Do you sometimes feel stiff and stiff when you wake up in the morning? Or have you ever had a 'chit' after lifting a heavy object and been unable to do any work? In fact, back pain is a common problem not only in our country, but also in many people around the world. So before you panic about it, let's talk about it clearly and simply.
What are the symptoms of back pain?
Back pain doesn't feel the same for everyone. It can feel different depending on the cause. You may experience things like:
- Feeling like your back is burning .
- It's like a constant , dull ache .
- It feels like it's being squeezed .
- It feels like a sharp stab .
- A pain that travels down the leg like electricity .
- It feels like my chest is pounding and my back is throbbing.
In addition to this pain, there may be other symptoms. For example:
- Muscle stiffness or back pain .
- Numbness in the legs, a feeling of loss of sensation, or a feeling of lifelessness in the legs.
- Muscle spasms. This can range from a slight twitch to severe pain.
Sometimes this pain can start in the back and travel down the buttocks, hips, or legs. The pain may increase in certain positions (standing, bending) and decrease in others, such as when lying down.
Main types of back pain
Doctors usually classify back pain based on where it is located.
- Upper and middle back pain: This is pain felt from the base of the neck to the end of the ribs.
- Lower back pain: This is the most common pain experienced by many people. This is because the lower back bears the most weight of our body. Also, when we lift heavy objects or bend over, this area is subjected to the most pressure. Therefore, this area is more prone to injury.
In addition, it is also classified according to the duration of the pain.
| Type of pain | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Acute Back Pain | Lasts less than 4 weeks. |
| Subacute Back Pain | It lasts between 4 and 12 weeks. |
| Chronic Back Pain | Continues for more than 12 weeks. |
What are the main causes of back pain?
The most common cause of back pain is strains and sprains . Imagine suddenly lifting a heavy gas cylinder, or bending over to pick up something. This can happen at times like these.
- Strains: This is caused by damage to the muscles or tissues in the back. This can happen when you lift a heavy object all at once, or when you work in the same position for a long time.
- Sprains: These are caused by damage to the ligaments between the bones of the spine. These injuries can occur when you are pulled in an unexpected way, such as when you fall.
With this type of injury, you may feel like your back is stiff, pain increases when you move, and you may not be able to walk or bend normally .
Could there be other serious reasons?
Yes. Back pain can be caused by more serious reasons than a simple strain.
Structural problems in the spine
These are problems with the bones of the spine, the discs between the vertebrae, or the surrounding muscles.
- Arthritis: Back pain and stiffness can occur due to wear and tear on the joints. Examples include `(Osteoarthritis)`.
- Degenerative Disk Disease: Pain occurs in the lower back. It can travel down the buttocks and legs.
- Fractured Spine: Can occur in an accident. The pain is worse when walking.
- Herniated Disk: This is what many people call a "slipped disk." This is where a disc bulges out and presses on a nearby nerve, causing a condition called sciatica . This can cause electric-like pain that shoots down one leg from the back. Sometimes, this can lead to a serious condition called "Cauda Equina Syndrome," which requires emergency treatment.
- Scoliosis: A sideways curvature of the spine. If severe, it can cause pain.
- Spinal Stenosis: Nerve compression can cause back pain, heaviness in the legs, and numbness.
Back pain caused by other diseases in the body
Sometimes the problem isn't in the back, but the pain is felt in the back.
- Kidney infection or stones: Pain may radiate to the side of the back. Symptoms such as urinary tract infection and fever may also occur.
- Gallbladder infection: Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen that may radiate to the back.
- Causes specific to women: Conditions such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis can also cause lower back pain.
The most important thing is that even though back pain may seem like a simple thing, it can sometimes be a symptom of a serious condition. So if you have any doubts, it's best to see a doctor.
How do you know the exact reason?
When you see a doctor, he or she will examine you and ask you questions about the pain. (For example, how does it feel? How long has it been? What makes it worse?) Then, if necessary, they may order tests like these to help determine the cause:
- X-ray tests
- MRI or CT Scans
- Neurological tests (EMG)
- Blood Tests
Ways to reduce back pain at home
For a simple, sudden backache, you can try these things before seeing a doctor.
- Applying a hot water bottle: This can provide relief if your muscles are tense.
- Applying an ice pack: This is best within the first 48 hours if there is swelling or severe pain.
- Light exercise: Many people think that when they have back pain, they should stay in bed. But in many cases, walking slowly and doing light stretches can help reduce the pain. However, if the pain increases, stop exercising .
- Painkillers: You can temporarily use an over-the-counter NSAID such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, if you are going to use it continuously , you should definitely consult a doctor .
At times like this, you should definitely see a doctor!
If you have these symptoms along with back pain, don't stay home and see a doctor immediately.
| When to see a doctor | |
|---|---|
| 1. | If the pain is severe and unbearable. |
| 2. | If the pain doesn't subside after about a week. |
| 3. | If you suddenly lose weight. |
| 4. | If there are other symptoms such as fever, urinary tract infection, or blood in the urine. |
| 5. | If you have chest and back pain with your cough. |
Emergency! If you have back pain with these symptoms, go to the ETU immediately!
The symptoms below can be signs of a very serious condition . If any of these are accompanied by back pain, do not waste time and go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .
| Red Flags that require immediate hospitalization | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 | Inability to control urine or stool. |
| 🚨 | Loss of feeling (numbness) in both legs or buttocks. |
| 🚨 | Feeling like your legs are going numb , difficulty walking. |
| 🚨 | Back pain accompanied by severe fever, vomiting, and unbearable stomach cramps. |
Take-Home Message
- Back pain is a very common condition, so don't be unnecessarily afraid.
- Most back pain is caused by simple muscle strains, which usually resolve within a few days or weeks.
- It's often better to move around lightly than to stay in bed when you're in pain. But check with your doctor about this.
- If you have warning signs like fever, leg numbness, or loss of urinary control along with back pain, it's an emergency. Go to the hospital immediately.
- If you suspect any back pain, it is wise to see a qualified doctor to find the exact cause and receive treatment, rather than trying to treat yourself.
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