How Doctors Determine the Reason for Back Pain

If you are experiencing back pain, your doctor may ask you to rate your pain. The scale doctors use ranges from zero to 10, with zero being the lowest pain level and 10 being the highest. The doctor may also want to assess your ability to stand, sit, walk, and lift your legs. Be sure to let your doctor know how your pain affects your everyday life.

What Doctors Learn From Your Pain

Rating your pain and making these movements allows your doctor to determine where your pain is stemming from, how much you can move before the pain causes you to stop, and whether you are experiencing muscle spasms. This information helps your doctor rule out some more serious reasons why back pain develops.

Diagnostic Tests for Back Pain

Your doctor may order laboratory and radiology tests to help identify why you are experiencing pain.

Potential tests:

Blood tests – If your doctor suspects an infection or arthritis is causing your pain, blood tests may be necessary.
X-rays – These images can show if you have arthritis or broken bones, as well as if there are variances in the size and shape of your spinal bones (i.e., the vertebrae). However, X-rays cannot show muscle, disc, nerve, or spinal cord problems.
Computed tomography scans (aka CT and CAT scans) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans – These tests can reveal problems associated with the muscles, bones, tendons, tissues, ligaments, blood vessels, and discs.
Electromyography (EMG) – This test measures electrical impulses and determines how well the muscles respond. An EMG helps confirm if spinal stenosis (i.e., narrowing of the spinal canal) or herniated discs are placing pressure on the nerves.

Risk Factors for Developing Back Pain

Although anyone can experience back pain, some factors may increase the likelihood of developing it:

Being overweight – Excess body weight places unnecessary stress on the back.
Age – As time passes, each part of our body ages. If age is the reason an individual is experiencing back pain, it usually starts around 30.
Lack of exercise – Weak muscles in the abdomen and back can lead to back pain.
Smoking – Since smoking can decrease the flow of blood to the spine, it increases the likelihood of developing osteoporosis. In addition, people who smoke tend to cough more than those who do not. Excessive coughing could result in herniated discs.
Improper lifting, pushing, or bending – As you lift, always lift with your legs, not with your back. In addition, do not use your feet to push items across the floor. Avoid bending at the waist; squat instead.
Certain diseases – Arthritis and certain types of cancer can cause back pain.
Psychological conditions – People who are predisposed to anxiety and depression tend to have a higher risk of experiencing back pain because feeling stressed can lead to tense muscles, which may contribute to back pain.
Pregnancy – Being pregnant places additional pressure on the lower back. Some women find it helpful to wear an abdominal support garment.

When To See a Doctor for Pain in the Back

This section is for informational purposes. Of course, seeking treatment is always the choice of the individual experiencing back pain.

Typically, back pain gradually improves with home treatment. However, some signs and symptoms indicate that seeking treatment is vital.

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You should definitely seek treatment when:

The pain remains for several weeks.
You’re experiencing weakness, tingling, or numbness in one or both legs.
Your back pain is severe and doesn’t decrease after resting.
You begin to lose weight for no apparent reason.
The pain extends to one or both of your legs, and if the pain extends below your knee.

You should seek medical care immediately if your back pain:

Is causing problems with your bowel or bladder (e.g., incontinence).
Develops after a blow to the back, a fall, or any other type of accident.
Occurs with a fever.

Is There a Way To Prevent Back Pain?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), back pain is the main reason for disability worldwide. Since there are things you can do to help reduce your likelihood of developing back pain, you may be able to avoid becoming one of these statistics.

You can help keep your back strong and healthy by:

Implementing an exercise routine consisting of low-impact aerobic activities – The exercises you choose shouldn’t strain or jolt your back. Good choices are swimming, walking, and bicycling. Make sure you speak with your healthcare provider before you start any new exercise routine.
Building muscle strength and increasing your flexibility – Your back and abdominal muscles are your core. These muscles stabilize your spine and pelvis, which helps reduce the likelihood of experiencing lower back pain.
Keeping your body mass index (BMI) within the recommended range – Excess weight places unnecessary strain on your back muscles.

You can avoid straining or twisting your back by:

Standing smart – Keep your pelvis in a neutral position.
Reducing stress on your back – When you have to stand for long periods, consider placing one of your feet on a short footstool. The footstool helps reduce the strain on your lower back. Remember to alternate your feet throughout the day.
Having good posture – If you stop slouching, you can help decrease the stress on your back muscles.
Sitting smart – Your chair should have armrests, a swivel base, and good support for your lower back. Consider placing a rolled-up towel or a pillow at the small of your back. This pillow helps your back maintain its natural curve. Keep your hips and knees level. Don’t forget to change your sitting position frequently, at least every 30 minutes.
Lifting smart – If possible, avoid lifting heavy objects (and people). However, if you have no choice but to lift something heavy, make sure your legs are doing the work. Proper lifting requires that your back be straight and you bend at the knees. Hold whatever you are lifting close to your body. If the object or person you are lifting is awkward or heavy, find someone to help you with this task.

Stop Smoking To Improve Your Back Health and Reduce Pain

Once you stop smoking, you will probably cough less, which reduces the likelihood that you will damage the discs in your spine. The stress placed on your back as you cough can cause an intervertebral disc to bulge, herniate, or rupture. In addition, since the nicotine in cigarettes causes the blood vessels to narrow, after you quit, your blood vessels widen, which allows your blood to flow more freely. Supplying the nutrients and oxygen your muscles and organs need faster.

Chances are, at some point in your life, you will experience back pain. Nonetheless, you can help prevent its onset by keeping your core strong, lifting, sitting, and standing correctly, and using products that help reduce the stress on your back muscles (e.g., an abdominal support garment).

Written by

Trina Herron-McMillin, Content Creator and DWCP Founder

Sources:

Dealing with Chronic Pain