What are the factors that lead to an increase in the risk of developing back pain?

It is more common in people who are not physically fit. A weak back and poor strength in abdominal muscles may not support the spine, which is the core strength. A diet high in calories and fat, combined with an inactive lifestyle, can lead to obesity. This can put stress on the back. If you have a poor posture when sitting for too long on a chair, it can certainly lead to backache. In addition, if you have poor sleep, depression or anxiety, backache may be more severe and frequent.

What are the symptoms of back pain?

The type and intensity of back pain may differ for each individual. It can be at a specific spot or may radiate to the thighs, legs, or buttocks or hip. The pain can increase on bending or lifting, worsening pain with resting, sitting or standing, back pain that comes and goes, and stiffness on awakening in the morning that goes away with activity are common symptoms. Pain that may be associated with numbness or weakness in the legs and feet requires prompt treatment.

When to see your doctor if you have backache?

Backache that occurs after a fall or injury, backache associated with fever and weight loss, if you have trouble urinating, severe backache that does not improve with medications, backache that is associated with a tingling sensation in the legs and weakness warrants an early assessment.

What are the common causes of backache?

Mechanical or structural problems in the spine are the commonest. They include sprain, strain, degenerative disc disease, ruptured discs, fractured vertebrae, narrowing of the spinal root canal that puts pressure on the nerves, and bending of the spine is scoliosis is a common cause. Inflammation of the spine as in ankylosing spondylitis and certain other arthritis of the spine may cause backache. Other common causes include osteoporosis with fractures, fibromyalgia, kidney stones and infections of which tuberculosis is common, and endometriosis in women, which is uterine tissue outside the uterus. Infections of the bones of the spine or the discs in between them, tumours and pregnancy are other causes. Backache is a very common symptom, particularly in the elderly population. It can be caused by various disorders. Most of the symptoms reduce with home remedies, exercises and hot water fomentation. However, some disorders causing backache may be serious and may require prompt treatment.

What are the causes of back pain specific for women?

Premenstrual syndrome is a condition that women get before their periods. It may be associated with low back pain, headache, fatigue, bloating of the abdomen, mood swings, food cravings and anxiety. When the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, it causes severe pain during periods. This also causes pain during or after sex, low back and pelvic pain and pain during bowel movements or urination. Tumours of the uterus, ovaries, or cervix or their spread to the spine may cause backache.

What is dysmenorrhea?

Very painful menstruation is known as dysmenorrhea. Women who are at high risk include those aged under 20 years, smoking, heavy bleeding during menses, family history of painful periods and if women have underlying conditions like endometriosis, fibroids in the uterus or pelvic infections.

What about back pain during pregnancy?

This is common during pregnancy. This happens as the centre of gravity shifts, you gain weight and your hormones relax your ligaments. Backache starts during the fifth and seventh months of pregnancy. However, it can start early.

What are the home remedies for backache?

A heating pad applied to the back can boost circulation. A warm bath may help. Some painkillers may help you temporarily, however, take them under medical supervision. Exercise, gentle stretching, an ice pack, a pillow between your knees when you sleep on your sides and good lumbar support, when you are sitting for a long time, are important points to consider at home.

What are investigations required?

A detailed clinical examination is all that may be required in most individuals. Routine blood tests, tests for cancer prostate, and gynaecologist reference may be necessary. X-ray of the spine or MRI may be required in certain cases. Vitamin D and calcium levels and a DEXA scan of the bones may be required at times.

What are the surgical procedures required to treat backache?

Steroid injections around the nerves, radio frequency ablation that reduces pain signals, and surgery to create more space within the spine are sometimes helpful. Most of us would suffer backache in our life. However, regular exercise and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle may help most of us. Backache that does not respond to simple treatment requires proper evaluation and treatment.