What are the symptoms of back pain?

Back pain affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. There are many causes of back pain, some of which are self-inflicted by unhealthy behaviors throughout their lives. Accidents, muscle strains, and sports injuries are among other causes of back pain. Although the causes may differ, the symptoms are often similar.

Back trouble can cause the following symptoms:

• persistent pain or stiffness along the length of your spine, first from the base of your neck to your tailbone
• sharp, localized pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back, often after moving heavy objects or participating in intense activities; (Pain in the upper back can also be a sign of a heart attack or other life-threatening conditions.)
• Chronic pain in the middle or lower spine, especially after sitting or standing for a long time
• Discomfort radiating from the lower back to the buttocks, past the knee, and then down the calf and toes

Discomfort or muscle spasms in the lower back make it difficult to stand upright.

If you have back pain, call a doctor.

• If you have numbness, tingling, or stiffness in your groin, arms, or legs, this could be a sign of a spinal cord injury. Seek medical care immediately.
• If your back pain runs down the back of your leg, you may have sciatica.
• The pain intensifies when you cough or bend forward at the waist; This may indicate a herniated disc.
• Fever, burning during urination, or frequent and/or frequent urination are all symptoms of trouble. You may have an infection.

If you are having trouble controlling your bowel or bladder, see a doctor at once.

Other 'red flags' that may indicate a major back pain problem are:

• a cancer diagnosis
• unintentional weight loss
• You are using steroids or other immune-suppressing medicines.
• trauma in the past
• pain that is getting worse and does not improve with rest
• pain for more than a month
• pain at night
• Back pain previously unresponsive to treatment
• use of IV drugs in the past