People experience back pain for all sorts of reasons. It might be the way they sit or stand, or because their work or lifestyle causes stress and strain on their back. Worry or stress can cause tension in the back muscles, or can delay recovery of existing back pain. Sometimes an old injury, or wear and tear over time, might also cause problems.
However, there is often no obvious reason why back pain develops.
Although it can be very painful, back pain rarely has a serious underlying cause. Seeing a qualified health professional, such as a chiropractor, who is experienced in diagnosing conditions of the back and spine, can help treat back pain, and also identify if a referral or specialist investigations are needed.
- Back pain is very common. Most people will suffer one or more episodes of back pain during their lives. In many cases, it starts suddenly and gets better quickly, without the need for any treatment.
- However, back pain can be painful, debilitating and persistent, and some people suffer repeated episodes. It can also be associated with other symptoms, such as leg pain or sciatica. It may start following a specific incident, such as bending awkwardly or lifting a heavy weight. Or it can develop gradually, perhaps as a result of poor posture, an uncomfortable work position or repetitive strain.
Acute Back Pain
Acute back pain is most often caused by a sudden injury / accident and is a type of pain that typically lasts less than 3 to 6 months, and gradually resolves as the injured tissues heal
Causes:
- Disc Herniation
- Strain / Sprain / Tear of Muscles and Ligaments supporting the back
- Muscle Spasm
- Compression Fracture
- Sciatica
Signs & Symptoms
Sudden onset of:
- Pain
- Aches
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling
Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is defined as pain that persists for 12 weeks or longer, even after an initial injury or underlying cause of acute low back pain has been treated. About 20 percent of people affected by acute low back pain develop chronic low back pain with persistent symptoms at one year
Causes:
- Spinal conditions such as; Degenerative Disc Disease, Spinal Stenosis & spondylolisthesis
- Joint Fixations / Restrictions
- Injury
Signs & Symptoms
Persistent:
- Pain
- Aches
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling