Understanding Back pain : when to visit a doctor ?

Back pain is one of the most common health conditions worldwide affecting everyone irrespective of age, and gender. Whether its a dull ache which eventually fades away or a sharp prolonged pain and either of these causes discomfort and pain. The Human back contains the bones, muscles, nerves and discs which stay put to provide flexibility, ans strength. The spine is divided into three major categories they are :
- Cervical spine : the neck region
- Thoracic spine : the upper back
- Lumbar spine : The lower back
Who’s at risk of developing back pain ? Back pain can be developed not only in elderly but also in children and teenagers. It can be caused due to various health conditions, bad posture and many other things. Let’s look into some risk factors of back pain :
- Back pain is more among people of 30 to 40 years.
- Has obesity
- Has arthritis and cancer
- Lacks exercise
- Bad posture
- Using back instead of the legs to lift things
- Chronic smoking
- Depression and stress
You can never know when your back pain turns chronic and stays for a long period of time. The back pain might improve within weeks yet it might come back. Here are some situations, which is a warning call for you to visit a healthcare professional :
- Lasting for more than a few weeks
- Doesn’t improve with rest
- Pain spreads to the legs
- Causes weakness, and numbness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever due to the pain
- Have a fall or injury
Back pains can be frustrating and exhausting however taking good care of it can ensure a healthy well-being. Understand the risk factors and the signs to get treated immediately without causing any delay.