Back Pain
Backache or low back pain refers to the pain and muscular stiffness experienced in the back region below the rib cage and above the buttocks. This may or may not be associated with pain in the legs or thighs. Almost all individuals tend to experience backache at least once in their lifetime. Backache is commonly noticed in individuals between the age 35 and 55 years. The worldwide prevalence of this condition is estimated to be about 13–44%, which results in most individuals taking leave for about a week from work.1,2
Backache may be classified into two types: acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Individuals who suffer from backache for <12 weeks at a stretch are denoted to suffer from acute back pain, while it is termed as chronic if the pain persists for >12 weeks.2,3
Causes of Back Pain
The exact cause for acute and chronic backache cannot be identified in most of the cases (almost 85%) and is designated as nonspecific back pain. Rarely, it may be attributed to fractures of the back or prolapse of the
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Risk Factors for Back Pain
Heavy physical work, jobs that involve repeated bending, twisting or lifting, being at one position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods, improper posture while standing or sitting are recognised as some of the risk
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Signs and Symptoms of Back Pain
The back pain may persist for either <6 weeks or >12 weeks in case of acute and chronic conditions respectively. The pain may be associated with stiffness of the muscles of the back and the individual may not be able to perform any
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Diagnosis of Back Pain
The diagnosis of nonspecific backache is based on the exclusion of the underlying causes of back pain. The doctor may enquire about personal history, occupational history and the history of backache. The doctor may ask the
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Diagnosis of Back pain...
Treatment of Back Pain
Most cases of nonspecific back pain tend to resolve with the administration of NSAIDs such as diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen, aceclofenac that are available as over-the-counter medications. However, these drugs should not be
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Prevention for Back Pain
Exercise is considered to have a vital role in preventing the recurrence of back pain, as it helps in correcting the posture, strengthens the back and improves flexibility. However, these are to be performed after obtaining
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Living with Back Pain
Although back pain may recur at times, proper care and preventive steps as provided above are generally helpful in relieving the symptoms and resuming work.