Back pain can be acute – that is, it comes on suddenly, and goes away after a few weeks. Or it can be chronic – that is, it recurs or lingers. Chronic back pain might even continue for a lifetime.
In either case back pain hurts and can keep you from doing the things you want to do.
Why Your Back?
In a nutshell, just about any movement can cause a back injury or pain. You can sprain the ligaments, strain the muscles, rupture disks, or irritate joints. A major trauma or a simple movement can trigger pain. In some cases, there is no apparent cause.
- Your backbone, or spinal column, consists of 24 separate vertebrae, which are held together with ligaments and muscles.
- The major nerves in your body run through your backbone.
- You have disks made of cartilage between each vertebra to absorb shock and keep your vertebrae from wearing out.
- You can twist, turn, and bend your back in any direction.
With so many different parts and functions, it is no wonder so many things can go wrong with your back.
Back Pain Is Common
- Four out of five adults will have serious back pain during their lifetime.
- Back pain is responsible for more loss of work time than any other ailment.
- More than $55 billion is spent on treating back pain each year in the United States.
- Among other things, back pain can be caused by:
- Spraining the ligaments
- Straining the muscles
- A herniated or ruptured disk
- Irritating the joints
- Kidney stones
- Arthritis
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- Osteoporosis
- Infections
- Blood clots
- Poor posture
- Stress
- Obesity
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What Can You Do to Manage the Pain?
Most people are reluctant to go see their doctor when they have a sore back. Eventually, however, if the pain is severe enough and goes on for long enough, they will probably seek medical help.
There are some symptoms that do need prompt medical attention. See your doctor immediately if your back pain includes:
- Weakness or numbness in one or both legs
- Pain caused by an accident or injury
- Pain accompanied by a fever or flu-like symptoms
- Pain that keeps you from sleeping for several nights
The bad news: it is unlikely you will find the exact cause of your pain. In most cases, there is no way for your doctor to determine the exact cause.
The good news: Certain medications and treatments can help you manage and significantly reduce the pain.
Until recently, it was common to treat a sore back by going to bed and resting for a week or so. That has often proven to be one of the worst things a person can do. Long bed rest weakens the back, so it will take you longer to rehabilitate your muscles after you finally get up. Most professionals now suggest limiting bed rest for sore backs to no more than two days.
- The most common pain treatment for sore back is over-the-counter NSAIDs (aspirin, Tylenol, Aleve, Nuprin, Motrin IB, Advil, and others). These medicines can help reduce swelling and pain. If stronger painkillers are needed, your doctor can prescribe them.
- Heat and cold can help relieve symptoms. Applying heat can relax muscles and stimulate circulation. Ice packs can reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Exercise and physical therapy have been shown to be effective in strengthening the back and healing damage. Improving muscle tone and strength makes it easier for you to walk and be active. Staying active might be the best long-term treatment and prevention.
- Spinal manipulation can help correct abnormalities that cause pain and that might eventually cause disease or damage.
- Surgery is an option in some cases, although the use of surgery to relieve back pain has become less common. Discuss this option thoroughly and carefully with your doctor and medical care team.
- Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing technique that is being used with some success in relieving back pain. If you are considering this option, be sure to seek out trained and licensed professionals.
- What works best for one person might not work for another. You might have to try several options to find the one or the few that can help relieve your pain. Stay active.
Summary
Keeping yourself in good physical condition, lifting properly, and not exceeding your physical limits could prevent most back pain. Use common sense in your activities.
In most cases, your back pain will get better without medical intervention. But if pain persists, a medical checkup can help rule out some causes or diagnose a treatable cause. |
