Low Back Pain
(Part 3)
Symptoms
Back pain varies. It may be sharp or stabbing. It can be dull, achy, or feel like a “charley horse” type cramp. The type of pain you have will depend on the underlying cause of your back pain.
Most people find that reclining or lying down improves their low back pain, no matter the underlying cause.
People with low back pain often find their pain worsens when:
∙ Bending and lifting
∙ Sitting
∙ Standing and walking
They may also experience:
∙ Back pain that comes and goes, and often follows an up and down course, with good days and bad days.
∙ Pain that extends from the back into the buttock or outer hip area, but not down the leg.
∙ Sciatica. This is pain that includes buttock and leg pain, and even numbness, tingling, or weakness that extends down to the foot. Although sciatica is commonly associated with a herniated disk, it is possible to have sciatica without back pain.
Regardless of your age or symptoms, if your back pain does not get better within a few weeks, or is associated with fever, chills, or unexpected weight loss, you should call your doctor.
Other red flag symptoms, or signs that you should seek medical attention right away, include:
∙ Weakness in your legs
∙ Loss of bladder and bowel control
(To be continued)