Reviewed By:
Kent C Doan, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr Doan Graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and completed residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Colorado. He completed additional fellowship training in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at the prestigious Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado. He is a practicing Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in complex and revision knee and shoulder surgery at the Kansas City Orthopedic Institute. He also holds an assistant professorship at the University of Kansas City.
Tomohiro Hamahata, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr. Hamahata graduated from the Jikei University of Medical Science. After working at Asanokawa General Hospital and Kosei Chuo Hospital, he joined the Department of Orthopedics at Asakusa Hospital in April 2021, specializing in general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery.
Content updated on Apr 4, 2024
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Have pain in the spine
Back pain aggravated by alcohol consumption
Pain in the lower part of the back
Pain in the right shoulder blade
Pain on the back from pressing
The backbone hurts
Pain in the right back
Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.
About the Symptom
Back pain can be a painful sensation in the whole or any part of the back. The pain may be pressing, aching, sharp or dull in nature.
When to see a doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
Fever
Gross hematuria
Sensation of incomplete voiding
Abnormal sensation (tingling, prickling)
Numbness of lower limbs
Respiratory wheeze
Possible Causes
Generally, Back pain can be related to:
A condition in which the neck bones (cervical spine) become damaged due to wear and tear. Risk factors include long periods of desk work and driving, previous neck injuries, and aging.
A spinal tumor develops within the spinal canal or spine bones. It can be life-threatening and cause permanent disability. Causes include environmental toxins and inherited syndromes like neurofibromatosis 2 and von Hippel-Lindau disease.
A fracture of the spine bones, often occurring in older patients with osteoporosis (bone weakening). It can be caused by small amounts of force, such as falling on one's buttocks or lifting heavy objects. Some patients may dismiss it as a normal backache, only to be diagnosed later when an X-ray is performed.
Related serious diseases
Sometimes, Back pain may be related to these serious diseases:
This is a rare condition that occurs when there is bleeding (hemorrhage) into the spinal cord. Common causes include trauma, malformation of the blood vessels supplying the spinal cord, bleeding disorders, and complications from certain medical procedures. Some anti-blood clotting medications may increase the risk of this condition.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
Do you experience back pain?
Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.
FAQs
Q.
If my back hurts, when should I call an ambulance?
A.
You should call an ambulance if the pain is really bad, if it starts suddenly, or if the place where it hurts changes.
Details
Especially, you should think about calling an ambulance if you have chest pain or trouble breathing, because this could mean you have a serious condition like heart disease.
References
Stephanie G Wheeler, Joyce E Wipf, Thomas O Staiger et al. (2022). Evaluation of low back pain in adults.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/evaluation-of-low-back-pain-in-adults
Q.
If my back hurts, when should I see a doctor?
A.
If you feel strong pain, especially in your chest, see a doctor right away. Also, if you have other symptoms like a fever, see a doctor quickly too.
Details
If you feel intense pain, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it might be a sign of a problem with your heart, lungs, or big blood vessels. See a doctor right away. If you have a fever, it could be a dangerous infection, so it's good to see a doctor soon. If the pain lasts a long time or you have other symptoms like blood in your urine or stool, or tingling in your hands and feet, you should also see a doctor quickly.
References
Stephanie G Wheeler, Joyce E Wipf, Thomas O Staiger et al. (2022). Evaluation of low back pain in adults.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/evaluation-of-low-back-pain-in-adults
Q.
Can daily activities like eating and exercise improve back pain?
A.
If the pain comes from muscle stiffness, light exercise or checking your posture might help.
Details
If the pain is due to muscle stiffness, strategies like stretching, flexibility exercises, light activities like jogging or walking, reviewing your regular posture, and adjusting your workspace when using a computer may help improve the pain to some extent.
References
Diane Abraczinskas, MD. (2022). Overview of intestinal gas and bloating.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-intestinal-gas-and-bloating
Find Similar Symptoms
References
NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/
Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 14(13):p 726-735, December 2006.
Reviewed By:
Kent C Doan, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr Doan Graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and completed residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Colorado. He completed additional fellowship training in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at the prestigious Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado. He is a practicing Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in complex and revision knee and shoulder surgery at the Kansas City Orthopedic Institute. He also holds an assistant professorship at the University of Kansas City.
Tomohiro Hamahata, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr. Hamahata graduated from the Jikei University of Medical Science. After working at Asanokawa General Hospital and Kosei Chuo Hospital, he joined the Department of Orthopedics at Asakusa Hospital in April 2021, specializing in general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery.
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Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery
Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Associates