Back pain

Back pain is a frequently encountered problem. Lower back pain is most common. But pain in the middle or upper back can also occur. Lower back pain can cause radiation into the legs.

Symptoms of back pain (symptoms)

The pain in the back is often a dull, nagging ache. Certain postures or movements cause pain. This can be different for everyone. Sitting or standing for a long time, but also getting up from a chair or bed and bending over, often causes pain. Pain in the lower back can also radiate to the buttock or the leg. Usually, the pain decreases once you get moving.

This back pain usually goes away on its own over time.

Cause of back pain

The cause of back pain is usually in the muscles, ligaments, and joints. The interaction between these structures is (temporarily) disturbed. This can be local in the back, but often the pelvis and legs are also involved. This causes an imbalance and pain. With back pain, the body gives a signal to start restoring this balance.

There are various factors that increase the risk of back pain:

• Inactivity (too little movement).
• Too much sitting.
• Working in the same posture for a long time.
• Overweight.
• Stress.

An X-ray or MRI scan for back pain?

An X-ray or MRI scan is usually unnecessary if you have back pain. Doctors even advise against it. This is because many of the abnormalities that are visible are unrelated to the symptoms. People without back pain can also have abnormalities on an X-ray or MRI scan without having any symptoms.

Treatment will therefore, in most cases, not be different after taking an image. Only when serious injury is suspected will an X-ray or MRI scan be made.

Advice for back pain

The best and most important advice for back pain is: keep moving! Movement, in whatever way, is good for your back. If you have severe pain while bending, it is advisable not to bend for a while. A back is made to perform all movements. So also bending, lifting, and heavy activities. But do this sensibly and give the back a rest from time to time. The muscles that support the back also need to recover.

Try to avoid prolonged sitting, although that can be very difficult nowadays with an office job. Get up regularly, walk a little, or ask your employer for a sit-stand desk. Try to take a walk during your lunch break.

If you are overweight, try to lose some weight. Because of the extra weight, the back has to work harder constantly. Overweight is often accompanied by inactivity, causing a vicious circle and more weight gain. You can check whether you are overweight by calculating your BMI here.

Try to avoid too much stress because it can cause back pain. Stress causes increased muscle tension, which alone can cause pain. The level of the stress hormone cortisol increases and that has a negative effect on many bodily processes, including the recovery from back pain.

In addition, stress reduces energy and often leads to inactivity. If you experience stress, try to address the cause of the stress. But in any case, keep moving.

Contact a physical therapist to guide you if you have back pain.