Unraveling the Mysteries of Back Pain

Around 80% of people experience back pain at some point in their lives. While anyone can suffer from it, back pain is particularly common among people aged 35 to 55.

### Understanding The Back
Your back consists of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, with the spine being the main support structure. The spine is made up of 24 individual bones called vertebrae, along with the sacrum and coccyx. Between each vertebra, there are discs that absorb shock and allow the spine to bend and move. The spinal cord runs down the center of these vertebrae and carries nerves from your brain to the rest of your body.

Commonly, pinpointing the exact cause of back pain can be challenging, but it usually stems from muscle strain rather than nerve issues. More serious conditions affecting the spine are rare and are typically seen in very old or very young individuals.

### The Symptoms
Lower back pain commonly results from tension, soreness, or stiffness in that area—referred to medically as ‘non-specific’ back pain. This type usually resolves on its own within a few days without medical intervention.

Back pain can be classified into:
– **Acute**: Lasts less than six weeks.
– **Sub-Acute**: Lasts six weeks to three months.
– **Chronic**: Persists longer than three months and may require physiotherapy or, in severe cases, surgery.

In addition to back pain, some individuals may have other symptoms that warrant a visit to the doctor. These include:
– A high temperature
– Redness or swelling in the back
– Pain radiating down the legs below the knees
– Weakness or numbness in both legs
– Loss of sensation in the buttocks
– Loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence)
– Pain that continues through the night
– Worsening pain that starts to spread up the spine

These are considered ‘red flag’ symptoms, indicating that you should seek treatment. Specialists, particularly in areas like York, London, and across the UK, can help determine if a more serious issue is causing your discomfort and recommend appropriate treatments.