Back Pain causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Facts & Myths

Back pain is a very common issue with lot of people irrespective of their age, gender, physique or working patterns. To understand it better - here’s a clear and structured guide on Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Facts & Myths 👇

🔹 Causes of Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common health issues worldwide. Some common causes include:

• Muscle or ligament strain – due to lifting heavy objects, sudden awkward movements, or poor posture.

• Herniated or slipped disc – when a disc presses on a nerve.

• Arthritis – osteoarthritis can affect the lower back and cause spinal narrowing (spinal stenosis).

• Osteoporosis – weak, brittle bones leading to fractures.

• Poor posture & sedentary lifestyle – prolonged sitting, especially without support.

• Injuries/accidents – sports injuries or falls.

• Other medical conditions – kidney stones, infections, endometriosis (in women), etc.

🔹 Symptoms of Back Pain

• Dull aching pain or sharp stabbing pain in the back.

• Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, standing, or walking.

• Muscle stiffness or spasms.

• Radiating pain (down the leg – sciatica).

• Limited range of motion.

• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet (in severe cases).

👉 Seek immediate medical help if back pain is accompanied by loss of bladder/bowel control, unexplained weight loss, or severe weakness in the legs.

🔹 Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and severity:

Self-care/Home remedies

• Rest (but not prolonged bed rest).

• Heat or cold packs.

• Gentle stretching & strengthening exercises.

• Correct posture and ergonomic chairs.

Medical treatments

• Pain relievers & anti-inflammatory medications.

• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises.

• Muscle relaxants or corticosteroid injections (in severe cases).

• Surgery (rare, only for serious conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis).

Lifestyle adjustments

• Regular low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, yoga).

• Healthy weight management.

• Proper sleep posture (firm mattress).

• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.

🔹 Quick Facts

• Around 80% of people experience back pain at some point in their life.

• Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

• Most cases are not due to serious diseases and improve with simple measures.

• Sitting for long hours without movement is a major modern contributor to back pain.

🔹 Myths vs. Facts

❌ Myth: Bed rest is the best cure for back pain.
✅ Fact: Prolonged rest can worsen stiffness; light movement helps recovery.

❌ Myth: Only old people suffer from back pain.
✅ Fact: Back pain affects all ages, especially office workers and students with poor posture.

❌ Myth: Heavy lifting is always harmful.
✅ Fact: Proper lifting techniques & core strength can prevent injury.

❌ Myth: Surgery is the only solution for severe back pain.
✅ Fact: Less than 5% of patients need surgery. Most improve with conservative treatments.

❌ Myth: Back pain always means a slipped disc.
✅ Fact: Most back pain is muscular, not due to disc problems.

Always consult a doctor before taking any medication or undergoing any sort of treatment. NEVER do anything by researching on internet or from social media posts.