Back pain is a common reason that one may seek medical attention and is also among the biggest causes of disability in the world.

Back pain is described as a physical discomfort occurring anywhere on the back that may range from mild to disabling in severity. Back pain has an assortment of common causes, many not being due to an underlying disease or condition. Some common causes can include overuse from strenuous exercise, extended periods of stagnancy, improper sleep position, or repetitive and/or continuous lifting of heavy objects. Oftentimes, these causes may lead to symptoms of pain in the form of muscle aches, sharp pain, and/or a burning sensation. These conditions may worsen when the back is being used for walking, standing, or other motions.

Back pain can occur instantaneously or develop over a long period. Abrupt straining of the muscle from picking up a heavy object will likely cause immediate pain. On the other hand, the natural process of aging may deteriorate the back, resulting in a gradual increase in pain over time. Some disorders such as inflammatory arthritis can also be a contributing factor of back pain.

Because back pain significantly varies, this can directly impact how long it persists for. Pain from extended periods of sitting down may resolve itself in a matter of hours, while chronic pain due to a disease may be ongoing without intervention. Back pain is categorized by its level of severity, these include acute, subacute, and chronic back pain. Acute back pain is recognized as abrupt, sudden pain that can last between a few days to a few weeks and typically resolves itself over time and with self-care. Subacute back pain may also come suddenly or develop gradually, lasting about 4 to 12 weeks. Chronic back pain is generally everlasting without treatment, the pain will likely stay the same or only worsen without treatment and as time passes.

Typically, healthcare providers will ask a series of questions regarding your pain and ask you to perform some simple mobility exercises so they can have a full understanding of the extent of the pain. They may ask you to rate the back pain intensity on a scale, if the pain impedes day-to-day functions, and whether performing certain tasks is more difficult than others. Having a comprehensive understanding of how the pain is impacting you will help determine the proper diagnosis and severity of your condition.

Healthcare providers may look to medical imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to help determine the source of the pain if necessary. This allows isolated, detailed viewing of problem areas that may not be visible from the outside. This can help deduce possible causes and may determine the cause outright, leading to a proper diagnosis. Once the pain is diagnosed, the physician will curate a plan that meets your unique needs and let you know how to move forward.

Although most back pain is mild and non-threatening, it is important to recognize when to seek medical attention. Seeing a qualified healthcare professional is recommended if the pain does not improve after a few weeks if you are experiencing numbness or tingling if the pain occurs after falling or injury, or if the pain persists with medication. Back pain coupled with onsetting fever, pain extending to legs, and problems urinating will require consultation with a healthcare professional. No matter the severity of the pain, it is always recommended to seek help and get answers if you have growing concerns about the pain you are experiencing.

Specialty Medical Center is a medical center that prides itself on patient care and its rehabilitation services. Our primary focus is developing a customized treatment plan unique to each patient’s needs. Visit us today to get comprehensive care. We serve patients from Sterling Heights MI, Dearborn MI, Detroit MI, Birmingham MI, Allen Park MI, Warren MI, and BEYOND!