From WebMD · · 2m
Back pain basics: causes, symptoms and treatment
Your spine supports your body's weight and movement. Back problems can stem from bad habits, injuries, or wear and tear, but most respond to exercise and conservative care.
In brief
Your spine supports your body's weight and movement. Back problems can stem from bad habits, injuries, or wear and tear, but most respond to exercise and conservative care. Back pain often comes from poor posture, repetitive strain, or injury, but most cases improve with gentle exercise, over-the-counter pain relief…
Your spine does heavy lifting
The spine is a stack of twenty four bones called vertebrae.It keeps you stable enough to stand upright but flexible enough for movement.
Bad habits cause most back pain
Back problems often stem from poor posture, like sitting incorrectly at a desk or behind the steering wheel.
Where pain strikes most often
One of the more common types of back pain comes from straining the bands of muscles surrounding the spine.It happens most often in the curve of the low back and the base of the neck.
Other causes of back pain
Injuries from contact sports, accidents, and falls can cause muscle strains, herniated disks, or fractures.Osteoarthritis can wear down cartilage between vertebrae.Pregnancy brings hormonal changes and weight gain that stress the spine.
Warning signs to watch for
Back pain may come with radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or arms.Uncontrolled peeing or pooping, or inability to pee, and muscle weakness could mean a serious problem like spinal cord compression.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor after you get hurt in a fall or accident, when pain gets in the way of your daily activities, or if it lasts longer than six weeks or spreads.
Exercise beats bed rest
Despite what you may think, staying in bed is not usually the answer.Gentle exercise will help work out the kinks, build support for your spine, and improve your flexibility.
“Despite what you may think or have been told before, staying in bed isn't usually the answer; gentle exercise is.”
Treatment options and prevention
Over-the-counter pain relievers, ice, and heat ease most back pain.Complementary therapies like chiropractic spinal manipulation, acupuncture, and massage can help.Surgery is reserved for damaged bones, herniated disks, or pinched nerves.
The takeaway
Back pain often comes from poor posture, repetitive strain, or injury, but most cases improve with gentle exercise, over-the-counter pain relief, and physical therapy rather than bed rest.
