Back pain is a very annoying thing, isn't it? You can't do any work, you can't sit properly, you can't even sleep. In fact, about 80 out of 100 adults will experience this back pain at some point in their lives. Most of the time, we try to take a painkiller, rest for a while, and apply an ice pack to try to get rid of it. In most cases, these things can help reduce the pain. However, not all back pain can be cured at home and can be ignored. Sometimes, it can be a sign of a serious problem inside the body.
Is it just normal harassment, or something more?
The best part is that most back pain will go away on its own within a few days or weeks. These are usually caused by things like lifting weights with the wrong posture, sitting for too long, or a small muscle strain. In these cases, rest, painkillers, and sometimes physiotherapy are enough.
However, if your back pain falls into this category, it's wise to definitely see your doctor and seek advice, rather than ignoring it and thinking, "It's okay, it'll get better on its own."
If this is the case, make an appointment to see a doctor.
These symptoms are not emergency warning signs , but they do indicate that there may be an underlying medical condition. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these as well.
- Pain that lasts more than 3 months: If your back pain lasts more than 3 months, doctors call it chronic pain . A doctor can help determine if this type of long-term pain is caused by an injury or another medical condition.
- Radiating pain: Do you experience pain, numbness, or burning that starts in your back and spreads through your buttocks, down your legs, and sometimes all the way to your feet? This is called 'radiating pain.' It could be caused by a pinched nerve, such as sciatica, or a herniated disk. Your doctor can diagnose the cause and provide treatment to help relieve your symptoms.
- Difficulty bending or moving: Do you have difficulty reaching for something you dropped, tying your shoelaces, or lifting your arms? If this type of limited range of motion is accompanied by back pain, it could be a sign of a degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis .
These are "red flags" - seek medical advice immediately!
If you have any of the symptoms we discuss below, don't waste time thinking it's normal. See a doctor as soon as possible. In some cases, it's best to go straight to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .
Remember, if you have back pain along with these symptoms, ignoring it will only worsen the underlying serious condition.
Let's see what these warning signs are.
| Warning Sign | What this could mean |
|---|---|
| Having an injury or accident If your back hurts after a sports accident, car accident, or a simple fall. | Although it may not be visible from the outside, there may be serious damage inside, such as a spinal fracture or herniated disk. |
| Fever with backache If you have a very hot body and a fever, and your back hurts at the same time. | This could be a sign of a spinal infection, which requires emergency medical treatment. |
| Loss of urinary or bowel control If you suddenly experience back pain and unknowingly leak urine or stool. | This is a very serious condition. It can be a symptom of a rare but very serious condition called a spinal tumor or cauda equina syndrome . This is where the nerve roots in the lower part of the spine become severely compressed. |
| New or worsening weakness or numbness in the legs/arms | This could be a sign of spinal cord compression , which can cause permanent damage if not treated immediately. |
| Weight loss without any reason If you suddenly lose 10 pounds (about 4.5 kg) or more without dieting or for no other reason, and your back hurts at the same time. | This could be a symptom of another serious condition, such as cancer. |
| Pain that wakes you up at night If the pain is worse at night than during the day, and the pain is so severe that it wakes you up from sleep. | This can be caused by disc degeneration , or it can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a tumor. |
| Having a history of cancer or a weakened immune system | If you have had cancer in the past or are receiving a disease/treatment that weakens your immune system, report any back pain to your doctor immediately. |
Listen to your body.
Finally, pay attention to the signals your body is giving you. Don't dismiss serious symptoms by thinking, "It's just a little backache." Understanding the difference between normal pain and pain that requires a visit to the doctor is very important for your health.
If you have any doubts, rather than just guessing, the best thing to do is to see your family doctor. He or she can examine you, refer you for further tests if necessary, and determine exactly what kind of condition you have.
Take-Home Message
- Most back pain is not serious and will resolve in a few days or weeks with rest and simple painkillers .
- If the pain lasts more than 3 months (chronic), spreads down the legs, or makes it difficult to bend, make an appointment to see a doctor.
- These are warning signs: If you have fever, loss of bladder/bowel control, numbness or weakness in the limbs, unexplained weight loss, pain after an accident, or pain that wakes you up at night, see a doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- If you suspect serious symptoms of back pain, never assume or ignore them. Always consult your doctor.
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