Understanding back pain

Back pain is a common issue that impacts a significant portion of the population. It can range from a dull persistent ache to sudden, sharp discomfort, and can occur suddenly due to injury, activity, or certain medical conditions. Back pain can impact people of all ages for various reasons. A person’s job or degenerative disk disease may increase the likelihood of experiencing back pain, especially as people age. 

While most cases of back pain resolve on their own, some may require medical attention if they persist beyond a few days or worsen over time. Penn Medicine is home to experts in neurosurgery, orthopedics, physical rehabilitation, and pain medicine who use advanced approaches to treat and relieve your back pain. 

Types of back pain by area

Back pain is typically categorized by where the pain occurs, as lower, upper, and middle back pain. Each type of back pain may also be categorized as acute, subacute, or chronic depending on how long the pain lasts and how frequently pain episodes occur. Acute back pain happens suddenly and lasts for a few days to a few weeks. Subacute back pain may last anywhere from six weeks to three months. Chronic low back pain is the most severe and typically lasts longer than three months.

Symptoms associated with back pain

Back pain can vary in intensity from a dull ache to sharp shooting sensations that cause discomfort and make it difficult to move. The pain may radiate to the buttocks or down the legs, and certain positions can make it worse. While home remedies and self-care may help alleviate this pain, persistent or severe back pain requires medical attention, especially if the pain is accompanied by symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or unexplained weight loss. 

Back pain symptoms can include: 

  • Difficulty standing straight 
  • Muscle spasms 
  • Stiffness 

If you experience any of the following combinations of symptoms, contact a back pain specialist right away. They may indicate underlying issues that require immediate medical attention: 

  • Back pain after a severe blow, fall, injury, or trauma to the back 
  • Back pain with new bowel or bladder issues 
  • Back pain that worsens when you lie down or pain that wakes you up at night 
  • Redness or swelling on the back or spine 
  • Unexplained fever with back pain 
  • Weakness or numbness in the buttocks, leg, pelvis, or thigh 

What causes back pain?

Back pain causes can vary from strain and tension to underlying medical conditions.   

Other potential causes of back pain include factors like obesity, poor muscle tone, and smoking, which can worsen back pain and make you more susceptible to injury. Understanding the role of each of these contributing factors can help you to take proactive steps to manage or prevent back pain.  

Diagnosing back pain

Diagnosing back pain involves a thorough evaluation by your provider, including an assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle followed by a physical exam. During the exam, your doctor will check for range of motion, nerve function, and muscle spasms. Depending on the suspected cause of the pain, your doctor may perform blood tests, urine tests, and a variety of imaging tests to assess the condition of your bones, muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues in the spine. These tests help identify the source of the pain, evaluate its severity, and rule out more serious underlying conditions. 

Back pain relief treatments

Treating back pain often involves a combination of approaches that a doctor will tailor to an individual’s specific type of back pain. Treatment typically begins with conservative methods like rest, over-the-counter medications, and light physical activity to promote healing. Complementary therapies such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, or massage may also offer back pain relief. For more severe cases, rehabilitative therapies, medications, or surgery may be recommended.

Penn Medicine’s spine treatment program is led by a team of experts who provide evidence-based care to address each patient’s back pain needs. We use conservative, non-surgical treatments or minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to restore your back function and help you get back to living your life pain-free.

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