Understanding Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief Options

What is back pain?

Back pain is the most common musculoskeletal condition with 78% of U.S. adults experiencing pain in the last 3 months.¹ Back pain can feel like a dull ache or a sharp stab and happen in your lower, middle, or upper back. Sometimes it lasts just a few days or weeks, but other times, it can go on for months or years. 

Back pain can make it hard to move around, do everyday tasks, and even work. Simple things like bending down to pick up something, sitting at a desk, or playing sports can become difficult. It’s important to understand and deal with back pain because it can affect both your body and mind. Long-lasting or chronic back pain can even lead to depression, anxiety, and loneliness.²

Finding out what’s causing the pain and getting the correct treatment can help you feel better and stay healthy. Treating back pain early can also stop it from becoming a long-term problem, which can save you from needing more serious medical help and keep you independent and productive.

What are the common causes of back pain?

Back pain can come from different things, like muscle strains, herniated discs, and other health problems. These problems can cause back pain by making your back swollen, pressing on nerves, or changing the shape of your spine.²

• Muscle strains happen when you stretch or tear the muscles or ligaments in your back, often from lifting things the wrong way, sudden movements, or using them too much.
• Herniated discs occur when the soft inside part of a disc in your spine pushes out through a crack, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain.
• Arthritis can cause inflammation of the joints on and around your spine.
• Falls or accidents can lead to back injuries and pain.
• Weak bones can lead to spine fractures.
• Bad posture can strain your back over time.
• Pregnancy can cause back pain due to hormonal changes and weight gain. 

What does back pain feel like?

How is back pain diagnosed?

If your back pain continues or gets worse, it's a good idea to see your doctor. They will ask you questions about your health history and family history. They may also do a physical exam to look at your spine and see how movement may impact your pain.³

Depending on your symptoms, or if your back pain was caused by an injury, your doctor may want to have imaging done to rule out other underlying causes. This might include x-rays or MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging).³

How do you treat back pain?

The best way to treat back pain depends on how bad it is and what’s causing it. It’s a good idea to talk to a doctor to find out the best treatment for your back pain.

Non-Invasive Treatments

For mild to moderate pain, you can try over-the-counter pain medicine, at-home remedies, and do physical therapy. Physical therapy can help make your back muscles stronger and more flexible and better manage your pain.³

Medical Interventions

For more serious or long-lasting back pain, you might need medical help. This can include stronger medicines or even surgery. Surgery is usually only suggested when other treatments don’t work or when there’s a serious problem, like a herniated disc pressing on a nerve.²

How can you prevent back pain?

Preventing back pain means making changes to your daily life and being proactive. Regular exercise, especially activities that strengthen your core and back muscles, can help a lot.²

Exercises like yoga are great for improving flexibility and core strength, which support your spine.³ Keeping a healthy weight can also reduce the strain on your back.³ By making these changes, you can live a healthier, more comfortable life.

¹ The State of MSK Care 2024, Hinge Health internal data 2024

² Back Pain: What You Need to Know, WebMD, February 18, 2024, https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/understanding-back-pain-basics

³ Back Pain: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, February 2023,https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take

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