What is Back Pain?
Back pain is one of the most common pain-related complaints worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. Fortunately, in most cases, there are effective treatments to minimize or eliminate back pain altogether.
Back pain can range from mild to severe and range from aching to shooting, burning, or stabbing sensation. Back pain can also affect other parts of the body as well, including the neck, shoulders, legs and hips. It may be aggravated during certain types of movement and activity like walking, running, twisting, and lifting.
Back pain can be caused by injury, medical conditions, or repetitive activity. It can affect people of all ages however it is more likely to affect people as they get older.
Causes of Back Pain
Back pain commonly develops without a clear cause, but may be linked to conditions like:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor fitness
- Older age
- Occupational activities
- Chronic diseases such as arthritis or osteoporosis
- Strenuous exercise or work
- Improper lifting techniques
- Sprains or strains to the muscles or ligaments of the back
- Poor posture or ergonomics
- Pregnancy
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When to See a Doctor about Back Pain
If your pain persists for longer than two weeks and is interrupting your daily activities, it may be time to see your family doctor about your back pain. If your pain is severe, you should see a doctor sooner.
Book an appointment to see your doctor if:
- The pain doesn’t resolve with rest
- You experience numbness, tingling or weakness
- The pain extends to other parts of your body
- The pain occurred after an accident
- The pain is worse at certain times of day or when you sit, stand or lay in certain positions
- You have a fever
- You’ve experienced unexplained weight loss
Treatment
In most cases, back pain will resolve with rest and home treatment but in some cases medical intervention is necessary.
Recommended home treatment includes rest, over-the-counter medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the use of a hot compress or ice pack. While rest is important, do continue gentle movement and stretches to prevent the muscles from tensing and weakening.
If pain persists after at-home treatment, medical intervention may be necessary. This could include treatments such as prescription medication, physical therapy, and cortisone injections. If your back pain has become chronic, additional treatment options may include cognitive behavioural therapy, acupuncture or osteopathy, and other lifestyle interventions that will help to reduce your experience of pain.
Allied health professionals can provide additional,complementary therapies, such as:
- Osteopathy
- Chiropractor
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, TENS
While surgery may be indicated in some instances, it is rare. Your family doctor can help to determine if this would be the right course of action for you.
Preventing Back Pain
There are many steps you can take to prevent your risk of developing or aggravating back pain, including:
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet that is high in calcium and Vitamin D to support strong bones
- Reduce or stop smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Practice good posture while standing and sitting, especially if you stand or sit for long periods of time
- Protect your back while lifting heavy objects
- Always wear proper, supportive footwear
- Sit in a proper, ergonomically correct position while driving
- Sleep on a quality mattress that provides sufficient support
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