Back Pain: All We Need To Know

Pain in your back can be an annoying ache, or it can get so bad that it’s unbearable. Back pain is the second most common reason why people visit their healthcare providers (just after colds). Many people miss work because of it. Around 80% to 90% of people in the United States will have back pain at some point in their lives.

Pain in your back can keep you from working and living your normal life. There are so many possible reasons for your back pain that it’s wise to see your healthcare provider soon instead of trying to figure it out yourself. You may have something common like a muscle strain or there could be an underlying condition like kidney stones or endometriosis.

What are the types of back pain?

Back pain is categorized in a number of ways by medical professionals. You can describe your back pain by its location: upper, middle or lower back pain that’s on the left side, center or right side. You may also define different types of pain to your healthcare provider. Is your pain mild, moderate or severe? Is the pain a broad ache or a smaller sharp stab? Also, back pain can be categorized by how long it lasts. An acute episode is one that is sudden and brief, and often related to an injury. Chronic/persistent means your back pain has lasted more than three to six months.

If you had an acute injury, use a cold pack for 20 to 30 minutes at a time for the first 48 hours or so. After that (or if there was no acute injury), you may find it helps more to alternate a cold pack and a heating pad. Keep one on the area for 20 to 30 minutes, and then switch. Take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®). Get plenty of rest and fluids.

If you see your provider, make sure you take all medications prescribed, get all of your testing done and attend all of your appointments.

It may feel most comfortable to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees to relieve pressure on your back. If this isn’t comfortable for you, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.

Exercise is the foundation of chronic back pain treatment. It’s one of the first treatments you should try under the guidance of your physician and spine physical therapist. However, the same set of exercises doesn’t work for everyone, says Nava. The exercises have to be tailored to your specific symptoms and condition. Maintaining the exercise routine at home is also a big part of success.