Back Pain – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Back pain ranks among the most frequent reasons for doctor visits and work absences globally. People under 60 can often prevent or find relief from back pain episodes through simple measures.

When prevention doesn’t work, basic home care and proper body mechanics typically heal the back within weeks. Surgical intervention is rarely necessary for treating back pain.

Most situations are effectively resolved through adequate self-care and patience. Using correct lifting techniques, maintaining good posture, and strengthening core muscles can help prevent future problems.

Signs and Symptoms

Back pain feels different for each person. It might feel like a dull ache or a sharp, burning sensation. Sometimes the pain travels down your leg. Simple movements like bending, twisting, or walking can make the pain worse.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Most back pain gets better with home care within a few weeks. However, you should call your doctor if your back pain:

  • Continues for more than a few weeks
  • Is intense and doesn’t improve with rest
  • Moves down one or both legs, particularly below the knee
  • Causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in your legs
  • Happens along with unexplained weight loss

Some back pain needs immediate medical attention. Although rare, seek emergency care if your back pain:

  • Affects your ability to control your bladder or bowels
  • Comes with a fever
  • Happens after a fall or injury to your back

Don’t try to tough out severe back pain. Getting proper medical care quickly can prevent the problem from getting worse.

Causes

Back pain can develop without showing up in any tests or images. Several common conditions are linked to back pain:

Muscle or ligament strain happens when you lift heavy things often or move suddenly in an awkward way.

This can hurt the muscles and ligaments in your back. People who aren’t physically fit may get painful muscle spasms from constant back strain.

Disk problems can cause pain when the soft cushions between spine bones bulge or break open. These damaged disks could potentially exert pressure on a nerve. Interestingly, some people have disk issues without feeling any pain.

Types of spine conditions that cause pain:

  • Arthritis affecting the lower back.
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).
  • Osteoporosis makes bones brittle and prone to fractures.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis causes spine bones to fuse together.

When arthritis develops in the spine, it can narrow the space around the spinal cord. This condition is called spinal stenosis.

Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them porous and more likely to break. This can lead to painful fractures in the spine.

Factors That Raise Back Pain Risk

Back pain can affect people of all ages, including young ones. Several factors can make you more likely to have back pain.

  • Age: Back pain becomes more common after age 30–40.
  • Poor fitness: Weak muscles in your back and stomach area may lead to pain.
  • Weight issues: Being overweight puts more pressure on your back.
  • Health conditions: Some diseases, like certain types of arthritis and cancer, can cause back pain.
  • Wrong lifting technique: Using your back instead of your legs when lifting can hurt your back.
  • Mental health: People with depression or anxiety often have more back pain. Stress can make muscles tight and painful.
  • Tobacco use: Smokers have higher rates of back pain. Smoking causes coughing, which may damage disks in the spine. It also reduces blood flow to the spine and can weaken bones.

Staying Pain-Free

When choosing a mattress, there’s no single type that works best for everyone with back pain. The ideal mattress is tailored to your individual comfort preferences. What feels supportive and comfortable for one person might not work for another.

To maintain a healthy back, focus on proven methods instead. Regular exercise strengthens your back and improves endurance. Walking, swimming, and biking are great low-impact activities that strengthen back muscles without straining the spine.

Building strength in your core muscles helps support your back. Both abdominal and back exercises are important because these muscles work together to protect your spine.

Keeping a healthy weight reduces strain on your back muscles. Extra weight, especially around the middle, pulls your spine out of alignment and can cause pain.

If you smoke, quitting can help your back. Studies show smoking increases back pain risk, with heavier smokers facing higher chances of problems.

Employing proper body mechanics is essential for preventing numerous back problems. When standing, avoid slouching and maintain good posture. If you must stand for long periods, rest one foot on a low stool and switch feet occasionally.

When sitting, choose chairs with good lower back support and armrests. A small pillow or rolled towel in the curve of your back helps maintain proper alignment. Keep knees and hips level, and change positions at least every 30 minutes.

For lifting, let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight, bend at the knees, and hold objects close to your body. Avoid twisting while lifting, and get help with heavy or awkward items.


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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.