Symptoms of Backache

Backache is one of the most common ailments of mankind. Ever since human beings stood upright they have been having trouble with their backs. In fact, experts estimate that roughly 80 percent of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and slightly more men suffer from it than women.

The pain can often be divided into neck pain, upper back pain, lower back pain or tailbone pain. It may have a sudden onset or can be a chronic pain; it can be constant or intermittent, stay in one place or radiate to other areas. It may be a dull ache, or a sharp or piercing or burning sensation. The pain may radiate into the arm and hand), in the upper back, or in the low back, (and might radiate into the leg or foot), and may include symptoms other than pain, such as weakness, numbness or tingling.
Backache Causes:

Acute Backache
Back strain due to lifting of a heavy object, a fall, a violent jerk (as in case of a sudden car brake).

Injury, road accident, fall of a heavy object, fracture of the spine, dislocation of a vertebral disk.

Chronic Backache
Spondylosis: A vertebra slips forward on the lower one, usually just above the hip bone.

Slipped Disk: These disks act as cushions between two vertebral bones, the reason may be an injury to the spine which is forgotten, degeneration of the disk due to old age or other reasons.

Posture: Wrong Posture is the front runner as a cause of chronic back pain. (long hours sitting on chairs in the wrong posture, for example- as you may be sitting watching this screen, watching TV slumped in the couch).

Undetermined Cause: A whole variety of conditions called as lumbago, in which sprains in the muscles of the back is held to responsible.
Gynae Problems: Chronic Infection, Pregnancy
When to see your doctor:

Acute Severe Backache: Backache which has started suddenly & is severe enough to prevent you from work.

Backache with associated pain in legs weakness and tingling in the leg or back.

Persistent upper back ache

If painkillers and other therapies don’t make any noticeable difference, and you’re getting worse and the backache is hampering day-to-day activities, then you have to see a professional.