Back pain

Back pain is a common medical problem and a leading cause of disability. At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, our orthopedic specialists can help you pinpoint the cause of your back pain. We offer advanced treatments to help you move better with less pain. 

What is back pain?

Pain in your back is often a sign of an injury or health condition. Back pain can affect your lower, middle or upper back, or multiple areas. The pain may be mild or severe, and you may have trouble getting around.

Causes of back pain

Back pain is a symptom, not a condition. Many conditions can cause back pain.

Health conditions

Health conditions that can cause back pain include:

• Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
• Endometriosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Kidney stones or infections
• Obesity
• Pregnancy

Spine injuries and conditions

Spine injuries and conditions that can cause back pain include:

• Back sprains (injuries to ligaments)
• Back strains (injuries to muscles or tendons)
• Degenerative disc disease
• Fractured vertebra or spine
• Herniated disk
• Scoliosis
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal tumors
• Spondylolisthesis

Back pain symptoms

People with back pain may have:

• Back pain that worsens when they lift, bend, stand or rest
• Muscle spasms in their back
• Pain that comes and goes
• Tense back muscles
• Weakness or numbness in their legs and feet
• Worse pain in the morning that eases during the day

Back pain types

The type of back pain depends on the pain severity and how long the pain lasts. Types of back pain include:

• Acute: Back pain occurs suddenly. The pain lasts a few days or weeks and then goes away.
• Subacute: Back pain may occur suddenly or gradually. The pain may last four to 12 weeks.
• Chronic: Back pain occurs suddenly or gradually. You have back pain daily for 12 weeks or longer.

Back pain diagnosis

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may assess your spine and posture and ask you to bend or move to see how pain affects your movements.

These tests can help your doctor pinpoint the cause of your back pain:

• Blood tests to check for inflammation or medical conditions that cause back pain
• Electromyography (EMG) to check for muscle and nerve problems that cause back pain
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scan, MRI or bone density scan, to assess bone health

Back pain risk factors

Nearly everyone has back pain at some point. These factors can increase your risk:

• Age over 45
• Family history of spine disorders that cause back pain
• Inactivity or sitting all day
• Job that requires lifting, bending, twisting or pulling
• Obesity
• Poor posture
• Strenuous exercise
• Stress

Complications of back pain

Back pain can negatively affect many aspects of your life. Complications may include:

• Depression
• High stress levels
• Loss of mobility, which can lead to disability and weight gain

Back pain prevention

Taking care of your back can help lower your risk of back pain. These actions may help:

• Avoid repetitive twisting, bending and pulling movements, when possible
• Get regular physical activity that includes weight-bearing exercises to strengthen back muscles
• Lift heavy items by engaging your leg and abdominal muscles, not your back
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Sit up straight and practice good posture
• Warm up your muscles before exercising