What is Back Pain?

Terms you should know

Degeneration : A deterioration or an impairment of an organ or a part of the body. 
Osteophytes : Bony outgrowths produced by degenerative changes in the vertebrae produce.
Ligaments : A tough, slightly elastic band of fibrous tissue that binds together the bony ends in a joint. 
Menopause : Cessation of menstrual activity . It usually occurs after the age of 45 to 50 years. 
Endometriosis : A condition in which fragments of uterine mucosa occur outside the uterus. 
Sensonry loss : Inability to feel the sensation. 
Tendon reflexes : An involuntary response of the muscles in response to a sensory stimulus. A doctor checks the tendon reflexes to find out the integrity of the nerve supply to the muscles. 
Anti-inflammatory medication : Medications which reduce inflammation. 
Muscle relaxant medications : Medications which reduce muscle spasm. 
Physical therapy : Treatment using physical method such as exercise or agents such as heat light and water. 
Non-remitting condition : A condition which does not improve. 

Back pain is a term used to describe pain or discomfort felt in the upper, middle, or lower back. The most common type of back pain is the one in the lower back. This is because the lower portion of the back is under maximum pressure when a person is sitting or lifting weights and can get damaged easily. The pain may be localized to the back or extend to the hips and legs. As the back consists of a complex arrangement of bones, ligaments, joints, muscles, and nerves, pain can result from a problem with any of these components. 

Back pain is one of the most common health problems. It is estimated that 50 – 80 per cent of adults have experienced or will experience back pain at some time in their life. Back pain can occur at any age, however, it occurs more often in middle age (around 40 years) among both men and women. Approximately 20 per cent of the children complain of lower pack pain. 

About 90 percent of the cases get resolved without medical attention in 6 to 12 weeks; 44 to 50 per cent patients are symptom – free within 1 week and 75 per cent of the patients have relief by 6 months. However, 70 to 90 per cent of the patients have recurrent episodes of back pain.