Back pain

Back pain is a common symptom that affects 60–80% of people at some time in their lives.

The prognosis (outcome) is generally good. After 2 days, 30% are better and 90% have recovered by 6 weeks. Recurrences  of  pain  may  occur  and  about  10–15%  of patients  go  on  to  develop  chronic  back  pain  that  may  be difficult  to  treat.  Psychological  elements,  such  as  job  dissatisfaction,  depression  and  anxiety,  are  important  risk factor.

Causes of Back pain

• Mechanical back pain
• Prolapsed intervertebral  disc
• Osteoarthritis
• Vertebral fracture
• Spinal stenosis
• Paget’s disease
• Spondylolysis
• Bone metastases etc.

Others causes

Renal colic, Pyelonephritis

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pancreatitis

Peptic ulcer disease

 

What causes back pain in children?

These injuries are usually caused by activity and overuse. Scheuermann’s disease causes pain that is not severe enough to limit activity. It is the second most common cause of back pain in children and young adults. Your child may have a rounded spine.

Can Stomach pain be caused by back pain?

A back injury or injury to the spine can cause pain to radiate in the abdomen. Also, a pinched nerve can not only cause pain to the entire area served by that nerve, but it can also cause various stomach functioning problems as well. Inflammation of the colon, or colitis, is very often associated with lower back pain.

Why do girls have back pain?

Lower back pain during your period, or primary dysmenorrhea, is caused by contractions in the uterus.

What causes muscle spasms in the lower back?        

Back spasms can be the result of injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back or it can be related to more serious medical conditions. Heavy lifting is a common cause of back spasms. Any activity that puts excessive strain on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back can cause an injury.

 

Symptoms of mechanical low back pain

• Pain  varies  with  physical  activity  (improved  with  rest)
• Sudden  onset,  precipitated  by  lifting  or  bending
• Recurrent  episodes
• Pain  limited  to  back  or  upper  leg
• No  clear-cut  nerve  root  distribution
• No  systemic  features
• Prognosis  good  (90%  recovery  at  6  wks)

 

Red flags for possible spinal pathology (Danger features)

• Age:  presentation  <  20  yrs  or  >  55  yrs
• Character:  constant,  progressive  pain  unrelieved  by rest
• Location:  thoracic  pain
• Past  medical  history:  carcinoma,  tuberculosis,  HIV,  systemic corticosteroid  use,  osteoporosis
• Constitutional:  systemic  upset,  sweats,  weight  loss
• Major  trauma

Investigations

Investigations are not required in patients with acute mechanical back pain.  Those  with  persistent  pain  (> 6  weeks)  or  red  flags  should  undergo further  investigations such as MRI, X-Ray, Bone scan and some blood tests.

What are the treatment of LBP?

General

• Self-limiting nature of the condition.
• Stay active, exercise is helpful rather than damaging
• Medication if necessary (preferably at fixed time intervals).
  • Paracetamol
  • NSAID like ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen.

Regular use, improved mobility, and facilitate exercise

• Doctor may consider opioids, muscle relaxant medicine
• Bed rest is not helpful it increase the risk of chronic disability
• For pain relief doctor may consider spinal manipulation
• Lumbar supports, back-specific exercises, traction, acupuncture, epidural or facet injections not helpful for mechanical back pain
• Physiotherapy may be required if not improved within 6 weeks
• Low dose Tricyclic anti-depressant drugs will help pain, sleep and mood

Specific

Treatment of other causes should be done accordingly with involving other special departments as per doctor advice.

What should we do for back spasms?

Warm water compression helps to promote healing by drawing healthy blood cells to the area of the back spasm. Heat also relaxes the nerves and muscle fibers. Try an ice & heat alternate cycle after the first 72 hours. Some physical therapists suggest using heat applications before stretching and ice after stretching.

What is the cause of muscle spasms?

Spasms may affect many different types of muscles in the body, leading to many different symptoms. Spasms of skeletal muscles are most common and are often due to overuse, dehydration, and electrolyte abnormalities. The spasm occurs abruptly, is painful, and is usually short-lived.

How do you get rid of a muscle spasm?

Natural Treatments for Muscle Spasms.

• Prevent Electrolyte Imbalances. A potassium and/or magnesium deficiency can contribute to muscle spasms.
• Stretch and Massage Your Muscles.
• Stay Hydrated.
• Use Ice or Heat Packs on Sensitive Muscles
• Fix Your Posture.
• Take a Bath with Epsom Salt.

How long does it take to heal from a back spasm?

After the first three days, you can start using heat to loosen muscle tightness and increase blood flow. Waiting at least 72 hours after your spasms start allows the initial swelling and inflammation to go down, and moist heat is generally preferred to dry because it reduces the potential for dehydration.

Dr. Md Elias Bhuiyan

MBBS, FCPS (Medicine)

Registrar

Bangladesh Medical College & Hospital, Dhaka.