Back Pain

Back Pain

What is it?

Back pain is sharp or aching pain usually in the back usually resulting from arthritis or injury. Back pain may be a short-term or chronic condition. 

Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors

Back pain can be caused by many factors, such as injury or disease. Some of these causes include:

• Scoliosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Arthritis
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Disc rupture
• Muscle spasms or tenseness
• Injury, such as sprains and fractures
• Pregnancy
• Fibromyalgia
• Tumors

Symptoms of back pain include:

• Pain that can range from shooting pain to a constant ache
• Limited flexibility and motion

Those at particular risk of suffering from back pain are:

• Between 30 and 40 years old.
• An athlete
• Not physically fit
• A smoker
• Overweight
• Have a family history of back pain
• Do work or other physical activities that put strain on the spine

Tests

A doctor will diagnose back pain by performing a physical examination, reviewing symptoms and medical history, and conducting blood and imaging tests, such as X-rays, an MRI or CT scans.

Treatments 

Treatments for back pain include:

• Resting
• Icing or applying heat
• Undergoing physical therapy
• Modifying lifestyle or physical activities
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Exercising