Back Pain Won't Stop? Why Your Back Is Hurting & Medical Next Steps

If your back pain won't stop, you're not alone. Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints worldwide. Most adults experience back discomfort at some point, and for many people, it can return or linger longer than expected.

The good news: most back pain is not dangerous.
The important truth: persistent back pain should not be ignored.

Here's what may be causing your back pain — and what to do next.

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Why Your Back May Be Hurting

Your back is a complex structure made up of:

• Bones (vertebrae)
• Discs (cushions between bones)
• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Nerves

Pain can come from any of these parts. Understanding the source helps guide treatment.

1. Muscle or Ligament Strain (Most Common Cause)

This is the leading cause of lower back pain.

It often happens after:

• Heavy lifting
• Sudden awkward movement
• Poor posture
• Long hours sitting
• Starting a new exercise routine

Symptoms usually include:

• Aching or stiffness
• Pain that worsens with movement
• Muscle spasms

Most cases improve within a few weeks with rest, gentle movement, and time.

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2. Disc Problems

Between each bone in your back is a soft disc that acts as a cushion.

Problems include:

• Bulging discs
• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease

These may cause:

• Sharp or shooting back pain
• Pain that travels down the leg (sciatica)
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness in the leg or foot

Disc-related back pain often improves with conservative treatment, but medical evaluation may be needed.

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3. Arthritis of the Spine

As we age, wear and tear can affect the joints in the back.

You may notice:

• Stiffness in the morning
• Pain that improves with movement
• Reduced flexibility

Spinal arthritis can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), which may cause leg pain or weakness when walking.

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4. Poor Posture & Sedentary Lifestyle

Sitting for long periods, especially with poor posture, puts stress on your lower back.

Common contributors:

• Desk jobs
• Driving for long hours
• Slouching
• Weak core muscles

This type of back pain often improves with posture correction and strengthening exercises.

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5. Stress & Emotional Tension

Stress can cause muscle tension, especially in the upper and lower back.

If your back pain flares during stressful periods, tension may be playing a role.

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6. Less Common but Serious Causes

While rare, ongoing back pain can sometimes signal a more serious condition, such as:

• Fracture (especially after a fall or injury)
• Infection
• Cancer
• Kidney problems
• Inflammatory diseases

These causes are uncommon but require prompt medical attention.

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When Back Pain Is a Medical Emergency

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Severe weakness in both legs
• Numbness in the groin area
• Back pain after major trauma (car accident, fall)
• Fever with back pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• History of cancer with new back pain

These symptoms may signal a serious condition that needs urgent treatment.

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Why Your Back Pain Isn't Going Away

If your back pain has lasted more than a few weeks, several factors could be contributing:

• Incomplete healing from a strain
• Weak core muscles
• Ongoing poor posture
• Untreated disc issues
• Lack of movement (too much rest can worsen back pain)
• Stress and poor sleep
• Underlying arthritis

Sometimes pain persists because the body has entered a "pain cycle," where inflammation, tension, and guarding continue even after the initial injury improves.

Chronic back pain is typically defined as pain lasting more than 12 weeks.

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What You Can Do Now

1. Keep Moving (Gently)

Bed rest is no longer recommended for most back pain.

Instead:

• Walk daily
• Stretch gently
• Avoid heavy lifting
• Stay active within comfort limits

Movement helps blood flow and healing.

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2. Improve Posture

Small adjustments can reduce back strain:

• Sit with feet flat on the floor
• Keep shoulders relaxed
• Use lumbar support
• Avoid slouching over screens
• Take breaks every 30–60 minutes

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3. Strengthen Core Muscles

Strong abdominal and back muscles support the spine.

Consider:

• Physical therapy
• Guided exercise programs
• Gentle yoga or Pilates (if approved by a professional)

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4. Use Heat or Ice

• Ice may help in the first 48 hours of injury.
• Heat can ease muscle tension and stiffness.

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5. Over-the-Counter Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may reduce inflammation and pain. Always follow label instructions and speak to a healthcare professional if you have medical conditions.

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When to See a Doctor for Back Pain

You should speak to a doctor if:

• Back pain lasts longer than 2–4 weeks
• Pain is worsening
• Pain radiates down your leg
• You experience numbness or weakness
• You have a history of osteoporosis
• The pain interferes with sleep or daily life

A doctor may recommend:

• Physical therapy
• Imaging tests (X-ray or MRI)
• Prescription medications
• Injections
• Specialist referral (orthopedics, neurology, pain management)

Surgery is rarely needed and is typically considered only after conservative treatments fail.

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Could It Be Acute Low Back Pain?

If your back pain started suddenly — especially after lifting, twisting, or a specific movement — you may be experiencing Acute Low Back Pain. This condition can help explain why your symptoms appeared and what might be causing them to persist.

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Preventing Future Back Pain

Protecting your back long term involves daily habits:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Strengthen core muscles
• Lift with your legs, not your back
• Avoid smoking (it reduces blood flow to spinal discs)
• Prioritize sleep and stress management

Small changes can significantly reduce future back problems.

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The Bottom Line

Most back pain improves with time and simple care. However, persistent or worsening back pain should not be ignored.

Your back supports your entire body. When something feels off for weeks, it's worth paying attention.

Do not panic — but do not delay if symptoms are severe, unusual, or progressing.

If anything about your back pain feels life-threatening, rapidly worsening, or associated with weakness, fever, or bladder changes, seek immediate medical care.

For ongoing or unexplained back pain, the safest next step is to speak to a doctor. A proper medical evaluation can rule out serious causes and create a clear treatment plan tailored to you.

You don't have to live with constant back pain. With the right steps, most people can find relief and return to normal activity safely.