Back pain is one of the leading causes of people seeking medical attention or missing work. Back pain is the main cause of disability globally.
Fortunately, most back pain episodes can be avoided or treated, especially in persons under 60. If prevention fails, basic home treatment and proper body mechanics can frequently repair the back in a matter of weeks. Back discomfort is rarely treated surgically.
Symptoms
Back pain can range from aching muscles to a shooting, burning, or stabbing feeling. In addition, the pain may spread down a leg. Bending, twisting, lifting, standing, or walking can aggravate it.
When should you see a doctor?
Most back pain improves gradually with at-home treatment and self-care, usually within a few weeks. Contact your doctor if you have back pain that:
[].Lasts for at least a couple weeks
[].Is intense and does not get better with rest
[].Spreads down one or both legs, particularly if the pain is below the knee
[]. This condition causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.
[].Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
In rare circumstances, back pain can indicate a significant medical concern. Seek prompt treatment for back discomfort that:
Causes new bowel or bladder problems
Is accompanied by a fever
Following a fall, blow to the back, or another injury
Causes
Back pain frequently develops without a clear cause shown by a test or imaging examination. Back discomfort is frequently associated with the following conditions:
The strain of a muscle or ligament.
Back muscles and spinal ligaments can be strained by repeated heavy lifting or a sudden uncomfortable movement. Constant tension in the back can create severe muscle spasms in those who are in poor physical condition.
disks that have bulged or ruptured.
Disks serve as cushions between the spine's bones. A disk's fragile substance can expand or rupture and press on a nerve. A bulging or ruptured disk, on the other hand, may not produce back pain. Disk disease is frequently discovered on spine X-rays, CT scans or MRIs performed for another cause.
Arthritis.
The lower back can be affected by osteoarthritis. In some circumstances, spinal arthritis can cause a narrowing of the area around the spinal cord, a condition known as spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis.
If the bones of the spine become porous and fragile, they might break and cause discomfort.
Risk elements
Back discomfort can affect anyone, including toddlers and teenagers. These variables may raise your chances of having back pain:
Age.
Back discomfort becomes increasingly common with age, beginning around the age of 30 or 40.
Lack of physical activity.
Back discomfort can be caused by weak, underused muscles in the back and abdomen.
Extra weight.
Excess body weight places additional strain on the spine.
Diseases. Back discomfort can be exacerbated by certain types of arthritis and cancer.
Improper lifting technique.
Back pain might result from using the back instead of the legs.
Psychological issues.
People who suffer from depression and anxiety tend to be at a higher risk of back discomfort.
Back discomfort can be exacerbated by muscle tension caused by stress.
Smoking.
Back pain is more common in smokers. This could happen because smoking induces coughing, which can result in herniated disks. Cigarette smoking can also reduce blood flow to the spine, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Prevention
Improving one's physical condition and learning and practicing proper body mechanics may aid in the prevention of back pain.
To keep your back healthy and powerful, do the following:
Exercise.
Regular low-impact aerobic activities that do not strain or jolt the back can build back strength and endurance and allow the muscles to perform more efficiently. Walking, bicycling, and swimming are all viable options. Discuss whatever hobbies you want to try with your doctor.
Increase your muscle strength and flexibility.
Exercises that strengthen the abdominal and back muscles assist develop these muscles so that they work together to support the back.
Keep a healthy weight.
Being overweight puts a strain on the back muscles.
Stop smoking.
Smoking raises the likelihood of developing low back discomfort. Because the risk rises with the number of cigarettes smoked each day, stopping should help minimize it.
Avoid twisting or straining your back. To appropriately use the body:
Take a wise stance.
Avoid slouching. Keep your pelvis in a neutral position. When standing for extended amounts of time, place one foot on a low footstool to relieve some of the strain on the lower back. Alternate your feet. Your back muscles will be less stressed if you maintain good posture.
Sit wisely. Choose a seat with a swivel base, armrests, and decent lower back support. By placing a cushion or rolled towel in the small of the back, you can keep the typical curve of your back. Maintain a level posture with your knees and hips. Alter your position at least every half-hour.
Lift with caution. If at all possible, avoid hard lifting. Allow your legs to handle the lifting if you must lift something heavy. Maintain a straight back (no twisting) and just bend at the knees. Keep the weight close to your body. If the object is heavy or uncomfortable, find a lifting partner.
