Back Pain

Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, often involving the muscles, nerves, bones, joints, or other structures in the spine. Common causes include:

• Muscle or ligament strain: Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments.
• 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, causing pain.
• Arthritis: 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.
• Skeletal irregularities: Scoliosis, a condition in which your spine curves to the side, can also lead to back pain, but typically only if the scoliosis is severe.
• Osteoporosis: Your spine’s vertebrae can develop painful fractures if your bones become porous and brittle.

While not all forms of back pain can be prevented, there are several practices that can reduce the risk of developing back pain:

• Exercise regularly: Focus on exercises that increase the strength and flexibility of your abdomen and back muscles (core muscles).
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight strains back muscles. If you’re overweight, trimming down can prevent back pain.
• Practice good posture: Stand, sit, and move in ways that protect your spine and prevent strain.
• Lift properly: When lifting something heavy, let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight, no twisting, and bend only at the knees.
• Quit smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine and causes the spinal discs to degenerate faster.

Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care, usually within a few weeks. However, you should see a doctor if your back pain:

• Persists past a few weeks.
• 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.
• Occurs with swelling or redness on your back.

Additionally, immediate medical care should be sought if back pain is a result of a fall or a blow to your back, or if it’s accompanied by bladder or bowel problems or a fever.