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Marley's Health Advice

Should You See a Medical Expert for Your Back Pain?

28 March 2022

Grace Henderson

As the human back is a very complex structure, it is not surprising that back pain should be one of the biggest causes of pain or even disability around the world. It can be difficult to avoid issues with the back as people age, even though they may take great care to make sure they do not aggravate through overuse or bad form. If you are suffering from back pain at the moment and are certainly looking for relief, what could be going wrong, and should you get in touch with a medical expert?

Painful Episodes

While some back pain can be relatively mild and just associated with aching muscles, other conditions may be far worse. Sometimes, the pain will be searing, might come and go or might present as a "stabbing" sensation. It may also spread to other parts of the body and especially the upper leg or be particularly acute when moving in a certain way.

Everyday Risks

Often, back pain is due to strained muscles or ligaments. This can happen quite easily through lifting or moving in a certain arc. If you have a relatively sedentary existence, your muscle mass may not be as consistent as it used to be, and this could lead to spasms or an immediate strain if you try to exert yourself.

Developing Conditions

In more serious conditions, the discs in between the vertebrae can either bulge or rupture. When this happens, the flexible, jellylike substance inside the disc may expand and come into contact with a nearby nerve. Much older people may begin to suffer from osteoporosis, where some vertebrae start to deteriorate as they become more brittle. A separate condition associated with osteoarthritis can place strain on the spinal cord, leading to significant pain.

Preventative Measures

In an ideal scenario, it is always best to look after your back through daily, planned exercise and weight management. If you have a manual job that calls for lifting and carrying, practice the best etiquette at all times and, if necessary, do some gentle stretching exercises before any exertion.

What to Do Next

But should you see a medical expert? Largely, this will depend on the severity of your condition and how long it lasts. If it doesn't appear to improve with rest or is still bugging you after a few weeks, you should certainly reach out to a health care provider. Do so right away if you notice any tingling or numbness in the legs or extremities, develop a fever or have issues with incontinence.

For more information on back pain, contact a professional near you.

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