Back pain
Back pain is one of the most common health issues today and can affect people of all age groups. It is most often caused by poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, physical strain, or degenerative changes in the spine. It can be acute (lasting up to 6 weeks) or chronic (lasting longer than 3 months).
Symptoms
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Sharp or dull pain in the lower, middle, or upper back
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Limited mobility and stiffness
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Pain radiating to the legs (sciatica)
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Tingling or weakness in the limbs
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Increased pain when sitting, standing, or engaging in physical activity
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of back pain begins with a clinical examination, where the doctor assesses posture, mobility, and back sensitivity. If more serious issues are suspected, imaging techniques such as X-rays (RTG) to detect degenerative changes or fractures, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) to examine the condition of discs, nerves, and soft tissues may be used. Electromyoneurography (EMNG) can be used to assess nerve function if nerve compression is suspected.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of symptoms and includes rest, activity modification, physical therapy, strengthening exercises for the back muscles, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, manual therapies such as massages and chiropractic treatments, and in severe cases, minimally invasive methods such as steroid injections or, rarely, surgical procedures.
When to See a Doctor
A doctor should be consulted if the pain lasts longer than six weeks, suddenly appears after an injury, worsens despite treatment, or is accompanied by symptoms such as numbness, muscle weakness, or loss of bladder and bowel control, which may indicate more serious neurological problems.