Darrick Robles Back pain can occur in any area of the spine (upper, middle, and lower back). They are one of the most common reasons for seeing a doctor. Most people experience back pain at least once in their lives. If the pain persists for more than 3 months, it is referred to as “chronic back pain”. With simple measures such as Regular exercise and stretching exercises, for example, can often prevent back pain. They very rarely require surgical intervention. “Low back pain” is the most common form of back pain. It describes pain below the rib cage and above the buttocks (in the lower back region).
How is the back constructed?
The spine consists mainly of vertebrae, intervertebral discs and ligaments. It is divided into four main regions:
The cervical spine (neck area) consists of 7 vertebrae
The thoracic spine (upper back) consists of 12 vertebrae
The lumbar spine (lower back) consists of 5 vertebrae The
sacrum and coccyx consist of a total of 8 to 10 vertebrae and are located in the area of the buttocks.
Definition
Lower back pain differs in intensity and pain character. They can come on suddenly, have a stabbing, dull character and radiate to other parts of the body (e.g. the leg or stomach). Depending on its cause, low back pain is classified into specific and non-specific low back pain.
Specific low back pain has a defined cause (e.g. herniated disc, lumbar spine syndrome/lumbago , osteoporosis, rheumatism), the treatment of which leads to symptom relief.
In the case of non-specific low back pain, no clear cause can be identified, which means that targeted therapy is not possible.
Back pain symptoms
Back pain symptoms may include the following:
- muscle tension
- Dull, stabbing, or stabbing pains
- Radiation to other body regions (e.g. legs)
- Limited mobility
- morning stiffness etc
Causes of back pain
Common triggers for back pain are:
- Incorrect loading (e.g. due to lifting heavy loads)
- Overstretching of muscles and ligaments
- lack of exercise
- Long sitting
- overweight
- Various medical conditions (eg, arthritis, osteoporosis, herniated disc)
Mental stress such as B. Depression , stress or professional dissatisfaction can cause back pain.
It should be noted that in some cases no clear cause of back pain can be identified.
duration of the complaints
A distinction is made between acute, subacute and chronic back pain:
- Acute back pain can last up to 6 weeks
- Subacute back pain can last between 6 and 12 weeks
- Chronic back pain lasts longer than 12 weeks
Diagnose
The doctor takes a detailed medical history of the intensity, type and duration of the symptoms as well as the onset of the pain, its character and its radiance. Furthermore, it excludes dangerous processes if warnings give reason for this. The physical examination may be supplemented by laboratory tests, and imaging diagnostics complete the diagnostic path. Depending on the results, emergency therapy must be initiated in individual cases.
When do I have to go to the doctor
You should contact a doctor as soon as possible:
- If you feel back pain after an accident or trauma
- If you have persistent back pain
- If the back pain is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Fever
- deafness
- weight loss
- fecal or urinary incontinence
- The pain radiates to other parts of the body (e.g. legs, arms, abdomen)
What helps against back pain
If the problem is not severe, physical activity (eg, running, swimming) and application of heat can reduce pain and prevent back pain. Painkillers or other drug therapies can be administered after consultation with the doctor.
Other procedures such as B. Acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy can also be helpful in certain situations.
This is how Med-Healths can help with back pain
What could be the cause of your back pain? What treatment and prevention options are available to you? Are there alternative methods that can alleviate your symptoms? What are their pros and cons? What side effects do you have to expect? Are the costs for the therapy covered by health insurance? You can discuss these and other questions with a doctor via our video consultation. If a diagnosis has already been made, the doctor can also build on the existing therapy. However, when back pain occurs for the first time, a physical examination is likely to be necessary.
