The Facts About Back Pain
Lower back pain is a common condition affecting up to 95% of Americans at some point during the course of their lives. More than half of those will have more than reoccurring episodes at some point. Most people, after a thorough examination from a doctor will have no real or specific cause as to the pain. Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons for a visit to the emergency room, and the doctor’s office. It is the second most common reason for lost days at work. The cold is the most common reason sited for missing work.
The cause of one’s back pain is very much based on the individuals overall health and their daily activities. Back pain is a symptom, possibly from some other health issue. The pain from other organs is commonly felt in the back. Many disorders such kidney disease, bladder infections, or appendicitis can cause pain that is felt in the back. The back pain that is felt from any of these conditions may radiate, or travel down the front, back or side of your leg. The sharp pain may become worse with physical activity, and occasionally the pain may become worse with extended periods of sitting or at night when you are in one position for too long.
There are many situations when a person has back pain that they should seek immediate medical care. Any recent traumas such as falling from a significant height, a car accident, falling down stairs, or slipping and falling on the buttocks with resulting back pain would warrant a trip to the doctor to rule out any broken bones, infections or conditions that are producing your back pain. A person with asthma, or rheumatologic disorders that have required prolonged use of a steroid that is experiencing back pain should see their doctor immediately.
A person who is older than 65 and experiencing back pain should see their doctor as they have an increased chance of cancer, infections and abdominal conditions. If you have unexplained weight loss, a temperature over 101, or lower back pain when resting, with chronic back pain, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
There are many different conditions and causes of back pain. A thorough medical history should be performed by your doctor as part of your examination. Your doctor should ask you several questions about the onset of your back pain. (Did the pain come on suddenly? Was it the result of a fall, or lifting a heavy object, or physical activity?) Your doctor should ask you if you feel relief from the pain when you are resting, laying down, or if it is better when you are up moving around. They should ask you about any recent illnesses, fevers, stomach conditions, cramping or any other physical symptoms that are not common in your every day activities. |