Table of contents:

Symptoms
When should you go to the doctor?
Causes of back pain
Risk factors
Prevention

Back pain can be caused by lifting heavy things, intense physical exertion and can also be related to a prolapsed disc. The area where the lumbar spine transitions to the sacrum is the most problematic and is where back pain is most often experienced.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons why people go to the doctor or miss work, and is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent or alleviate most episodes of back pain. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and proper body mechanics will often heal your back in a matter of weeks and keep it in good shape. Surgery is rarely necessary in the treatment of back pain.

Symptoms

Back pain can range from muscle pain to a shooting, burning or stabbing sensation. In addition, it may radiate down the leg or become worse when bending, twisting, lifting, standing or walking.

When should you see a doctor?

Usually, back pain gradually subsides with treatment at home, usually within a few weeks. However, contact your doctor if your back pain:

Persists for several weeks.
Is severe and does not pass after rest.
Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee.
Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs.
Accompanied by unexplained weight loss.

In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. Seek immediate help if you have back pain:

Causes bowel or bladder problems.
Is accompanied by a fever.
Follows a fall, blow to the back or other injury.

Back pain at work, photo: panthermedia

Causes of back pain

Back pain often develops without a specific cause, which the doctor can identify on the basis of patient history or imaging examination. Conditions commonly associated with back pain include:

Muscle or ligament strains. Repeated heavy lifting or sudden awkward movement can strain the back muscles and ligaments of the spine. If you are in poor physical condition, constant strain on your back can cause painful muscle spasms.
Bulging or ruptured discs. Discs act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine. The soft material inside a disc can bulge or rupture and put pressure on a nerve. However, you can have a bulging or ruptured disc without back pain. Disc disease is often detected accidentally during, for example, a spinal X-ray.
Arthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, spinal arthritis can lead to narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis. Painful fractures can occur in the vertebrae of the spine if the bones become porous and brittle.

Risk factors

Anyone can develop back pain, even in children and teenagers. However, the following factors can increase the risk of developing back pain:

Age. Back pain is more common with age and starts around the age of 30 or 40.
Lack of physical exercise. Weak, underused back and abdominal muscles can cause back pain.
Overweight. Excess weight puts additional strain on the back.
Diseases. Certain types of arthritis and cancer can contribute to back pain.
Psychological conditions. People prone to depression and anxiety appear to have a higher risk of back pain.
Smoking. Smokers have increased rates of back pain. This may be because smoking causes coughing, which can lead to herniated discs. Smoking can also reduce blood flow to the spine and increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Prevention

You can avoid back pain or prevent its recurrence by improving your physical fitness and practising correct body mechanics. To keep your back healthy and strong:

Exercise. Regular low-impact aerobic exercise - the kind that doesn't strain or jerk your back - can increase the strength and endurance of your back and allow your muscles to function better. Walking and swimming are good choices. Talk to your doctor about activities you can undertake.
Build muscle strength and flexibility. Abdominal and back muscle exercises that strengthen the core help condition these muscles so that they work together like a natural corset for the back.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts strain on your back muscles. If you are overweight, losing a few pounds can prevent back pain.
Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of back pain. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day, so quitting smoking should help reduce this risk.

Avoid movements that twist or strain your back. Use your body properly:

Stand smartly. Don't hunch over. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. If you have to stand for long periods of time, put one foot on a low footrest to relieve strain on your lower back. Good posture can reduce strain on your back muscles.
Sit wisely. Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Placing a cushion or rolled up towel in the lower back can maintain its normal curvature. Keep your knees and hips level. Change position frequently, at least every half hour.
Lift heavy objects wisely. If possible, avoid lifting weights, but if you must lift something heavy, let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight - no twisting - and bend only at the knees. Keep the load close to your body. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or bulky.

To make sure your back doesn't hurt it's worth following the above rules. Also, do not believe in the magical effects of items that promise no back pain. Furthermore, there seems to be no single type of mattress that is best for people with back pain. It is likely to be a matter of what is most comfortable for you. Any worrying symptoms should be discussed with your doctor and he or she should be able to advise you on the use of appropriate specifics when dealing with back and spinal problems.

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