Content
When back pain limits day-to-day activities or when it lasts more than 6 weeks to disappear, it is recommended to consult an orthopedist for imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, to identify the cause of the back pain and initiated the most appropriate treatment, which may involve the use of anti-inflammatories, surgery or physical therapy.
In most cases, back pain will improve over 2 to 3 weeks, as long as the person remains at rest and applies warm compresses to the area of pain. In some cases, the doctor may also indicate the use of anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and discomfort and to promote the person's recovery and quality of life.
Check out more tips to relieve back pain by watching the following video:
What can it be
Back pain happens mainly due to situations of muscle stress caused by efforts to lift a lot of weight, stress or poor posture during the day, for example.
However, in cases where the pain is constant and does not go away even with rest and applying a compress, it can be indicative of more serious situations, such as spinal cord compression, herniated disc, fracture of a vertebra or bone cancer, for example , it is important to consult the orthopedist to make the diagnosis.
Know other causes of back pain.
How to know if your back pain is severe
Back pain can be considered severe when:
- Lasts more than 6 weeks;
- It is very strong or gets worse over time;
- There is intense pain when lightly touching the spine;
- Weight loss is seen for no apparent reason;
- There is pain that radiates to the legs or that causes tingling, especially when an effort is made;
- There is difficulty in urinating or fecal incontinence;
- There is tingling in the groin area.
In addition, people under 20 or over 55 or who use steroids or injecting drugs are more likely to have back pain indicative of more serious changes.
Although in most cases back pain is not considered to be serious, in the presence of any of these signs or symptoms it is important to consult the orthopedist for evaluation and treatment, if necessary.