Back Pain Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Back pain is one of the common symptoms that is felt by most adults to the elderly.
Sufferers can feel pain in the area around the spine from the neck to the coccyx.
Back pain most often occurs in the lower back area which is referred to as low back pain (LBP) or lumbago.
There are two types of back pain:
1. Acute back pain
This pain is short-term, lasting a few days to a few weeks. Most cases of back pain fall into this type.
Usually, the pain goes away on its own with self-care and there are no residual complaints.
2. Chronic back pain
Pain lasts up to 12 weeks or more, even if the initial cause is treated.
About 20 percent of people with acute back pain develop chronic back pain with persistent symptoms within 1 year. Even though the pain persists, there is not necessarily a serious problem that is the underlying cause.
Back Pain
| Medical specialist | Neurologist |
| Symptom | persistent pain or stiffness along the spine; stabbing, sharp pain in the neck or back; pain that radiates from the lower back to the buttocks, back of the thighs, calves, toes |
| risk factor | Age, overweight, genetics, certain occupations, mental health, smoking |
| How to diagnose | Medical interview, physical examination, physical examination, other examinations such as laboratory and radiology photos |
| Treatment | Physical therapy, back exercises, acupuncture, rehabilitation, activity restriction, surgery |
| Drug | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) |
| Complications | Nerve damage, limited movement and activity, psychological disorders |
| When to see a doctor? | Pain is persistent or getting worse, pain to the point where it is difficult to carry out daily activities, there are complaints of numbness, weakness or tingling |
Symptom
Back pain can give different sensations, such as:
- Constant pain or stiffness along the spine
- Stabbing, sharp pain located in the neck or back
- Chronic pain in the middle or lower back especially after sitting or standing for a long time
- Back pain that radiates from the lower back to the buttocks, back of the thighs, calves and toes
- Unable to stand straight without pain or muscle cramps in the lower back
There are several accompanying symptoms that can indicate a causative disorder behind back pain, such as:
- Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the groin, hands or feet which may indicate damage to the spinal cord
- Pain in the back extending down the back of the leg may indicate sciatica
- Pain that gets worse when coughing or bending may indicate a herniated disc
- Pain accompanied by fever, burning when urinating (BAK) and frequent urination may indicate an infection
Reason
Many cases of back pain have no known cause, which is called non-specific back pain.
Sometimes, pain is caused by mechanical factors. That is, pain that starts in the joints, bones or soft tissue around the spine.
Apart from these things, some of these conditions can be a cause of back pain:
- Sprains (overstretched or torn ligaments) and strains (tears in tendons or muscles)
- Traumatic injuries, such as car accidents, falls
- Spinal fracture
- Disc herniation, the intervertebral disc is compressed and protrudes
- Sciatica/radiculopathy, caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve that runs from the buttocks to the back of the leg
- Spinal stenosis, narrowing of the spinal column which causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerves
- Osteoarthritis
- Spinal abnormalities, namely scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis
- Infection
- Cauda equina syndrome occurs when a torn disc is pushed into the spinal canal and compresses the roots of the lumbar and sacral nerves.
- Osteoporosis, a progressive decrease in bone density and strength that can cause painful spinal fractures
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the risk of back pain are:
1. Age
It usually first strikes between 30-50 years, and becomes more frequent with increasing age.
2. Overweight
Obesity or significant weight gain quickly puts pressure on the back causing back pain.
3. Genetics
Back pain can also be genetically inherited, such as ankylosing spondylitis.
4. Certain jobs
Work lifting weights, pushing or pulling, or working with bad posture can trigger back pain.
5. Mental health
Anxiety, depression, stress can affect the severity of the pain that is felt or arises as a result of the back pain that is felt.
6. Smoking
The habit of smoking causes disruption of the flow of blood and oxygen to the disc, causing it to degenerate more quickly.
Diagnosis
The doctor will determine the diagnosis of back pain from the history and physical examination. The causes of back pain symptoms can be sought by knowing the accompanying symptoms.
Other tests such as laboratory tests and radiology photos can be done to find out the problem behind back pain, such as:
- Bone scans
- Computed Tomography Scan (CT scan)
- Discography
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Myelogram
- Selective Nerve Root Block
- X-rays
Treatment
Ways to deal with back pain can include:
- Physical therapy
- Back exercise
- acupuncture
- Rehabilitation
- Activity restrictions
- Surgery
- Weight loss
- Steroid injections
In addition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be given to relieve pain. However, its use also should not be too often because it can cause side effects.
Prevention
Here are some tips to prevent back pain from coming:
- Exercise regularly to keep the muscles strong and flexible
- Maintain normal weight
- Consume nutritious foods by meeting the daily needs of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D to support the growth of new bones
- Make sure the work surface is at a comfortable height
- Change sitting positions frequently and periodically walk around the workplace or stretch
- Wear comfortable low heels
- Use a mattress that can support your back well
- Sleeping on your side with your knees bent like a fetus can help open up the joints in your spine. This position can also relieve pressure by reducing the curvature of the spine
- Be careful when lifting things. Always make sure you lift something heavy in the correct position
- Maintain good posture when sitting, standing, walking and other activities
- Avoid smoking
Complications
Some complications from untreated or worsening back pain are:
- Nerve damage
- Movement and activity limitations
- Psychological disorders, such as stress and anxiety
When to See a Doctor?
Back pain symptoms will usually improve within a few weeks or months. However, you should immediately seek help if there is:
- Pain is persistent or getting worse
- Pain keeps you from doing your daily activities
- There are complaints of numbness, weakness, or tingling
- There is a change in BAB or BAK