Is back pain considered a medical condition?

Is back pain considered a medical condition?

Is back pain considered a medical condition?

In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. Seek immediate care if your back pain: Causes new bowel or bladder problems.

When should I be concerned about back pain?

If your lower back pain is accompanied by other troubling symptoms, it may require immediate medical attention. Seek immediate medical care if your lower back pain is experienced in tandem with any of the following symptoms: Increasing weakness in your legs. Loss of bladder and/or bowel control.

What underlying conditions cause lower back pain?

Lower back pain is very common. It can result from a strain (injury) to muscles or tendons in the back. Other causes include arthritis, structural problems and disk injuries. Pain often gets better with rest, physical therapy and medication.

How can you tell if lower back pain is muscle or disc?

Your doctor can perform a neurological exam to check muscle strength, reflexes, walking ability, and the ability to feel touch. Imaging tests may be ordered to diagnose the cause of your pain. A CT scan shows cross-sectional images of the spinal column and can pinpoint a herniated disc.

Most commonly, mechanical issues and soft-tissue injuries are the cause of low back pain. These injuries can include damage to the intervertebral discs, compression of nerve roots, and improper movement of the spinal joints. The single most common cause of lower back pain is a torn or pulled muscle and/or ligament.

What causes low back pain that is not spine related?

Rare, non-spine conditions that cause back pain Occasionally, our spine team finds that a patient’s back pain is caused by an underlying condition that is not spine related. Kidney and digestive issues, including pancreatitis and gallstones, can cause low-back discomfort that patients might assume is spine pain.

Which is the most common symptom of back pain?

Back pain is a common first symptom, then more nonspecific changes occur, such as numbness or more. It’s important to mention, though, that chronic symptoms of Lyme disease are often over-diagnosed and treated with antibiotics despite there being very little evidence that such treatment is appropriate.

When to see a doctor for lower back pain?

It usually develops due to overuse or a minor injury, but sometimes there may be no obvious cause. Lower back pain can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, around 80% of adults will have lower back pain at some point during their lives.

Why do I have back pain in my back?

Spinal arthritis happens when the cartilage begins to break down in your facet, or vertebral, joints. These joints are particularly prone to arthritis because of the pressure they’re under every day. Spinal arthritis can occur in any part of your back, and may make it harder for you to do things like bend, twist or stretch.

What can back pain be a symptom of?

A backache, also called back pain, is a symptom of a wide variety of mild to serious diseases, disorders and conditions. A backache can result from infection, trauma, malignancy, genetic disorders and other abnormal processes. A backache can indicate a relatively benign condition, such as mild back sprain.

What are symptoms of chronic back pain?

Chronic low back pain’s intensity can vary from mild and hardly noticeable to extreme and debilitating. Symptoms depend on the cause, but generally include muscle pain and spasms, morning stiffness, difficulty standing after sitting for a while, and tenderness in your lower back.

What is the diagnosis for back pain?

An MRI is used for a back pain diagnosis. Ice packs can help with lower back pain. Medical tests and a physical exam can help diagnose back pain. X-rays allow doctors to see the bones of the back. The diagnosis of a herniated disc and many other spinal issues are most commonly confirmed using an MRI.

What are ankylosing spondylitis symptoms?

Early signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis might include pain and stiffness in your lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Neck pain and fatigue also are common.