Back pain most commonly gives rise to symptoms such as stiffness or ache in the lower back. However pain can also occur as high up as the neck or as low down as the buttocks.
In all cases, symptoms will include a degree of loss of movement of the affected area of the back. In this page we will look at the main symptoms back pain can cause and also some ways to ease and treat the pain.
Back pain is a very common problem and many people will experience it at some point during their lives. Most often, it is not a problem that should worry you as it is rarely an indication of an underlying serious health issue.
Back pain symptoms most often affect the lower back but can also affect the upper back, giving rise to pain in the neck and shoulders. In most cases, symptoms tend to improve within a few days.
Depending on how long symptoms last, back pain can be categorised as ‘acute’ or ‘chronic’.
The most common symptoms in all these cases are pain, stiffness and limitation of movement.
In rarer and more serious cases, back pain can cause symptoms such as:
If any of these so called ‘red flag symptoms’ occur, your GP must be contacted immediately as they may be indicating a more serious underlying problem to the pain.
Back pain is not a problem that can be immediately fixed and whilst doctors may be able to help with symptoms, they will most likely not be able to ‘cure’ the problem. However, your GP will be able to:
Doctors may advise you to go to a physiotherapist or other complementary practitioner to seek advice.
Treatment can include:
Chronic back pain (lasting more than six weeks) should be treated by a GP who will advise and prescribe a range of different treatments. These may include:
Many people reading these pages will be interested to know the role of complementary medicine, especially herbal remedies, in treating the symptoms of back pain.
Further reading:
Back pain
Back pain causes
Lower back pain
Upper back pain
Lumbago
Back pain exercises
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