Back pain is one of the most common types of pain people experience in their lifetime. Sometimes it comes from sitting too long, not sleeping in the correct position, exercising, or suddenly lifting something heavy.
While there are umpteen reasons for back pain, knowing how it differs can help you assess your next steps.
Not all back pain stems from an inactive lifestyle, a bad mattress, or poor posture. Sometimes it lingers and goes deeper than the superficial knowledge of its causes.
“A persistent back pain, if accompanied by pain radiating down one of the limbs or a tingling sensation, can point towards a serious spinal problem like a slipped disc, spinal infection, or tumour. These causes of back pain are more serious in nature than the commonly encountered musculoskeletal sprain and need proper medical attention,” cautions Dr. Arun Bhanot, Director, Spine Surgery, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
WHEN BACK PAIN SIGNALS SOMETHING SERIOUS
Some back pain associated with spine infection (spinal tuberculosis or osteomyelitis) or cancers (metastasis to the spine) must also be treated immediately with appropriate investigations.
Dr. Bhanot adds that many non-spinal problems can also mimic back pain.
“A sharp, squeezing pressure in the upper back can sometimes predict a heart attack. Such pain often worsens with physical activity and may also be accompanied by pain in the jaw or arm,” he says.
What also warrants medical attention is this:
Do not hesitate to visit a doctor as soon as possible once you feel back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, numbness or weakness in the limbs, or radiating pain to the chest or abdomen. If there are changes in bladder or bowel control, if it hurts more at night than during the day, or without physical exertion. Sudden severe upper back pain with chest discomfort, sweating, or breathlessness could indicate a cardiac event. Flank pain with nausea, vomiting, or urinary changes may suggest kidney problems
Dr. Sundeep VK
Consultant, Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon, Apollo Speciality Hospital, Bengaluru
Similarly, a kidney stone or kidney infection can also present with a dull ache in the back, though such pain is more likely to be situated in the flank region or under the ribs.
If it is accompanied by urinary symptoms or signs of infection such as fever or chills, a detailed medical consultation should be sought to ascertain the true cause of the back pain and get timely treatment.
Doctors reveal that common musculoskeletal pain worsens with activity or certain postures and gets better with rest or over-the-counter medication.
On the other hand, “problems affecting organs are usually painful, deep, continuous, and positional, and there is no relief. They may have other organ-specific symptoms such as gut problems, urinary issues, or chest pain,” explains Dr. Sundeep VK.
Another persistent back pain that needs medical attention is pressure on the spinal cord, such as numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, radiating pain in the limbs, or loss of control over urine and stools.
BACK PAIN SIGNALS THESE POSSIBLE REASONS
Musculoskeletal strain
Pain caused by poor posture, sitting too long, improper sleeping positions, exercising incorrectly, or lifting heavy objects. Usually improves with rest, posture correction, or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Slip disc or herniated disc
Persistent back pain with tingling or shooting pain down the leg or arm. Indicates a spinal disc pressing on nerves and needs medical evaluation.
Spinal infections (e.g., Tuberculosis, Osteomyelitis)
Severe, persistent back pain often accompanied by fever or unexplained weight loss. It requires urgent investigations and targeted treatment.
Spinal tumours or metastasis
Deep, continuous pain that may worsen at night or without exertion. Can signal cancer spreading to the spine and needs prompt attention.
Heart-related pain
Sharp, squeezing pressure in the upper back that worsens with activity and may radiate to the jaw or arm. It could indicate a heart attack and demands immediate emergency care.
Kidney stones or kidney infections
Dull ache in the flank or under the ribs, sometimes with fever, nausea, vomiting, or urinary changes. It points to kidney trouble and needs medical evaluation.
Nerve or spinal cord compression
Back pain with numbness, weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or pain radiating into the limbs. It suggests pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and is a medical emergency.
Pain from internal organs
Deep, continuous pain linked with gut, urinary, or chest symptoms. It may stem from abdominal or chest organs and should not be ignored.
PREVENTION AND CARE
A regular back exercise regimen is important to sail through the grind of modern-day life, where many spend a significant amount of time sitting in front of screens or using electronic gadgets.
The importance of good workplace ergonomics and posture cannot be overemphasised in preventing chronic and disabling back problems, say doctors.
Ignoring constant back pain or self-medicating with analgesics could lead to missing the diagnosis of deep-seated diseases.
“Patients should seek help from a qualified specialist, either a neurosurgeon or a spine surgeon, if their pain continues or warning signs appear. This ensures appropriate treatment and helps avoid potentially fatal complications,” says Dr. Sundeep.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE BACK PAIN?
Increase your hydration intake.
“Maintaining ideal body weight and eating a balanced diet help protect your spine and organs. Many causes of back pain can be prevented through regular exercise, core strengthening, proper posture, and avoiding smoking (vascular and spinal issues are among other risk factors),” says Dr. Sundeep.
Following medical advice for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease can also help reduce the risk of severe conditions caused by back pain.
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