In 2020, low back pain affected 619 million people worldwide. It is the single leading cause of disability, and is only expected to increase in prevalence over the next few decades. This condition can make it hard to move, affecting your quality of life and mental well-being. Often, the exact cause is unknown! This is called non-specific pain, and makes up about 90% of all cases. Often, people treat their injury with rest and ice. In many instances, this is all you need! But sometimes the condition can be more severe and may require intervention. Here, PatientsLikeMe will explain some of the signs you should watch for that can indicate if your low back pain is serious enough to seek help. You may also benefit from Kaia Health's innovative approach to personalized therapy and pain management.
Questions to ask About Your Back Pain
When evaluating your low back pain, try to think about three criteria.
- Onset
- Location
- Severity
Onset: How and When It Started
The way your back pain began can give you clues about its cause. Did it start suddenly after lifting a heavy object or an intense activity? Or has it been a gradual issue, coming and going over weeks, months, or even years? If it is sudden and onset, that might indicate an acute injury or strain, while chronic pain could suggest ongoing issues or degenerative conditions.
Location: Identifying the Source
Lower back pain is the most common due to the lumbar spine supporting most of the body's weight. Less common are upper or middle back pain that often come from an acute strain or sprain.
Severity: the Intensity
Severity is often categorized on a scale of 1 to 10.
- Mild (1-3): Does not interfere with normal activities.
- Moderate (4-7): Interferes with daily activities or disrupts sleep.
- Severe (8-10): Excruciating pain that makes it impossible to perform normal activities.
Common Sensations
Let's also look at how many people feel back pain. Everyone's experience is different, but often symptoms include:
- Shooting, burning, or aching
- Regular back tightness or stiffness
- Trouble sleeping
- Numbness or tingling in one or both legs
- Muscle spasms
- Pain that radiates down your leg
Contributing Factors
Outside of injury, there are a few major lifestyle factors that can affect your chances of developing this condition.
- Smoking: Studies have found a link between smoking and lower back pain. Smoking raises inflammation inside the body and stops the body from healing itself.
- Obesity: Obesity is also associated with several types of chronic conditions. People with a high body mass index (BMI) have more stress on their spine.
- Physical Activity: How much you exercise can also play a role. Staying inactive can increase your risk of developing lower back pain, but too much physical activity can as well. Check with your doctor to find out what the right balance is.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care, usually within a few weeks. Contact your health care provider if it:
- Lasts longer than a few weeks.
- Is severe and doesn't improve with rest.
- Spreads down one or both legs, especially below the knee.
- Causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.
- Is paired with unexplained weight loss.
In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. Seek immediate care for your condition if it:
- Causes new bowel or bladder problems.
- Is accompanied by a fever.
- Follows a fall, blow to the back or other injury.
How Kaia Health Can Help
Kaia Health is the world's largest digital platform for musculoskeletal care. They have helped over 560,000 people manage their health! On average, users see a 55% reduction in their pain, and a 30% improvement in sleep quality.
Kaia’s approach to pain management resonates with me. In my career as a professional golfer, I have always preferred a custom exercise program to taking pain killers or undergoing surgery.
Rory McIlroy
Former #1 golfer and four-time major champion
This is proven, digital-first care for chronic pain. Get access to 1:1 coaching from licensed physical therapists, personalized care plans, and 24/7 support.
Whatever your needs are, Kaia can help you find relief! See why they were named one of the world's best digital health companies in 2024 today.