Why Back Pain Is Not as Simple As It Seems

On occasion, back pain may be a sign that there is something more serious wrong and, while there is no need for undue concern, it is good to get things checked out by a qualified medical practitioner.

Careful attention should always be given where incontinence of the bowel or bladder is in evidence or where the individual is aware of a steady deterioration in the strength of their legs to the point where walking and standing becomes impaired. These symptoms may be a sign that there is a more serious underlying problem.

On occasion, instances may be such that the pain is so severe that sleep becomes disturbed to the point where it becomes impossible without resorting to increasing amounts of over-the-counter medications.

This is a sign that something needs urgent and qualified attention. Sometimes this lack of restful sleep may bring with it other unwelcome symptoms such as feverishness or sudden weight loss and may also indicate a serious underlying medical condition and, once again, this will require proper investigation.

A very common cause of back pain often occurs after the individual has experienced some sort of accident such as a fall or, say, a car accident where the most obvious explanation is that there is a broken or dislocated bone; this will normally be very easily diagnosed and relatively straightforward treatment can usually be prescribed.

Often, individuals with serious underlying conditions such as myeloma or, particularly in older individuals, osteoporosis, have an increased risk of spinal fracture, and this will, again, need to be tended to without delay if the problem is not to deteriorate.

Finally, there a number of instances where cancer can be the root cause of back pain, particularly, but not limited to, lung, breast, and prostate cancer. It can occur in these cases that cancer has metastasized or spread to the spine and requires urgent attention.

In most cases, back pain is not as serious as the causes mentioned above and will not need medical treatment. Most instances of back pain are non-progressive and arise from inflammation which responds well to a short course of steroids or careful massage and will normally resolve within a matter of a few weeks.

The key thing to remember with back pain is, if you are at all concerned, seek the attention of a qualified medical practitioner to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.