Back pain is a very common complaint. Approximately 80% of all Americans will have low back pain at least once in their lives. Low back pain is a common reason for absence from work or a visit to a physician. Although back pain can affect people of any age, it is significantly more common among adults aged between 35 and 55 years.
Back pain is associated with the way the bones, muscles and ligaments in our backs work together. Lower back pain may also be linked to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, lower back muscles, abdomen and pelvic internal organs, and the skin around the lumbar area. Pain in the upper back may be caused by similar disorders.
Where Lower Back Pain Begins
Learn more about lower back pain by viewing the educational video below.
What are the signs and symptoms for back pain?
Back pain is an ache or pain anywhere on the back and sometimes this pain can radiate to the buttocks and legs.
If any of the following signs or symptoms accompany your back pain, please see your doctor.
- Weight loss
- Elevated body temperature (fever)
- Inflammation (swelling) on the back
- Persistent back pain - lying down or resting does not help
- Pain down the legs
- Pain reaches below the knees
- A recent injury, blow or trauma to your back
- Urinary Incontinence
- Difficulty urinating
- Fecal Incontinence
- Numbness around the genitals
- Numbness around the anus
- Numbness around the buttocks
What are the risk factors for back pain?
The following factors are linked to a higher risk of developing low back pain:
- A mentally stressful job
- Pregnancy - pregnant women are much more likely to get back pain
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Age - older adults are more susceptible than young adults or children
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Gender - back pain is more common among females than males
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Strenuous physical exercise (especially if not done properly)
- Strenuous physical work