Backache

Backache
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Synonyms	Back pain, dorsalgia
Pronounce
Specialty	Orthopedics, Physical medicine and rehabilitation
Symptoms	Pain anywhere on the back, possible radiating to other areas
Complications
Onset
Duration
Types	Acute (short-term), chronic (long-term)
Causes	Muscle or ligament strain, bulging or ruptured disks, arthritis, skeletal irregularities, osteoporosis
Risks	Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor physical condition, age, psychological stress
Diagnosis	Based on symptoms, medical imaging
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	Exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking
Treatment	Pain medications, physical therapy, surgery
Medication	Analgesics, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants
Prognosis
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Backache, also known as back pain or dorsalgia, is a common condition characterized by pain felt in the back. The pain can vary widely in intensity and duration, affecting any part of the back from the neck down to the hips. Backaches can be classified into two main types: acute, which lasts from a few days to a few weeks, and chronic, which lasts for more than three months.

Causes

Backache can result from a variety of factors. The most common causes include:

• Muscle or Ligament strain: Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments.
• Bulging or ruptured disks: Disks act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in the spine. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
• Skeletal irregularities: A condition in which the spine curves to the side (Scoliosis) can lead to back pain.
• Osteoporosis: Bones, including the vertebrae of the spine, can become brittle and porous, making compression fractures more likely.

Symptoms

Symptoms of backache include:

• Persistent aching or stiffness anywhere along the spine
• Sharp, localized pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back, especially after lifting heavy objects or engaging in other strenuous activity
• Chronic ache in the middle or lower back, especially after sitting or standing for extended periods

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of backache typically involves a physical exam and reviewing the patient's medical history. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans are used to determine the underlying cause of the pain.

Treatment for backache depends on the nature and severity of the pain and the underlying cause. Common treatments include:

• Medications: Pain relievers such as Analgesics and NSAIDs can help relieve pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach exercises to increase flexibility, strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, and improve posture.
• Surgery: In cases where pain is caused by structural problems in the spine, such as herniated disks or spinal stenosis, surgery may be necessary.

Prevention

Preventive measures for backache include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying active and regularly exercising
• Practicing good posture
• Lifting objects correctly and safely

See Also

• Sciatica
• Neck pain
• Osteoporosis
• Scoliosis