About this disease
What it is about
Most of the time, back pain is harmless and unspecific and subsides within a few weeks. Sometimes, however, they occur repeatedly, become chronic and lead to limitations. The most common form of back pain is low back pain, i.e. pain in the lower back. This can occur suddenly or gradually. The technical term for this is lumbalgia.
Types
There is no precise cause for about 85% of back pain. Non-specific causes such as muscle tension are most likely to be suspected. In about 15% of patients, we find specific causes such as a herniated disc, a narrowing in the spinal canal or wear and tear. Acute back pain is defined as back pain that lasts a maximum of twelve weeks. From then on, we speak of chronic back pain.
Symptoms and consequences
Back pain can occur throughout the back. Sufferers experience the pain as pulling, burning or stabbing. It may be limited to the back or radiate to the shoulders, arms, legs and buttocks. Back pain that disappears after two to four weeks or diminishes noticeably after four weeks does not require a medical examination. However, in case of warning signs such as fever without infection, sensory disturbances in arms/legs, strength restrictions, paralysis or bladder/bowel function problems, you should present yourself to the consultation immediately.
What we do for you
Examination and diagnosis
The first step is the classic physical examination. In the case of chronic back pain, an X-ray examination and, depending on the findings, an additional clarification by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are necessary.
Treatment
For common back pain, it's best to stay active and go about your usual daily activities. Pain medication can effectively relieve back pain. Physical therapy, osteopathy, or manual therapy can be used as a supplement. Chronic back pain should be addressed in an interdisciplinary manner. Surgical treatments for back pain are rare, but may be necessary, for example, in the case of a severely damaged intervertebral disc, a badly herniated disc or paralysis.