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Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. It’s also the second most common reason people miss work days worldwide. Short-term (acute) back pain is often caused by strain or improper lifting. It often comes on quickly and get better after a few weeks with rest and home care. Back pain that lasts longer than 3 months is called chronic pain, and may be related to another medical condition.
Back pain can occur anywhere in the upper, middle, or lower back. It can feel like a dull ache or a sharp pain.
Acute (short-term) back pain is identified as back pain that lasts less than six weeks. It often comes on suddenly as a result of strained or irritated muscles or ligaments in the back. First episodes with back pain are most common between the ages of 30-40. It often resolves on its own within four to six weeks without treatment.
To understand back pain, it helps to know the parts of your back that can be injured or strained.
Chronic back pain lasts three months or more and can be a symptom of a more serious health condition. These can include problems with the alignment and movement of the spine, or a disease that puts pressure on the nerves.
The symptoms of back pain can vary depending on the affected area, but most types of back pain share some symptoms such as the following:
Back pain will often improve gradually. See your doctor if the pain does not improve after two weeks.
Seek care right away if you have:
If you experience back pain for the first time after 50, or if you have a family history of cancer, osteoporosis [OS-tee-oh-puh-ROH-sis], or have a personal history of steroid, drug, or heavy alcohol use, you should consult with your doctor sooner after experiencing back pain, especially if it is severe.
There are many common causes of back pain. Problems with the back itself, such as:
Underlying health conditions that can strain the back, such as:
There appears to be a relationship between back pain and psychological factors like depression and anxiety. It’s not clear whether mental illness is a cause of back pain or just a related risk factor.
Your risk of back pain increases with:
Your doctor will perform an exam to determine the location of your pain and to test your function and range of movement. Depending on the results of that exam, your doctor may take some of the following steps to identify a cause for your back pain.
Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan specific to the kind of back pain you are experiencing.
Acute (short-term) back pain will often resolve on its own within four to six weeks. Things that may help include:
For chronic (long-term) back pain treatment, your healthcare provider may recommend some combination of:
You can also consult with your doctor to determine if alternative therapies like chiropractic [KAHY-ruh-prak-tik], massage, acupuncture [AK-yoo-puhngk-cher], or yoga might be advised in your situation. There are some specific exercises you can do after a back injury to slowly rehabilitate your back and avoid future strain. Consult with your doctor to determine what the best course of action is for your injury.
There are many measures you can take to prevent back strain and injury. The following are steps doctors often advise for not just those who experience back pain, but for everyone as best practices for a healthy lifestyle.
A few basic lifestyle changes to promote health can reduce your risk of experiencing back pain and put you in a better position to avoid back injuries as you age.