Back Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Back pain is a common ailment, and the older you get, the more likely you are to experience it. In fact, the majority of Americans will cope with back pain at some point in their lives. For a small percentage, back pain may become chronic.

With treatment, most episodes of back pain will resolve on their own. Occasionally, you will need help from your doctor in the form of prescription medication or injections. Surgery may be an option in very rare cases.

The good news for people who’ve experienced back pain and want to avoid another bout with it is that you can take steps to prevent back pain. Daily stretches, yoga, and strength training can help make your back and core muscles stronger and more resilient.

Back Pain Symptoms

Back pain can have many symptoms, including:

• Dull, aching sensation in the lower back
• Stabbing or shooting pain that can radiate down the leg to the foot
• Inability to stand up straight without pain
• Decreased range of motion and reduced ability to flex the back

The symptoms of back pain, if due to strain or misuse, are usually short-lived but can last for days or weeks. Back pain is considered “chronic” when symptoms have been present for 3 months or more.

Back Pain Causes

The most common causes of back pain are muscle strain and problems with the back structure (such as vertebrae or disk issues). With aging, wear and tear on the back is very common and the likelihood of developing Arthritis or Osteoporosis also increases.

There are many other potential causes of back pain, but most are rare. Be sure to see a doctor if you experience regular back pain that does not go away.

Back Pain Diagnosis

75%-85% of people will experience back pain in their lifetime. In 90 percent of all cases, the pain gets better without surgery. A physical exam is typically all that’s needed to diagnose back pain.

During the physical exam, your doctor may test your:

• Ability to stand and walk
• Spine’s range of motion
• Reflexes
• Leg strength
• Ability to detect sensations in your legs

Back Pain Treatment

Many people will not need extensive treatment for back pain. Over-the-counter pain medications and/or home remedies are often sufficient.

In more severe cases, stronger treatments may be necessary, but they’re typically provided under close supervision from your doctor.

Medication

The majority of back pain episodes are relieved by treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as:

• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
• Naproxen (Aleve)

Analgesics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), are another category of pain relievers. They are also an option for back pain, though they don’t have anti-inflammatory properties.

Never take more than the recommended dose of over-the-counter medications without a doctor’s recommendation, as even these medications may have severe side effects if taken incorrectly.

Topical rubs and ointments

Topical back pain relief gel products may be highly effective at reducing back pain. Many of these back pain gels contain ingredients like ibuprofen and lidocaine and come in the form of:

• Gels
• Lotions
• Creams
• Patches
• Sprays

For more severe cases, other medical treatments may be necessary, such as:

• Muscle relaxants
• Antidepressants
• Steroid Injections
• Opioids
• Surgery

Alternative medicine

Be sure to talk with your doctor before undergoing any alternative or complementary treatment.

• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Relaxation techniques

Back pain home remedies

Many home remedies can be used with traditional back pain treatments.

• Heat and ice therapy
• Exercise
• Essential oils
• Improve and maintain good posture

Online4Pharmacy has a wide variety of medications and home remedies for treating back pain. Visit our online pharmacy for fast and convenient delivery of your medication right to your front door all throughout London.