Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain Arthritis of the spine —the gradual thinning of the cartilage inside the spine. Spinal stenosis —narrowing of the spinal canal that may lead to nerve pain. Disc problems, such as a herniated or bulging disc. Myofascial pain syndrome—unexplained muscle pain and tenderness.
If your back pain lasts longer than three months, it's considered chronic and may require a tailored treatment plan.
Studies show that lower back pain usually occurs between the fifth and seventh months of being pregnant, although in some cases it begins as early as eight to 12 weeks. Women with pre-existing lower back problems are at higher risk for back pain, and their back pain can occur earlier in their pregnancy.
Acute (short-term) back pain lasts a few days to a few weeks. It usually resolves on its own within a few days with self-care and there is no long-term loss of function. Chronic back pain is pain that continues for 12 weeks or longer, even after an initial injury or underlying cause of back pain has been treated.
Minor back muscle pulls, strains, or sprains often heal within a few weeks. If there are muscle tears, the patient might need surgery and require a few months for healing. Minor back pain often needs lots of rest. Your doctor might recommend hot or cold therapy and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain
The most common causes include: Arthritis of the spine —the gradual thinning of the cartilage inside the spine. Spinal stenosis —narrowing of the spinal canal that may lead to nerve pain. Disc problems, such as a herniated or bulging disc.
“Red flags” include pain that lasts more than 6 weeks; pain in persons younger than 18 years or older than 50 years; pain that radiates below the knee; a history of major trauma; constitutional symptoms; atypical pain (eg, that which occurs at night or that is unrelenting); the presence of a severe or rapidly ...
You should see a doctor if your pain does not improve after a few weeks or if any of the following symptoms happen with your back pain: Numbness and tingling. Severe back pain that does not improve with medication (see Treatment section). Back pain after a fall or injury.
Radiating pain
Strained muscles cause localized pain (at the site of the injury), but the pain can sometimes radiate to your buttocks. However, if you find that your pain runs from your buttocks and down through your leg, you might be dealing with sciatica or even a herniated disc in your lumbar spine.
If your symptoms seem to be soothed by massage, heat, or cold, you're more likely to have a strained muscle or tendon than a herniated disc. Ultimately, the most accurate way to confirm a herniated disc is through medical imaging.
Most back pain goes away on its own. But if your back pain has been lingering for more than two weeks without improvement, it's been coming and going for some time, or if you're experiencing any alarming symptoms, don't delay the care you need.
Lower back pain can last for a few days or more than 12 weeks, depending on the cause. If people have back pain for more than a few weeks, or any concerning symptoms, they should consult a doctor. Treatment may include physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication.
Severe strains can take a couple of months or more to heal. The pain is usually at its worst for the first few hours or days. After that, less intense pain may continue for another week or two until your muscles heal.
You should lie down to relieve the pain, but the goal should be not to return to sitting, but rather to regain your ability to stand and move. "The goal isn't to get into the chair.
In general, osteoarthritis (the most common type of arthritis) and degenerative disk disease (the natural wear and tear of spinal disks) are the underlying cause of many types of chronic lower back pain. However, lower back pain can also be caused by accident-related trauma and acute stress.
Walking is one of the best things you can do for your back, both to help relieve a current flare-up and prevent future pain episodes. "We're not designed to be sedentary. Back muscles respond best when you use them regularly — and walking is a big part of that."
Some common disorders which can mimic chronic low back pain include sciatica, facet arthropathy, osteoporotic compression fractures, infection, tumor, trauma, and inflammatory diseases.
During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness. The location and intensity of your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the damage.
Check if it's a slipped disc
numbness or tingling in your shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs or feet. neck pain. problems bending or straightening your back. muscle weakness.
Conditions commonly linked to back pain include: Muscle or ligament strain. Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. For people in poor physical condition, constant strain on the back can cause painful muscle spasms.
If your severe back pain doesn't improve with rest or hasn't subsided within a week of home treatment, you should be checked by a doctor. Severe back pain that extends beyond the back. See your doctor if you are experiencing pain that shoots down into your leg — especially all the way to the bottom of your leg.
Some symptoms (often called "red flag" symptoms) may suggest that the back pain has a more serious cause. These include fever, recent trauma, weight loss, a history of cancer and neurological symptoms, such as numbness, weakness or incontinence (involuntary loss of urine or stool).
Below is a list of the most common blood tests used for back pain. Complete blood count (CBC) may point to infections or inflammation. Sed Rate, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a measure of inflammation that may suggest infection.