Back Pain: Common Causes and When to Go to the ER

Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Whether it's a dull ache after a long day of work, or sharp, shooting pains that limit mobility, understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for back pain is crucial for effective management and relief.

Symptoms of Back Pain

Back pain can manifest in a variety of ways, making it sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty standing up straight
• Limited flexibility or range of motion
• Muscle stiffness
• Persistent ache
• Radiating pain that travels down the legs
• Sharp or stabbing pains
• Tingling or numbness

These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe and debilitating pain, depending on the cause.

Common Causes of Back Pain

Understanding the underlying causes of back pain is essential for effective treatment and prevention. Some of the most common causes include arthritis, herniated or ruptured discs, muscle or ligament strain, osteoporosis, sciatica, and skeletal irregularities, such as scoliosis.

Improper lifting techniques, poor posture, and sedentary lifestyles can contribute to back pain by putting undue stress on the spine and surrounding muscles.

Who is at Risk for Back Pain?

Anyone can experience back pain and almost everyone will have back pain at some point in their life. Several factors increase your risk of developing back pain and can include:

• Age: Back pain becomes more common with age, particularly after age 45.
• Fitness level: Inactivity could lead to weak muscles that may not properly support the spine (core strength). Back pain is also more likely if you exercise too strenuously after being inactive for a while.
• Heredity: Genetics play a role in some disorders that cause back pain.
• Job-related risk factors: Heavy lifting, pulling, pushing, or twisting can injure the back. A desk job may also play a role, especially if you have poor posture or sit in an uncomfortable chair all day.
• Stress level: If you have chronic anxiety, depression, or poor sleep habits, back pain can be more frequent and severe.
• Weight gain: A diet high in calories and fat, combined with an inactive lifestyle, can lead to obesity, which puts stress on the back.

Treatment for Back Pain

Fortunately, many treatment options are available to relieve back pain and improve quality of life. The appropriate treatment will depend on the severity and underlying cause of the pain.

For mild to moderate back pain, conservative treatments, such as hot or cold therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physical therapy may be sufficient. These methods can help reduce inflammation, improve muscle strength and flexibility, and temporarily relieve pain.

In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, your health care provider may recommend prescription medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants, to manage pain and inflammation.

For more severe and persistent back pain, more invasive treatments, such as steroid injections or surgery may be necessary to address underlying structural issues or nerve compression.

When is Back Pain an Emergency?

While most cases of back pain can be managed with at-home treatments, there are certain red flags that signal the need for immediate attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms along with back pain, seek emergency care:

• Fever or other signs of infection
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs
• Severe pain following an injury, especially if accompanied by swelling or deformity
• Unexplained weight loss

Ignoring these warning signs could lead to serious complications, so it's important to seek medical attention immediately.

Preventing Back Pain

You can take steps to improve your health and lower your chance of developing chronic back pain.

To keep the back healthy and strong:

• Build muscle strength and flexibility. Abdominal and back muscle exercises, which strengthen the core and help condition these muscles, work together to support the back. Avoid movements that twist or strain the back.
• Exercise. Regular low-impact aerobic activities that don't strain or jolt the back can increase strength and endurance, and allow the muscles to work better. Walking, bicycling, and swimming are good choices.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight strains back muscles.
• Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of low back pain. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day, so quitting should help reduce this risk.
• Sit smart. Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of the back can maintain its normal curve. Keep knees and hips level. Change position frequently, at least every half hour.
• Stand smart. Don't slouch. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. When standing for long periods, place one foot on a low footstool to take some of the load off the lower back and alternate feet. Good posture can reduce the stress on back muscles.

If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent or severe back pain, don't hesitate to seek professional medical advice. A health care professional can provide a comprehensive evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Back Pain Treatment at UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care

At UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Centers, our primary goal is to provide the residents of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia with exceptional service and the proper billing for the care they need. Our combined emergency room and urgent care is fully equipped to handle everything from allergies to fractures to chest pain, with on-site labs, CT, ultrasound and X-ray, all under one roof. The ER and urgent care centers are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No appointment is necessary — just walk in!

Find the UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Center in Jacksonville nearest you at https://euc.ufhealthjax.org/locations.