Back pain is an all-too-familiar problem that can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that leaves you incapacitated. It can come on suddenly -- from an accident, a fall, or lifting something too heavy -- or it can develop slowly, perhaps as the result of age-related changes to the spine. Regardless of how back pain happens or how it feels, you will know it when you have it. And chances are, if you don't have back pain now, you will eventually. At some point, back pain affects an estimated 8 out of 10 people. Back pain is one of our society's most common medical problems.
Types and Causes of Back Pain
Acute or short-term low back pain generally lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Acute back pain is usually the result of trauma to the lower back or a disorder such as
arthritis. Pain from trauma may be caused by:
- A sports injury
- Work around the house or in the garden
- A sudden jolt, such as a car accident
- Other stress on spinal bones and tissues.
Chronic back pain is pain that persists for more than 3 months; it is often progressive; and the cause can be difficult to determine.
(Click Causes of Back Pain for more information about back pain causes.)
Back pain symptoms may range from:
- A muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain
- Limited flexibility and range of motion
- An inability to stand up straight.
Seeing a Doctor for Back Pain
In most cases, it is not necessary to see a doctor for back pain because the pain usually goes away with or without treatment. However, patients should see a doctor for back pain if:
- They are experiencing numbness or tingling
- The pain is severe and doesn't improve with medication and rest
- They are having back pain after a fall or an injury.
Back Pain Requiring Immediate Attention
It is important to see your doctor if you have back pain and any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble urinating
- Weakness
- Pain or numbness in your legs
- Fever
- Unintentional weight loss.
These symptoms can signal a serious problem that requires immediate treatment.
Who to See for Back Pain?
Many different types of doctors treat back pain, from family physicians to doctors who specialize in disorders of the nerves and musculoskeletal system. In most cases, patients should see their primary care physician, who can usually treat the problem. In other cases, your doctor may refer you to an appropriate specialist.
Most low back pain can be treated without surgery. The goal of treatment is to restore proper function and strength to the back and prevent recurrence of the injury. Treatment options for back pain can include:
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce discomfort and using anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation. Medications are often used to treat acute and chronic low back pain. Effective back pain relief may involve a combination of prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies.
- Although the use of cold and hot compresses has never been scientifically proven to quickly resolve low back injury, compresses may help reduce pain and inflammation and allow greater mobility for some individuals.
- Bed rest is recommended for only 1 to 2 days at most. Individuals should resume activities as soon as possible.
- Exercise may be the most effective way to speed recovery from low back pain. Exercise will help strengthen back and abdominal muscles.
- In the most serious cases, when the condition does not respond to other therapies, surgery may relieve pain caused by back problems or serious musculoskeletal injuries.
Prognosis for People With Back Pain
Most patients with back pain recover without residual functional loss, but individuals should contact a doctor if there is not a noticeable reduction in pain and inflammation after 72 hours of self-care. Recurring back pain resulting from improper body mechanics or other non-traumatic causes is often preventable. In order to help prevent back pain injuries, people should:
- Engage in exercises that don't jolt or strain the back
- Maintain correct posture
- Lift objects properly.
Many work-related injuries are caused or aggravated by stressors such as:
- Heavy lifting
- Vibration
- Repetitive motion
- Awkward posture.
Applying ergonomic principles -- designing furniture and tools to protect the body from injury -- at home and in the workplace can greatly reduce the risk of back injury and help maintain a healthy back.
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