Overview of back pain

One of the most common reasons people seek medical attention or miss work is due to back pain. Worldwide, back pain is the leading cause of disability.

Fortunately, most episodes of back pain can be avoided or alleviated with the help of measures, particularly for individuals under the age of 60. The back will heal within a few weeks with simple home treatment and frequent correct body use if prevention fails. Back pain is rarely treated with surgery.

Side effects

Back torment can go from a muscle yearning to a shooting, consuming or cutting sensation. Additionally, the pain may spread down a leg. It can get worse by bending, twisting, lifting, standing, or walking.
When to see a specialist

Most back torment step by step improves with home treatment and taking care of oneself, ordinarily inside half a month. If you are experiencing pain in your back that:

lingers for more than a few weeks, is severe, and does not improve with rest. Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain is below the knee. Causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs. Is associated with weight loss that is not explained. Back pain can indicate a serious medical condition in rare instances. If you are experiencing back pain that:

Follows a fall, blow to the back, or other injury Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free to stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, and current health topics, such as COVID-19, as well as expert advice on managing health.
A lot of the time, back pain doesn’t have a clear cause that can be found in a test or imaging study. Back pain is frequently caused by the following conditions:

Strain of a ligament or muscle. Back muscles and spinal ligaments can be strained by repeated heavy lifting or by sudden awkward movements. Muscle spasms can be painful for those in poor physical condition when the back is put under constant strain.