Back Pain can arise from various causes, resulting in different types of back pain symptoms, such as pain from chronic muscle inflammation, spinal joint inflammation, intervertebral disc inflammation, herniated discs pressing on nerves, or other causes. As the condition progresses, the “back pain” symptoms will gradually worsen, with varying details.
What factors cause “back pain”?
- A mattress that is too hard or too soft, not suitable for the body’s anatomy
- Lifting heavy objects, carrying heavy loads, or lifting incorrectly
- Smoking, because nicotine reduces oxygen supply to the intervertebral discs, causing them to degenerate and collapse faster than normal
- Osteoporosis or brittle bones
- Obesity or excessive body weight, which causes the intervertebral discs and coccyx to bear more weight than normal
- Office syndrome, sitting for long periods or maintaining abnormal postures
What can the “back pain” symptom indicate?
- Back pain from lifting heavy objects: muscle inflammation, displaced vertebrae or intervertebral discs
- Pain along the mid-back: problems with intervertebral discs or spinal joints
- Back pain radiating to the side: abnormality in back muscles
- Pain accompanied by numbness or weakness: nerve system abnormality
- Sharp, electric shock-like pain: possible nerve compression
- Fatigue-like, aching back pain: may be caused by muscles
What level of back pain requires urgent medical attention?
Of course, these conditions cause back pain, but not everyone experiences the same level of pain. Therefore, do not be complacent or let the pain persist for a long time. It is necessary to observe your own pain level. Back pain severity ranges from mild, such as general body aches or muscle soreness, to severe pain that affects daily life, such as radiating leg pain, stabbing pain, or sharp, tingling pain. Importantly, if you have chronic pain, weakness or numbness, fever, pain that worsens at night and does not improve with rest, or abnormal bowel or bladder function, you should promptly consult a doctor. Additional tests may be ordered to determine the cause and condition precisely, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT scan).
Back pain… can be cured if treated correctly
After understanding your symptoms, you can begin treatment under the care of a specialist. Initial treatment for mild pain may involve taking pain relievers or muscle relaxants, or undergoing physical therapy. However, if the pain worsens to the point of affecting daily activities such as standing, sitting, or walking, treatment may require spinal nerve injections or minimally invasive surgery. After surgery, hospitalization for at least 1-3 days is necessary, and care should be guided by an experienced medical team.
We can all prevent back pain by avoiding activities harmful to the back, such as lifting or carrying heavy objects, and regularly exercising to maintain a healthy weight appropriate for our body shape. Although medical advancements have progressed significantly, taking good care of ourselves and maintaining our bodies to live life to the fullest is always the best approach.
