Back pain is common, with low back pain being most common. By some estimates, in fact, around 80% of Americans will experience back discomfort of some severity during their lifetime.
The occasional ache in your back probably isn’t anything to worry about, and even a spate of back pain may simply be the result of an unrestful night of sleep or an exercising mishap. But it’s important to know when back pain might signify something more. When a back injury is to blame, help is available.
The Causes of Back Pain
Back pain is as varied as it is common. Acute back pain occurs suddenly—this type of pain is usually the result of a muscle or ligament strain.
Chronic back pain, on the other hand, may develop slowly and linger. A person is defined as having chronic back pain if back discomfort lasts for 12 weeks or more. This type of persistent back pain can be the result of a number of conditions, including osteoporosis, a bulging or herniated disc, and scoliosis.
Other conditions affecting the spine, such as ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis in the spine and the joints that connect to the pelvis; a fractured vertebra, where a vertebra in the spine collapses; or spinal stenosis, where the spine is narrowed, can also be the source of either acute or chronic back pain.
When a Back Injury Is Serious
If back pain is common, how do you know if your back injury is serious? There are some signs that indicate it’s time to call a health care provider:
- Pain lingers for a week or longer. Occasional back pain typically lasts only a day or so before improving. If your pain sticks around, get in touch with your medical provider. They can perform a medical examination and order tests that can help identify the source of your back injury.
- Pain affects more than your back. If you’re experiencing back pain that’s also affecting other parts of your body, it’s time to have your pain checked out. Pain that radiates from your back to other body parts is often a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as sciatica.
- Pain is accompanied by numbness or tingling. If you’ve pulled a muscle or otherwise strained your back, you will usually experience localized pain. If you’re also experiencing numbness or weakness in the area, that can be a sign of nerve damage, which needs to be treated promptly.
- Pain is the result of an accident. If you’re involved in a car accident, a fall or any other type of accident and experience back pain, seek medical attention promptly. When an accident occurs, an underlying health issue like a spinal cord injury can result in or contribute to pain and limited function.
- Pain worsens in specific conditions. If your back pain worsens when you’re in a specific position, such as lying in bed, or at a certain time, it can be a sign of a more serious back injury involving infection, nerve compression or fracture.
- Pain is accompanied by a fever. A fever is a sign of infection, so it’s important to have this symptom checked out.
How to Prevent Further Back Injury or Pain
If you’re experiencing chronic back pain or have been diagnosed with a back injury, you’ll want to take steps to protect your back and prevent further injury. This includes some things you’ll want to do and some you may want to avoid. Start here:
- DO lift carefully. If you have a back injury, verify with your doctor whether you should be lifting at all, and if so, up to what weight. In general, if you need to lift something, bend your knees and squat down, then lift the object up using your legs for leverage. Don’t bend or twist as you lift.
- DON’T pull it. If you need to move something heavy, push it rather than trying to pull it. This is easier on the back.
- DO rethink how you sleep. You know you need proper posture while you sit and stand, but what about while you sleep? Your sleeping position can play a big role in your spine health—and a strategically placed pillow can help. If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees; if you sleep on your stomach, place a pillow under your hips; and if you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees.
- DON’T neglect your back exercises. Incorporate weight-lifting and weight-bearing activities designed to strengthen the back and core into your workout regimen. If you have a back injury, get clearance from your medical provider first or advice from your physical therapy specialist.
- DO maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight, especially when carried around the abdomen, can shift your body’s center of gravity, putting strain on your back. Talk with your medical provider about what a normal weight looks like for you. Losing only a few pounds can often make an impact.
- DON’T smoke. Smoking contributes to many health conditions, and some studies show that includes back pain. The spinal discs may be negatively impacted by smoking, which restricts blood flow and essential nutrients from getting to the spine.
- DO see a medical provider to learn about treatment options. Noninvasive or minimally invasive treatments, such as acupuncture, medication, injections and physical therapy, are typically recommended before surgical solutions.
If you have been diagnosed with a back injury, your health care provider or physical therapist can advise you about specific do’s and don’ts related to your health condition, including movements you should avoid.
