Many back injuries are a result of strain and damage over time. Conditions commonly linked to back pain include:2
- Muscle or ligament strain
- Bulging or ruptured discs (also known as herniated discs)
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Spinal stenosis
- Congenital skeletal irregularities
- Ankylosing spondylitis, also called axial spondylarthritis
- Certain types of cancer
- Fibromyalgia
- Kidney stones
- Endometriosis
- Having depression or anxiety
In addition, certain motions — like bending or twisting — and lifting heavy objects can trigger lower back pain. Additional factors that can increase your risk of developing back pain inlcude:2
- Age
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excess weight
- Weak back and abdominal muscles
- Smoking
Adopting the following habits can both prevent and alleviate back pain:2
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight
- Stay active
- Maintain proper posture
- Get quality sleep on a supportive mattress
- Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body and do not twist when lifting
- Quit smoking
- Ensure your workstation is ergonomically correct
To learn what may be causing your back pain, your doctor will ask questions about your health, symptoms and activities, and will also perform a physical exam.
You may assume you need an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. But imaging is not always the answer — at least not at first.
The truth is, people who get an imaging test for their back pain do not get better faster. Imaging tests can also lead to surgery and other treatments that may be unnecessary. Plus, it can expose you to radiation, which can increase your risk for cancer.3 For most people, a physical exam is enough to diagnose and treat acute low back pain, since it typically resolves on its own.1
When do imaging tests make sense? It can be a good idea to see a doctor right away if you have signs of severe or worsening nerve damage, loss of control of your bowel or bladder or loss of feeling or strength in your legs.2 Back pain coinciding with a serious underlying problem, such as cancer or a spinal infection, may also warrant earlier imaging tests.
Consult your provider for treatment recommendations, or if your pain lasts for more than three weeks.
Treatment depends on what is causing your pain and your pain level. The first step to treating back pain typically involves conservative, non-invasive measures. In fact, about 90 percent of patients with low back pain will recover within 6 weeks.4
Your doctor can advise you on the best treatment options, which may include ice or heat, physical therapy or over-the-counter medications. Alternative treatments like massage therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture can also help alleviate pain.
If you’re experiencing severe back pain or back pain that has lasted for more than three weeks, there are plenty of experts to see for help. Your first line of support for any health problem should be your primary care provider who can assess your symptoms, diagnose the source of your pain and determine the best course of treatment.
They may recommend you visit a specialist for treatment, such as a physical therapist or orthopedist, or try alternative treatment with a massage therapist, chiropractor and/or acupuncturist.
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