What Is Back Pain?

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Back pain refers to discomfort or aching in the upper, middle, or lower portion of your back. While anyone can experience back pain, it is most common in the lower back — the area between the bottom edge of the ribs and the top of the hips. Most people will experience back pain at some point in life. Many episodes improve within weeks, but some become persistent and affect daily activities.

Back pain is a symptom rather than a single disease. It can originate from muscles, discs, joints, nerves, or other spinal structures.

 

Who Gets Back Pain & Why It Matters

Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It affects people of all ages and becomes more common with aging. Contributing factors include:

  • Repetitive strain or heavy lifting
  • Poor posture
  • Weak core muscles
  • Disc degeneration
  • Arthritis
  • Nerve compression
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Early evaluation helps prevent chronic disability and improves recovery outcomes.

 

Types of Back Pain

Back pain can be described by location and duration.

By Location

  • Lower Back Pain (Lumbar Pain)
  • Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Pain)
  • Upper Back Pain

By Duration

  • Acute Back Pain (a few days to weeks)
  • Subacute Back Pain (6–12 weeks)
  • Chronic Back Pain (longer than 12 weeks)

 

Common Causes of Back Pain

Back pain can arise from different structures of the spine.

Muscle and Ligament Strain

Heavy lifting or sudden movement may cause soft tissue injury.

Disc Problems

Discs may bulge or degenerate over time. In some cases, they press on nerves and cause Sciatica (Leg Pain from Nerve Compression).

Facet Joint Degeneration

Wear and tear arthritis in spinal joints can cause localized stiffness and pain.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal may compress nerves and cause walking intolerance.

Less Common Causes

Infection, fracture, inflammatory disease, or tumors may also cause back pain and require urgent evaluation.

 

Symptoms of Back Pain

Common symptoms include:

  • Dull or sharp pain
  • Pain radiating into the buttocks or legs
  • Stiffness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Numbness or weakness

If symptoms include bladder or bowel changes, severe weakness, or numbness in the groin area, seek urgent care.

 

How Back Pain Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis includes:

  • Detailed medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Neurological assessment

Imaging tests such as MRI for Back Pain or X-rays are used only when serious conditions are suspected. Lab tests may be ordered if infection or inflammatory disease is considered.

 

Treatment Options for Back Pain

Treatment depends on severity and cause.

Self-Care and Activity Modification

Gentle movement, posture correction, and heat/cold therapy.

Physical Therapy for Back Pain

Targeted exercises improve spinal support and flexibility.

Back Strengthening Exercises

Core stability programs help prevent recurrence.

Pain Relief Medications

Short-term medications may reduce symptoms.

Spinal Injections

Used in selected cases for nerve-related pain.

Chronic Pain Management Programs

A multidisciplinary approach may be needed for persistent symptoms.

 

Living With Back Pain

Most acute back pain improves within a few weeks. However, recurrence is common. Staying active, maintaining strength, and addressing stress or fear of movement reduces the risk of chronic pain.

 

When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Contact a healthcare professional immediately if you experience:

  • Severe pain after trauma
  • Progressive weakness
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Fever with back pain
  • Unexplained weight loss

 

If you are looking for professional help for back pain, Divine Care Physiotherapy provides personalized and evidence-based care designed to relieve pain and restore movement. As a trusted Physiotherapy clinic Langley, our experienced Physiotherapist in Langley carefully assesses the root cause of your condition and creates a customized treatment plan. Whether you are searching for Back pain treatment in Langley, our team focuses on hands-on care, guided exercise therapy, and long-term prevention strategies. At Divine Care Physiotherapy, we combine advanced techniques with patient education to help you move better, feel stronger, and return confidently to daily activities.


Learn more about Postural syndromes: https://divinecarephysio.com/posture-awareness/

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