Back pain

Overview
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor. Most people will experience it at least once in their lives.

Fortunately, surgery is rarely needed. Simple home treatments and proper body mechanics often heal the back within a few weeks.

Symptoms

Signs can range from a muscle ache to a shooting, burning sensation. Symptoms include:

• Muscle ache.
• Shooting or stabbing pain.
• Pain that radiates down your leg (Sciatica).
• Limited flexibility or range of motion.
• Inability to stand up straight.

⚠️ RED FLAG SYMPTOMS
Seek immediate care if your back pain:

• Causes new bowel or bladder problems (loss of control).
• Is accompanied by a fever.
• Follows a fall, blow to the back, or other injury.
• Causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.
• Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss.

Causes

[Image of herniated disc diagram]

Pain often develops without a single identifiable cause, but common conditions include:

1. Muscle or Ligament Strain

Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles. If you are in poor physical condition, constant strain can cause painful muscle spasms.

2. Bulging or Ruptured Disks

Disks act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. Note: You can have a bulging disk without pain; it is often found incidentally on X-rays.

3. Arthritis & Osteoporosis

• Osteoarthritis: Can affect the lower back and lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord (Spinal Stenosis).
• Osteoporosis: Compression fractures can occur if your bones become porous and brittle.

4. Skeletal Irregularities

Conditions like Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) can lead to pain, though usually only if severe.

Diagnosis

If pain persists, doctors use imaging to check the alignment of your bones and the health of your muscles:

• X-ray: Shows arthritis or broken bones.
• MRI or CT Scan: Reveals herniated disks and problems with muscles, tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.
• Bone Scan: Looks for bone tumors or compression fractures.
• EMG (Nerve Study): Measures electrical impulses to confirm nerve compression (like sciatica).

Treatment

Most back pain improves with home treatment within a few weeks.

1. Medications

• Pain Relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or NSAIDs (Ibuprofen/Advil) are usually effective.
• Muscle Relaxants: Prescribed if you have spasms (may cause drowsiness).
• Antidepressants: Low doses of tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline) have been shown to relieve chronic back pain.

2. Physical Therapy

This is the cornerstone of treatment. Therapists teach exercises to increase flexibility, strengthen abdominal/back muscles, and improve posture to prevent pain from returning.

3. Injections

Cortisone injections into the epidural space (around the spinal cord) can decrease inflammation around nerve roots. Relief usually lasts a few months.

4. Surgery

Surgery is reserved for pain related to structural problems (like nerve compression) that haven't responded to other therapies. It is rarely the first option.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.