Four in five of us experience back pain at some point, most commonly in our lower backs (lumbar area) or necks. Even if the pain is severe, there’s a 90% chance it’ll be gone or much better within six weeks. Most pain settles within a week. In 95% of cases, there’s no serious underlying cause—but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.
Back Facts
Let’s face it: our backs have a fundamental design flaw. They’re not made to withstand the extra stresses and strains placed on them by humans walking upright. The bones in our backs need to be connected in a way that keeps them stable while still allowing enough flexibility to prevent us from moving around ramrod straight.
This is possible because we have lots of small bones—the vertebrae—separated by discs made of tough connective tissue surrounding a soft, squashy center. Muscles and ligaments also crisscross between them. Being upright means gravity constantly compresses our spinal bones and discs. This complicated structure means there are lots of things that can go wrong.
Being overweight puts additional strain on the structures of your back, but poor posture is a major cause of back pain. Spending long hours hunched over a computer doesn’t help either.
What Are the ‘Red Flag’ Warning Symptoms?
Certain symptoms, often called red flag symptoms, may suggest that back pain has a more serious cause. These include:
- Fever
- Recent trauma
- Unintentional weight loss
- A history of cancer
- Neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness
- Incontinence (involuntary loss of urine or stool)
If any of these symptoms accompany your back pain, contact your doctor immediately. Seek emergency medical care for new bladder or bowel control problems, particularly when accompanied by leg weakness or numbness around the groin.
Women’s Back Pain During Pregnancy
Women who experience back pain triggered by pregnancy almost always get better soon after delivery. People who are obese may need to lose weight before their back pain eases.
What Treatments Can Help Relieve Back Pain?
Instead of relying solely on pills such as ibuprofen or stronger painkillers, you could try other approaches to help relieve back pain.
For new lower back pain (lasting less than 12 weeks), initial approaches include:
- Heat : Applying heat may help relax muscles and relieve discomfort.
- Massage : Gentle massage may help reduce muscle tension and pain.
- Acupuncture : This may help some people manage back pain.
- Yoga or Tai Chi : Gentle movement and stretching may improve flexibility and support pain management.
Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist. The therapist may use hands-on techniques, such as joint manipulation, to help reduce pain and improve mobility.
