7 Common Questions About Back Pain

Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Over 80 percent of the world population experience back pain at some point. This condition costs Americans at least $50 billion in health care costs each year. Despite back pain being a commonplace health concern, many myths and misconceptions persist. Improving the awareness of people about back pain can help manage this condition successfully.

Below are 7 common questions about back pain that can help you manage and prevent this condition.

1. What are the symptoms of back pain?

There are a variety of symptoms associated with back pain. It can be mild muscle aching, shooting pain, or burning sensation. Moreover, back pain may radiate in other parts of your body causing leg or shoulder pain. In some cases, back pain can be confused with abdominal cramps. Back pain usually gets worse with lifting, bending, standing, twisting, or walking.

2. What are the causes of back pain?

Sometimes, back pain develops for reasons that your doctor cannot test or identify. Some rare causes of back pain include spine cancer, spine infection, shingles, or neurological problems. In most cases, back pain is caused by:

- Strain - repetitive motions, sharp movements, or improper use of the muscle can lead to painful strain

- Ruptured disc - the disc is an important part of your back that cushions bones in your spine. When the disc rupture, it can press on the nearby nerves causing pain

- Osteoarthritis - this condition causes the degeneration of the joints in your spine, causing pain and inflammation

- Osteoporosis - this condition that makes your bones so brittle and weak that even mild stress can cause a painful fracture

3. What are the risk factors for back pain?

Everyone can have back pain, but there are some factors that increase your risk:

- Sedentary lifestyle

- Age

- Obesity

- Mental health conditions

- Bad habits like smoking

4. Is there a way to prevent back pain?

It is impossible to fully eliminate the risk of back pain. But several tips might help avoid back pain or prevent its recurrence. To keep your back healthy and strong it is important to exercise regularly to build muscle strength and flexibility. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the pressure on the vertebrae and can also help avoid spine problems. You need to be mindful of your posture when you sit, stand, and lift the weights.

5. How is back pain diagnosed?

During the physical examination, the doctor usually assesses the way you walk, sit, and stand. The doctor may also ask you to describe the pain and rate it on a scale from 0 to 10. Your doctor may suggest additional tests like X-ray, MRI or CT scan, bone scan, blood test, and nerve screening.

6. What are the treatment options for back pain?

Depending on the severity of pain and the cause, for the treatment of back pain can be used conservative, minimally invasive, and invasive treatment options. Conservative treatments include OTC pain relievers, muscle relaxants, topical remedies, antidepressants, or stronger pain relievers like opioids. Minimally invasive and invasive treatments involve steroid injections, nerve stimulators, radiofrequency therapy, and surgery.

In most cases, the doctors refer patients to a a physical therapist. This specialist can help strengthen your spine and teach you how to participate to prevent back pain in the future.

7. When do I need to see a specialist?

In most cases, back pain improves within a few weeks with home remedies and proper self-care. But it is recommended to contact a specialist if you experience severe pain that doesn’t improve, radiates to your legs, causes weakness, or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss. You should also contact a health care practitioner if back pain persists for more than a few weeks, even if it is mild.

Rarely, back pain can be just a symptom of a serious underlying condition. Contact your doctor immediately if along with back pain you experience high fever, bowel or bladder issues, or you have had an injury before.