Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the UK. It can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Sometimes it can come on suddenly – from an accident, a fall, or lifting something heavy, or it can develop slowly because of age-related degenerative changes to the spine. In some cases, inflammatory disorders or other medical conditions cause back pain.
Treatment varies depending on the cause and symptoms; however, there are steps you can take to improve your health and lower your chance of developing chronic or long-lasting back pain.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Back
There are many different structures in the anatomy of the back that work together to support your body. Problems with any one of these structures can cause back pain.
- There are four regions of the spine:
- Cervical spine.
- Thoracic spine.
- Lumbar spine.
- Sacrum and coccyx.
- Parts of the spine and back include:
- Vertebrae – small bones stacked on top of one another, which protect the spinal cord.
- Spinal cord – long bundle of nerves that run down the back through a canal in the vertebrae.
- Intervertebral discs – cushion-like pads between the vertebrae that act like shock absorbers and spacers for the spine.
- Ligaments – short bands of tough, flexible tissue that hold the vertebrae in place.
- Tendons – cord of tissue that connects muscle to bone.
- Muscles – a bundle of dynamic fibers that support your spine and upper body and help you move.
Who Gets Back Pain?
Anyone can have back pain; however, several factors increase your risk. Risk factors increase your chance of developing back pain and can include:
- Fitness level: Back pain is more common among people who are not physically fit. For example, weak back and stomach muscles may not properly support the spine. Back pain is also more likely if you exercise too strenuously after being inactive for a while.
- Weight gain: A diet high in calories and fat, combined with an inactive lifestyle, can lead to obesity. This can put stress on the back.
- Job-related risk factors: Jobs that require heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or twisting can injure the back. A desk job may also play a role, especially if you have poor posture or sit all day in an uncomfortable chair.
- Age: Back pain becomes more common with age, particularly after the age of 45.
- Heredity: Genetics play a role in some disorders that cause back pain.
Types of Back Pain
Doctors and researchers describe the types of back pain in the following ways:
- Acute back pain happens suddenly and usually lasts a few days to a few weeks.
- Subacute back pain can come on suddenly or over time and lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
- Chronic back pain may come on quickly or slowly and lasts longer than 12 weeks.
Symptoms of Back Pain
Back pain can range from local pain in a specific spot to generalized pain spreading all over the back. Sometimes the pain radiates away from the back to other areas of your body, such as the buttocks, legs, or abdomen. The intensity of back pain varies for each person. Depending on the type, cause, and location of your back pain, you may experience:
- Increasing pain with lifting and bending.
- Worsening pain when resting, sitting, or standing.
- Back pain that comes and goes.
- Stiffness in the morning when awakening and lessened back pain with activity.
- Pain that radiates away from the back into the buttocks, leg, or hip.
