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.