Back pain is a constant health concern for many people across age groups—not just the elderly. According to a 2018 report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), back pain remains the most common type of occupational disease since 2011. It is most prevalent in the manufacturing industry as well as in jobs that require sitting for extended periods of time. But how do you know if your back pain is already getting serious? Read on to learn more about back pain and when you should start to pay attention to it.
What causes back pain?
Back pain may be due to different reasons. This includes injuries like strain on the muscle or ligament, skeletal concerns such as scoliosis or osteoporosis, and degenerative issues such as arthritis, to name a few. Prolonged inactivity or lack of physical activity may also worsen your condition.
Back pain may also be acute or chronic. Acute or short-term back pain usually goes away on its own in a few days or weeks. It does not typically have any detrimental effect on one’s functionality. Chronic or long-term back pain, on the other hand, exhibits persistent symptoms for three months or longer. You may check with your doctor to help you determine what could be causing your back pain.
Treatment for back pain
Getting bed rest was the normal advice for many years. But current studies have recommended against this and stressed that staying in bed for more than 48 hours will not only aggravate your situation but also delay your recovery.
Instead, pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol and application of hot or cold compress may help hasten your recovery. Making several lifestyle changes might also help improve your back’s condition. Changes can range from avoiding processed foods, to managing your stress levels.
When is it considered serious?
Back pain usually wanes on its own and has insignificant effects on one’s ability to function. But if it does not go away or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, leg weakness, bowel problems, or bladder control issues, it is time to consult a doctor to determine if your back pain is due to serious underlying conditions. If pain is also present in other parts of the body such as your legs, it may also merit a doctor’s visit as this may be indicative of a separate condition altogether.
Back pain is quite common, but that does not mean you should ignore it entirely. Leaving it unaddressed may just worsen your condition. Seeking an early diagnosis can help you catch possible underlying issues early as well. Regardless of whether you meet the conditions stated above, consult your doctor for their professional medical opinion if you feel like your back pain is no longer normal.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
- https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/LABSTAT%20Updates%20Vol%2022%20No%206_0.pdf
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/back-pain/lower-back-pain-what-could-it-be
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906
- https://www.ninds.nih.gov/low-back-pain-fact-sheet
- https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/ss/slideshow-low-back-pain-overview
- https://www.umms.org/health-services/spine/signs-symptoms
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/lifestyle-changes-to-ease-back-pain/
- https://choosingwiselycanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Treating-lower-back-pain-EN.pdf
