What can I do about back pain?

Almost everyone will experience back pain at some point in their lives. But how do you get it and what can you do about it?

Doctors make a distinction between specific and non-specific back pain. The specific back pain of a hernia, a spinal canal stenosis or a spinal fracture only occurs in one in 20. In these cases there is often radiation of the pain in the limbs or a previous accident.

95% of the cases are non-specific back pain that is not caused by a serious disease. This is often due to overload of the back muscles or because people stand up or sit down for too long.

What can you do against non-specific back pain? You have to keep moving. Sitting still will only make the pain worse. If necessary, take a simple painkiller such as paracetamol. Muscle relaxation through, for example, a warm bath or exercises is also useful.

If the pain persists, it is best to consult your doctor. If necessary, this can rule out specific causes of back pain. A radiography is normally not necessary.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024