Back pain

Back pain is a frequently encountered problem. Lower back pain is most common. But pain in the middle or upper back can also occur. Lower back pain can cause radiation into the legs.

Symptoms of back pain

The pain in the back is often a dull ache. Certain postures or movements cause pain. This can differ from person to person. Sitting or standing for a long time, but also getting up from a chair or bed and bending often cause pain. Pain in the lower back can also radiate to the buttock or the leg. Usually, the pain decreases once you get moving.

This back pain usually resolves on its own over time.

Cause of back pain

The cause of back pain usually lies in the muscles, ligaments and joints. The cooperation between these structures is (temporarily) disrupted. This can be localised in the back, but often the pelvis and the legs are also involved. This creates an imbalance and pain. Through back pain, the body gives a signal to start restoring this balance again.

There are various factors that increase the risk of back pain:

• Inactivity (too little movement).
• Too much sitting.
• Working in the same posture for a long time.
• Overweight.
• Stress.

An X-ray or MRI scan for back pain?

An X-ray or MRI scan is usually unnecessary if you have back pain. It is even discouraged by doctors. This is because many abnormalities that are visible have nothing to do with the symptoms. People without back pain can also have abnormalities on an X-ray or MRI scan without having any complaints.

In most cases, the treatment will not be any different after taking an X-ray. Only if serious injury is suspected will an X-ray or MRI scan be taken.

Advice for back pain

The best and most important advice for back pain is: keep moving! Any kind of movement is good for your back. If bending causes severe pain, it is advisable to avoid bending for a while. A back is made to make all movements. So also bending, lifting and heavy activities. But do this sensibly and give your back a rest from time to time. The muscles that support the back also need to recover.

Try to avoid prolonged sitting, although that can be very difficult nowadays with an office job. Stand up regularly, take a short walk or ask your employer for a sit-stand desk. Try to go for a walk during your lunch break.

If you are overweight, try to lose some weight. Because of the extra weight, the back has to work harder continuously. Overweight often goes hand in hand with inactivity, putting you in a vicious circle and leading to even more weight gain. You can check whether you are overweight by calculating your BMI here.

Try to avoid too much stress because it can cause back pain. Stress causes increased muscle tension, which in itself can cause pain. The amount of the stress hormone cortisol increases and this has a negative effect on many bodily processes, including the recovery from back pain. 

In addition, stress leads to reduced energy and often also inactivity. When you experience stress, try to address the cause. But keep moving in any case.

Contact a physiotherapist to guide you if you have back pain.