According to WHO, low back pain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions which affect nearly 4 to 33% of the global population. At present, it is the leading cause of disability in the world. National Institute of Health (NIH) conducted research on chronic low back pain (C-LBP) and defined it as a back pain issue persistent for a minimum period of three months resulting in pain for at least three months over the past six months. Herniated nuclei pulposus, infection, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fracture, and tumor are the reason for causes of C-LBP and rest of the cases are defined as “non‐specific LBP” or “axial LBP” or “Mechanical LBP.”
The diagnosis process for the cause of chronic low back pain is a critical course, which requires differential diagnoses approaches. As it causes by multi-factor, it is difficult to diagnose accurately. Once the process is made accurately, the sooner the patient can find a suitable treatment for pain relief.
Rest, ice and common pain relievers such as ibuprofen are some of the home remedies. Most of the acute back pain gets better within a week without any treatment. But in some cases, pain is the deadliest enemy which is difficult to resolve and to locate the origin particularly, when it is deep. Sometimes it may associate with fever, severe inflammation, redness, and other neurological problems. If it is not resolved in a week, immediate medical attention is required to seek help from clinical experts.
When Should You Go To A Physician For Back Pain?
The following signs and symptoms, if persist for more than a week even after taking medicine, seeking a physician’s opinion is essential.
- If the pain is persistent and even worsening
- If spreads to both legs
- Fatigue more than a week.
- Weight loss
- Fever, swelling, or redness on the lower back.
Emergency medical care also must if low back occurs after a severe car crash, accidental fall, sports injury, or fever. Sometimes, the pain gets worse at night, is accompanied with abdominal discomfort, numbness, sensation changes in the groin and back area, and neurological problems like weakness or numbness and tingling in legs and hands. In such cases, it is a noble idea to see a physician for an evaluation.
Other Considerations for Back Pain
Many disorders accompanied by back pain also need medical care like
- Back pain in people less than 20 years of age.
- Severe back pain in people who have a history of or are presently being treated for any type of malignancy.
- Persons with weak bones (osteoporosis)
- Steroids user
- Persons with compromised immune system (e.g. HIV)
- People with obvious deformity of spine
- Hematuria with burning during urination with back pain localized to one side of the body
The human spine is made up of 24 bones, which are often referred to as a fine piece of architecture. It is the most sensitive part of our body consists of many bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, which give our body a proper form and function. It also holds and protects the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves that send signals to the rest of the body. It has a significant part in maintaining a healthy life and it’s no surprise that over 19 million people go to a doctor every year for back pain.
Also Read:
- Back Pain and It’s Effect on Elderly People, Young People, Drivers
- Back Pain And It’s Effects on Economy and Work Productivity
- Back Pain – My Experience with Workers Compensation, Lawyers, Disability
- What Causes Back Pain? Treating Back Pain with Simple Home Remedies
- Home Remedies for Back Pain: Ease Back Pain Naturally
- Physical Therapy for Back Pain: Know the Common Forms, TENS Unit, Stretching Exercises
- Tips to Cope With Back Pain While Sitting, Standing, Lifting, Driving
- Inversion Therapy for Back Pain: Benefits, Frequency, Contraindications
