Backache is a very common reason for individuals seeing their doctor. Backache is extremely costly in terms of the time lost from work, the amount of money spent on treatment and the emotional and physical pain incurred.

What are some of the common causes of backache?
The main causes of backache include the following:
Muscle spasm
A damage vertebra (bone in the spinal column in the back)
Weight problems (overweight/obesity)
Lack of regular exercise
Inappropriate exercise
Nerve compression
Disc problems
Tension/stress
The most common cause of backache is a weakening of the muscles that support the spine. A sedentary lifestyle and poor posture when standing, sitting or sleeping can affect these muscles.
Other medical conditions can cause backache. These include osteoporosis, spinal injuries, infections, cancers, and problems of the female reproductive system.

Diagnosis
Individuals with acute backache should see their doctor for an examination to rule out nerve root lesions, cancer, infection or fracture and other serious conditions.
Further investigations will depend on the patient’s history and physical examination. Not every patient with backache initially requires a CT scan.

Treatment
Rest, immobilization and analgesics relieve most backaches. It is not necessary for individuals to remain in bed or stay home from work until the pain is completely gone. In fact, prolonged inactivity can cause much damage to the back as well as cause bone loss and increase the risk of blood clots. In the majority of patients the back pain will subside within four weeks providing there is no underlying medical condition like infection or cancer.
A variety of therapies are available for treating chronic backache. These include non-traditional methods like acupuncture. Your doctor will be able to discus these other forms of therapy with you.
Back strengthening exercises (supervised by a physiotherapist) can be helpful in individuals with problems associated with muscles in their back. Swimming, cycling and walking are very good exercise to strengthen back muscles. Tennis and golf tend to provoke back problems.
Surgical intervention is a last resort and is useful in patients with a clearly diagnosed nerve root lesion.

Conclusion
Back pain is a very common reason for individuals seeking medical attention. In the vast majority of cases the cause is related to weakened muscles in the back. It is, however, very important to rule out more serious conditions like cancer that can cause back pain. Individuals with backache should seek professional help at all times. In most cases once appropriate therapy is used and followed the backache subsides in a relatively short period of time.

Dr Brett Hodge is a Family Physician and Specialist Obstetrician / Gynaecologist with a Medical practice in the JOHNSON BUILDING in THE VALLEY.

Dr. Brett Hodge

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News