Back Pain

Back pain

In Singapore, back pain is highly prevalent, affecting approximately four out of five individuals at some point in their lives. While back pain can occur at any age, it is most commonly experienced by individuals aged 35 to 55 years old or older.

The back comprises various interconnected structures, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, with the spine serving as its primary support structure. Comprised of 24 separate vertebrae, along with the sacrum and coccyx, the spine features discs between vertebrae acting as shock absorbers and facilitating spinal flexibility. The spinal cord runs through the central canal of each vertebra, transmitting nerves from the brain to the body.

The exact cause of back pain is often challenging to pinpoint but is typically associated with strain in one of the back's interconnected structures rather than a nerve issue. Instances of back pain stemming from severe underlying conditions are rare and predominantly affect individuals at the extremes of age.

Symptoms of low back pain may include tension, soreness, or stiffness in the lower back area, often categorized as 'non-specific' back pain that tends to improve within a few days. Back pain may be acute, sub-acute, or chronic, depending on its duration.

It's crucial to seek medical attention promptly if back pain is accompanied by fever, redness or swelling on the back, pain radiating down the legs, numbness or weakness in the legs or buttocks, loss of bladder or bowel control, constant pain (especially at night), or worsening pain spreading up the spine—these symptoms, known as red flags, warrant medical evaluation to rule out serious underlying causes.

While the specific cause of most cases of low back pain remains unidentified, various factors can increase the risk of developing or exacerbating back pain, such as prolonged standing, sitting, or bending, improper lifting techniques, falls, stress, obesity, and poor posture. Rare instances of low back pain may result from serious conditions like fractures, osteoporosis, slipped discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infections, or cancer.

Diagnosis of low back pain typically relies on symptoms, with further testing such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or blood tests reserved for cases where symptoms persist or red flags are present.

Treatment approaches for non-specific low back pain may involve self-help measures, medications, physical therapy, spinal injections, or, rarely, surgery. Self-help strategies include staying active, applying hot or cold packs, and using over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy modalities may include exercise programs, posture advice, massage, spinal mobilization, and manipulation. Surgery is considered a last resort for specific causes of severe or chronic back pain.

Complementary therapies like acupuncture or pain management programs may offer relief for some individuals, but it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before pursuing these options.

Prevention strategies for low back pain include regular exercise, stress management, proper lifting techniques, maintaining good posture, and seeking prompt medical attention for any concerning symptoms.