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What is Back Pain?
Back pain is a symptom that can arise from many causes. It can range from a dull, annoying ache to absolute agony. Many cases
of back pain are caused by stresses or injuries to the muscles, ligaments, joints, and discs that support the spine. Sedentary jobs and lifestyles may
create a vulnerability to this type of stress or damage. Obesity, which increases both the weight on the spine and the pressure
on the discs, is another factor. Strenuous sports such as football and gymnastics can also damage the back.
Is there any treatment?
Limited rest combined with appropriate
exercise, spinal manipulation, and education are often the primary modes of therapy. Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory
drugs - alone or in combination with steroid injections, analgesics, muscle relaxants, or anti-depressants - may be added
to the therapy program. Acute back pain often goes away by itself in a few days or weeks. An ice bag or hot water bottle applied
to the back may also help to alleviate pain. Prolonged bed rest is not beneficial because it weakens muscles. A
physician should be notified immediately if there is no relief from pain after a few days in bed, if pain is severe or recurs, if radiating
pain, numbness, tingling, or weakening occurs in the arms or legs, if bowel or bladder dysfunction occurs, if a child or elderly
person has back pain, or if fever and/or vomiting occurs with back pain.
What is the prognosis?
Recommendations for preventing initial and recurring episodes of back pain include: regular exercise, stretching before participation
in sporting activities, quitting smoking, losing weight,
maintaining correct posture with adequate lumbar support when sitting, while driving, or while working at the computer, sleeping on the side with knees drawn up or on the back with a pillow under bent knees, lifting by bending
at the knees rather than the waist, avoiding standing or working in any one position for too long, and reducing emotional
stress that causes muscle tension.
Where can I get more information?
Visit our Spine Care Links page for additional lower back pain resources.
The material in this Back Pain Information page is provided for informational purposes only. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
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