Tag: Non-Specific back pain

back pain

THREE TYPES OF BACK PAIN

S Bara

(1) Non-specific lower back pain
(2) Sciatica
(3) More serious spinal problems (Red Flags)

NON-SPECIFIC LOWER BACK PAIN

This is the most common type of back pain. It is not always possible to diagnose the exact cause of pain in most people which is why the term non-specific low back pain is used.

SCIATICA

Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disc, bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.

SERIOUS SPINAL PROBLEMS (RED FLAGS)

Red flags require urgent medical attention. If you have some of these signs or symptoms listed below, it is important that you alert your GP or another medical professional immediately:

  • Loss of power in both legs
  • Fever or feeling unwell together with back pain
  • History of trauma to the back
  • Numbness/tingling around genitals or buttocks area
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Difficulty passing urine or having no sensation to pass urine https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/
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back pain

WHAT ABOUT BACK PAIN WITH NO OBVIOUS CAUSE?, THIS IS CALLED NON-SPECIFIC BACK PAIN

S Bara

Doctors call back pain non-specific if it’s not possible to identify the cause of pain. Sometimes the pain on the back is caused by sprain and strain, but often it occurs for no apparent reason. It’s very rarely caused by anything serious.

This type of back pain:

  • tends to get better or worse depending on your position – for example, it may feel better when sitting or lying down,
  •  can develop suddenly or gradually,
  • might sometimes be the result of poor posture or lifting something awkwardly, but often occurs for non apparent reason,
  • typically feels worse when moving – but it’s not a good idea to avoid moving your back completely, as this can make things worse,
  • may be due to minor injury such as sprain (pulled ligament) or strain (pulled muscle)
  •  can be associated with feeling stressed or run down,
  •  will usually start to get better within few weeks.