Flexible Physio

Back pain symptoms and treatment.
date added: 21/09/2010

This factsheet is for people who have back pain, or who would like information about it. Back pain is extremely common - about eight in 10 people in the UK are affected at some time in their lives.

About back pain

Back pain can affect anyone at any age, but it's most common in people between the ages of 35 and 55. 'Acute' and 'chronic' are terms used to describe how long the symptoms last, not how severe they are.

• Acute back pain - less than six weeks.
• Sub-acute back pain - six weeks to three months.
• Chronic back pain - longer than three months.

How your back works

Your spine is made up of many small, inter-connected bones called vertebrae. These are separated by strong connectors called discs, which act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to bend. Your spine is supported along its length by muscles and ligaments. Your spinal cord threads down through the centre of each vertebra, carrying nerves from your brain to the rest of your body.

Cause of back pain

There isn't usually an underlying condition causing back pain - nothing shows up in tests and nothing is permanently damaged. This is called simple or non-specific back pain. Nine out of 10 people with simple back pain recover completely within six weeks.

You're more likely to develop simple back pain if you:

• lifting heavy or bulky loads;
• carrying loads awkwardly, possibly one handed;
• repetitive tasks, packing of products;
• long distance driving or driving over rough ground, particularly if the seat is not, or cannot be, properly adjusted;
• stooping, bending or crouching, including work at PCs (poor posture);
• pushing, pulling or dragging heavy loads;
• working beyond normal abilities and limits;
• working when physically tired;
• stretching, twisting and reaching;
• prolonged periods in one position.

Symptoms of back pain

Simple back pain is often in your lower back (lumbar region), and may also spread to your buttocks and thighs. It's often described as a dull pain and can come and go at different times, depending on your level of activity. The pain can begin suddenly or come on gradually if you strain your back over time. Simple back pain usually only lasts a few days and gets better on its own. However, you should see your GP as soon as possible if, as well as back pain, you have:

• fever (high temperature)
• redness or swelling on your back
• pain down your legs and below your knees
• numbness or weakness in one or both legs or around your buttocks
• loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence)

Some symptoms are called "red flags" and may indicate that you require treatment for an underlying condition. You should see your GP if:

• your pain is the result of an injury
• you're under 20 or over 55 and the pain lasts for more than a few days
• you have had or currently have cancer in any part of your body
• you have HIV/AIDS
• you have been taking steroid medicines for more than a few months

Diagnosis of back pain

Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. He or she may also ask you about your medical history. If your pain lasts longer than six weeks, or if your GP suspects there is some underlying cause of your pain, he or she may recommend more tests such as:

• X-rays
• CT scans - a CT scan uses X-rays to make a three-dimensional image of the body/or part of the body
• MRI - an MRI scan uses magnets and radiowaves to produce images of the inside of your body
• blood tests