation. A professional uses hands to adjust or massage the spine or the tissue around it.
-Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). A small box placed on the painful area sends mild electrical pulses to the nerves. Research shows this treatment is not always effective for pain relief.
-Acupuncture. This Chinese practice uses thin needles to relieve pain and restore health. Acupuncture may be effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for back pain relief.
-Acupressure. A therapist applies pressure to certain points on the body to relieve pain. Acupressure as a treatment for back pain has not been studied enough.