Back pain – signs and solutions
Back pain is a common reason for absence from work and for seeking medical treatment. It can be uncomfortable and debilitating.
It can result from injury, activity and some medical conditions. Back pain can affect people of any age, for different reasons. As people get older, the chance of developing lower back pain increases, due to factors such as previous occupation and degenerative disc disease. Lower Back Pain: Lower back pain may be linked to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, lower back muscles, abdominal and pelvic internal organs, and the skin around the lumbar area.
Upper Back Pain: Pain in the upper back may be due to disorders of the aorta, tumours in the chest, and spine
Types of back pain
Back pain is categorised into two types:
Acute pain starts suddenly and lasts for up to 6 weeks.
Chronic or long-term pain develops over a longer period, lasts for over 3 months, and causes ongoing problems.
Causes of back pain
The human back is composed of a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, and bones, which work together to support the body and enable us to move around. The segments of the spine are cushioned with cartilage-like pads called discs.
Problems with any of these components can lead to back pain. In some cases of back pain, its cause remains unclear. Damage can result from strain, medical conditions, and poor posture, among others.
Strain
Back pain commonly stems from strain, tension, or injury. Activities that can lead to strains or spasms include:
Lifting something improperly
Lifting something that is heavy
Making an abrupt and awkward
movement
Structural problems
A number of structural problems may also result in back pain.
Bulging/ruptured disc
Sciatica
Arthritis
Abnormal curvature of spine
Osteoporosis
Kidney problems
Movement and posture
Back pain can also result from some everyday activities or poor posture.
Other causes
Some medical conditions can lead to back pain.
Cancer of the spine
Infection of the spine Sleep disorders
Risk factors
The following factors are linked to a higher risk of developing low back pain:
occupational activities
pregnancy
a sedentary lifestyle
poor physical fitness
old age
smoking
strenuous physical exercise or work genetic factors
Diagnosis
A doctor will usually be able to diagnose back pain after asking about symptoms and carrying out a physical examination. An imaging scan like X-ray, MRI or CT Scan, Bone Scans, EMG and other tests may be required to be done.
Treatment
Back pain usually resolves with rest and home remedies. Initial treatments comprise applying a hot compress or an ice pack. Resting from strenuous activity can help, but moving around will ease stiffness and reduce pain. If home treatments do not relieve back pain, a doctor may recommend medicines, physical therapy or both.