It's hard to find someone who hasn't had back pain at some point in their life, isn't it? Sometimes it's a minor thing, but sometimes it can be so annoying that it makes it difficult to even do daily tasks. The reasons can be different. Maybe it's because of bad habits that we don't know about, maybe it's because of an accident, a muscle strain, or an injury while playing sports. Whatever the cause, the symptoms are often the same. Today, let's talk about how this back pain can come about and its symptoms.
What are the common symptoms of back pain?
The way back pain feels varies from person to person. For some, it may only be a little uncomfortable to walk or sit, while for others, it can be so painful that they can't even get out of bed. Let's take a look at the most common symptoms.
| Symptom | A little bit about it |
|---|---|
| Persistent pain or stiffness | A constant ache or a stiff feeling in the back can occur anywhere from the base of the neck to the bottom of the spine (buttocks). |
| A sharp, dull pain | Sharp, stabbing pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back, especially after lifting a heavy object or doing strenuous work. Important: Upper back pain can sometimes be a sign of a serious condition, such as a heart attack. So it's important to be aware of that as well. |
| A long-standing ache | Pain in the middle or lower back that occurs when you sit in the same position (like in an office) or stand for a long time. Many people have experienced this. |
| Pain that travels down the leg (Sciatica) | A pain that starts in the lower back, travels down the buttocks, down the back of the leg, and all the way to the heel and toes. This is what we medically call sciatica. |
| Inability to stand straight | Lower back pain or muscle spasms when trying to stand with your back straight. |
Simply put, back pain is not just pain. It's a signal from our body that something is wrong.
Red Flags that require immediate medical attention
A common backache will usually go away in a few days with rest. However, there are some symptoms that should never be ignored. If you have any of these, it is best to see a doctor immediately for advice.
| Red Flag | What this could mean |
|---|---|
| Seek medical advice immediately! | |
| If you feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, legs, or groin area. | This could be a sign of spinal cord injury. Go to a hospital's emergency room (ETU) immediately. |
| If you have difficulty controlling your bowels or urine. | This is also a very serious condition. It could be due to a pinched nerve in the spinal cord. Go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. |
| If the pain goes down the leg (especially below the knee). | It could be due to a pinched nerve, such as sciatica. |
| If the pain increases when coughing, sneezing, or bending forward. | A herniated disc can occur when the soft tissue between the vertebrae of the spine (disc) bulges out. |
| If the pain is accompanied by fever, chills, burning sensation in the urethra , or a frequent need to urinate. | It could be a sign of an infection in the body, possibly a kidney infection. |
| These facts may also indicate a serious condition. | |
| If you have a history of cancer. | Particular attention should be paid to pain. |
| If you lose weight for no reason. | It may be a sign of another underlying medical condition. |
| If you are taking immunosuppressive medications or steroids for a long time. | The risk of infection is high. |
| If the pain occurred after an accident (fall, car accident). | You need to check for a fracture or other damage. |
| If the pain increases day by day and does not subside even after resting. | It could be something more serious than a simple muscle ache. |
| If the pain persists for more than a month . | It may be becoming a chronic condition. |
| If the pain worsens at night , especially to the point of waking you up. | It may be a symptom of some serious conditions. |
So what should you do?
The most important thing is to listen to your body. If it's a minor backache, you can rest for a couple of days and take a painkiller (e.g.paracetamol ). But if you have any of the risk factors we mentioned above, don't assume anything. The best thing to do is to see your family doctor. He or she will examine you, refer you for further tests if necessary, and prescribe the right treatment for you.
Take-Home Message
- Back pain is very common, but not all of them are the same. Some are normal, while others are serious.
- Many back pains can be prevented by using proper posture when lifting weights and sitting.
- If you have any 'red flag' symptoms like numbness with pain, pain down your legs, fever, or loss of bowel/urine control, it could be serious. Don't waste time and see a doctor.
- Tell your doctor honestly and completely about your symptoms. This is very important for an accurate diagnosis.
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