What are the causes of back pain?
July 2, 2023 | 120,00 EUR | answered by Gabriele Bauer
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to you because I have been suffering from severe back pain for some time now and I am not sure what could be causing it. I am 35 years old, work in an office, and therefore spend a lot of time sitting in front of the computer. In recent weeks, I have noticed that the pain in my lower back is getting worse and also radiating down to my legs.
I regularly do back exercises and try to maintain an ergonomic sitting position, but the pain does not seem to be getting any better. I am worried that it could be a serious condition and I wonder if I might have a herniated disc or some other spinal condition.
Could you please explain to me what causes back pain and what could potentially be the triggers in my case? Are there any specific tests that I should undergo to determine the cause of my discomfort? What treatment options are available to alleviate the pain and combat the underlying cause in the long term?
I would be very grateful if you could help me and provide me with some possible solutions. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Yours sincerely,
Louis Eckstein
Dear Mr. Eckstein,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a general practitioner. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe back pain. Back pain is a common problem that affects many people, especially those who spend a large part of their day sitting, as you describe.
The causes of back pain can be varied, ranging from muscular tension to disc herniation to degenerative spinal conditions. In your case, where the pain also radiates into the legs, this could indicate nerve irritation caused by a pinched or irritated nerve root. A herniated disc is a possible cause that should be further investigated.
To determine the exact cause of your symptoms, I recommend scheduling an appointment with an orthopedist or a spine specialist. There, specialized examinations such as a physical examination, imaging (e.g. MRI or CT scan), or neurological tests can be conducted to identify the exact cause of your back pain.
Treatment options depend on the cause of the back pain. In many cases, conservative measures such as physiotherapy, targeted back exercises, postural training, pain medication, and heat or cold therapy can help alleviate pain and strengthen the muscles. In more severe cases, such as a herniated disc, surgery may also be considered.
It is important not to wait too long with your symptoms and seek medical advice promptly to receive appropriate treatment and avoid potential complications. I hope that my response was helpful to you and I am available for further questions.
Kind regards,
Gabriele Bauer
