Our spine is a column of bones (vertebrae) held together by muscles, tendons and ligaments and cushioned by shock-absorbing disks. A problem in any part of your spine can cause back pain. For some people, back pain is simply an annoyance. For others, it can be excruciating and disabling.
Most back pain – even severe back pain – goes away on its own within six weeks. Surgery usually isn’t required for back pain and is generally considered only if other treatments are not effective.
Signs and symptoms of back pain can include:
- Muscle ache
- Shooting or stabbing pain
- Pain that radiates down your leg
- Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, standing, or walking
- Pain that improves with reclining
Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care, usually within a few weeks. If yours does improve in that time, see your osteopath or physiotherapist.
Contact a doctor if your back pain:
- Is severe and doesn’t improve with 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
- Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem.
Seek care if your back pain:
- Causes new bowel or bladder problems
- Is accompanied by fever
- Follows a fall to your back or other injury
Back pain that comes on suddenly and lasts no more than six weeks (acute) can be caused by a fall or heavy lifting. It is less common for back pain to last more than three months (chronic).
Back pain often develops without a cause that your doctor can identify with a test or an imaging study.
Conditions commonly linked to back pain include:
- Muscle or ligament strain. Repeated heaving lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. If you’re in poor physical condition, constant strain on your back can cause painful muscle spasms.
- 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. However, you can have a bulging or ruptured disk without back pain. Disk disease is often found incidentally when you have spine X-Rays for some other reason but does not necessarily cause pain.
- Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis. Many osteoarthritis changes are age related and do not necessarily cause pain.
- Skeletal Irregularities. A condition in which your spine curves to the side (scoliosis) also can lead to back pain, but generally not until middle age.
- Your spine’s vertebrae can develop compression fractures if your bones become porous and brittle.
Anyone can develop back pain, even children and teens.
These factors might put you at greater risk of developing back pain:
- Back pain is more common as you get older, starting around age 30 or 40.
- Lack of exercise. Weak, unused muscles in your back and abdomen might lead to back pain.
- Excess weight. Excess body weight puts extra stress on your back.
- Some types of arthritis and cancer can contribute to back pain.
- Improper lifting. Using your back instead of your legs can lead to back pain.
- Psychological conditions. People prone to depression and anxiety appear to have a greater risk of back pain.
- This reduces blood flow to the lower spine, which can keep your body from delivering enough nutrients to the disks in your back. Smoking also slows healing.
Prevention
You might avoid back pain or prevent its recurrence by improving your physical condition and learning and practicing proper body mechanics.
To keep your back healthy and strong:
- Regular low-impact aerobic activities – those that don’t strain or jolt your back – can increase strength and endurance in your back and allow your muscles to function better. Walking and swimming and good choices. Talk with your osteopath or physiotherapist about which activities you might try.
- Build muscle strength and flexibility. Abdominal and back muscle exercises, which strengthen your core, assist in conditioning these muscles so that they work together like a natural corset for your back. Flexibility in your hips and upper legs aligns your pelvic bones to improve how your back feels. Your osteopath or physiotherapist can tell you which exercises are right for you.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight strains back muscles. If you’re overweight, trimming down can prevent back pain.
- Quit smoking. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit.
Avoid movements that twist or strain your back. Use your body properly.
- Stand smart. Don’t slouch. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. If you must stand for long periods, place one foot on a low footstool to take some of the load off your lower back. Alternate feet. Good posture can reduce the stress on back muscles.
- Sit smart. Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back can maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level. Change your positions frequently and accordingly, at least every half-hour.
- Lift smart. Avoid heavy lifting, if possible, but if you must lift something heavy, let your legs do the work. Keep you back straight – no twisting – and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward.