Back pain is an incredibly common problem, across the board. These pains range in intensity and frequency. They can be sharp or dull, they can come upon suddenly or they can be constant. Back pain is most likely to be caused by some sort of accident or misstep. Lifting something heavy, especially not using one’s knees, or falling in a way that injures your back is also common. More rarely, one might have a medical condition that leads to some kind of back pain.
Identifying your back pain begins with understanding the onset of the pain, the degree of the pain, and how long it lasts. Typically, back pain is broken into three categories:
Paying attention to the signals your body gives you can be helpful. Identifying whether the pain covers your entire back or is in one stand-alone spot, or if the pain is radiating to your legs, abdomen or back will help identify the problem. This allows for more helpful, accurate medical treatment.
If the body is experiencing problems that fall under the category of structural or mechanical problems – such as spinal concerns or problems with ligaments, tendons, muscles or discs in the back – this can exacerbate existing pain or cause it all on its own.
While lifting or twisting in the wrong way, the ligaments supporting the spine may become sprained. A strain, on the other hand, is a tendon or muscle injury that could be cause by any number of physical activities. Pain may also be caused by disease or degenerative conditions.
If your pain is not improving after a few weeks, it is recommended to speak with a doctor. Additionally, if you experience tingling and numbness, or if medication does not improve it (consult on the type and frequency with your doctor also) you should speak with your doctor.
If your pain is the result of an injury or fall, or is accompanied by and of the following, you should see a doctor as well:
If you are concerned, it is always a safe bet to check with a doctor or a pain specialist, to get the answers you need.
