Back pain is very common. Almost everyone will experience it at some point. It may be caused by an injury (such as overwork), heavy lifting or a sudden jolt from an accident. This kind of acute back pain often goes away after several days or weeks.
Some people have back pain that returns over months or years and gets worse over time. It can be hard to find the cause of these flare-ups.
Diagnosis
If you have persistent back pain, your doctor can help you get relief. To diagnose the problem, he or she will take your medical history and ask questions, such as:
- When did the pain begin?
- Where is it?
- How bad is it?
- Does it limit your movement?
Your doctor will then perform a physical exam.
In some cases, the doctor may suggest that you undergo imaging tests to rule out serious disease or injury. These may include:
- X-rays, which can identify broken bones and damaged vertebrae as well as changes from arthritis
- CT scan, which can show herniated discs
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can show bone degeneration as well as injury or disease in tissues, nerves and muscles
- Other specialized tests such as electromyography (EMG) or bone scan in certain cases
Easing pain
If your doctor finds the underlying cause of the pain, he or she will suggest treatment to target it. If not, your doctor will treat your symptoms to help reduce the pain and improve your mobility and function.
Treatment depends on the severity and source of the back pain. Often, over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen, naproxen or ibuprofen can provide relief for flare-ups. Check with your doctor to see which is right for you. Your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants or other prescription medications if over-the-counter medicines are not effective. Steroid injections and other treatments may also be helpful for some.
Coping skills are another important part of managing persistent back pain. A pain specialist, psychologist or psychiatrist can help you develop strategies for dealing with pain.
Doctors may also recommend:
- Exercises and stretching to improve strength and flexibility
- A physical therapy rehabilitation program
- Heating pads and special mattresses
- Weight loss
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you new ways to think and act in response to pain
- Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, biofeedback, massage or chiropractic
Most of the time, back pain does not require surgery, but it is an option if less-invasive treatments don't help.
Prevention
In addition, you can keep your back healthy and protect it from future injury. Here are some tips to help you do so:
- Lift properly. Use your leg muscles. Bend at your knees, not your waist. And get help if the object is too heavy.
- Maintain good posture. When you're sitting, use a footrest to keep your knees above your hips. Avoid standing for long periods, and don't wear high heels.
- Exercise. Get your doctor's OK before you increase your activity level. Keep your abdominal muscles strong and maintain a healthy weight.
