In the United States, people visit physicians for symptoms related to back pain almost as much as they do for a common cold. While most back pain and back aches happen irregularly and are hard to diagnose, the pain or discomfort felt in the back can become a chronic problem if it is not addressed properly. Back pain can be a result of an acute injury or may be associated with a more long-term injury or illness. Muscle strain is a very common cause of back pain and can be treated with physical therapy. Another cause of low back pain, buttock pain, hip pain or even leg pain may be attributed to dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint (SI joint). The symptoms of an SI joint dysfunction may feel very similar to pain caused by sciatica, which is also treatable with physical therapy.
Symptoms of back pain:
- pain or discomfort in upper back or lower back
- stiffness along the spine
- numbness in the back or legs
- tingling sensations in the back or legs
- sharp aches in the upper back or lower back
- soreness in the upper back or lower back
- muscle spasms in the back
- difficulty maintaining one position
Symptoms of back pain can often be felt in other areas of the body or even radiate to extremities such as arms or legs.
Possible reasons for back pain:
- Muscle strain
- Broken bones
- Scoliosis
- Herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Degenerative disc disease
- Pinched nerves
- Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebrae)
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritic changes
- Weak core and low back muscles
- Poor sitting or standing posture
- Facet Joint Syndrome