Back Pain
This page will help answer your questions.
What is Back Pain?
Back pain refers to discomfort in the back or spine and is a very common issue, especially among people over the age of 25.
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- Back pain can be classified into different categories:
- Lumbar Spine and Coccyx: Refers to the pain experienced in the lower part of the spine.
- Thoracic Spine: Affects the upper part of the back.
Cervical Spine: Affects the part near the neck.
People experience back pain in different ways. Some individualsfeel sharp pain, others experience spasms or stiffness inthe spine, or have difficulty twisting or bending.
In some cases, such as sciatica, the pain can radiate down one or both legs.
What are the Causes of Back Pain?
- Back pain can result from a variety of factors, such as:
- Incorrect posture.
- Weak back and abdominal muscles.
- Muscle strain or spasm.
- Additional pressure on the spine from prolonged sitting, for example, sitting at a desk.
- Lack of physical activity.
Unhealthy weight.
- There are Certain Medical Conditions That Cause Back Pain, such as:
- Inflammation of the back vertebrae.
- Disc herniation.
- Fractures in the bones of the back.
- Narrowing of the spinal canal.
Tumors or masses pressing on the spinal cord.
How to Manage Back Pain? Tips to Help Reduce Back Pain.
- Methods of managing back pain include:
- Staying active: Try to return to some physical activities or regular work as soon as possible. Your back is designed to move. Do not rest it for more than a day or two.
- Medications: Common painkillers such as topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in gels or medications taken orally.
- Physical therapy: A qualified physical therapist can recommend exercises to help maintain your back health.
- Targeted training or exercises: Any exercise you enjoy can help control back pain. Examples include Pilates..
- Acupuncture: Some studies suggest that acupuncture can help relieve back pain, although its long-term effectiveness remains unclear.
Chiropractic or osteopathic treatment.
Strong painkillers are not recommended for back pain, as research shows that strong painkillers offer little benefit and can cause side effects such as drowsiness or sedation, or become habit-forming.
If you are experiencing severe back pain and your current medication is not working sufficiently, talk to your doctor about a suitable treatment plan for you.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you are experiencing back pain and have lost sensation or movement in your limbs, or are having problems controlling bowel or bladder movements, contact emergency services immediately.
- You should see your doctor for further advice if you have:
- Pain that bothers you.
- Back pain that doesnot improve after afew weeks or worsens.
- Symptoms such as weight loss, tingling or numbness inthe legs, or problems with controlling urination or defecation..
- Osteoporosis.
- A history of cancer, risk of infection, or intravenous drug use.
Fever or night sweats.
Frequent Questions
I have back pain, does it mean I have a disc herniation or spinal canal stenosis?
No, back pain problems may be due to muscle strain, especially if the back pain is not chronic and occurs after heavy exertion or a wrong movement that led to back pain, and can be treated with painkillers.
What is sciatica? I have back pain,does it mean I have it?
Sciatica is pain occurring along the course of the sciatic nerve, which begins from the lower spine (lumbar region) and runs through the buttocks and the back of the thigh, leg, and foot.
