Description

Back pain is frequent complaint. It is the commonest cause of work-related absence in the world. Although back pain may be painful and uncomfortable, it is not usually serious. Even though back pain can affect people of any age, it is significantly more common among adults aged between 25 and 55 years. Pain in the lower back may be linked to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, lower back muscles. Pain in the upper back may be due to disorders of the aorta, tumors in the chest, and spine inflammation. The risk factors for back pain? • A mentally stressful job • A sedentary lifestyle • Age – older adults are more susceptible than young adults or children • Gender – back pain is more common among females than males • Obesity • Smoking • Strenuous physical exercise • Strenuous physical work What are the symptoms of back pain? The main symptom of back pain is, as the name suggests, an ache or pain anywhere on the back, and sometimes all the way down to the buttocks and legs. If any of the following symptoms accompanies a back pain your should see your doctor: • Weight loss • Elevated body temperature (fever) • Swelling on the back • Persistent back pain – lying down or resting does not help • Pain down the legs • Pain reaches below the knees • Arecent injury, blow or trauma to your back • Difficulty urinating – passing urine is hard • Loss of bowel control • Numbness around the buttocks

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