Prevalence of low back pain (LBP) rises rapidly during adolescence, reaching adult levels by the age of 18.
According to Dr. Ilacqua, most people start noticing back pain between the ages of 40 and 60. However, there isn't necessarily cause for concern if it starts younger — some people begin to feel the effects of an aging spine as young as 30.
Age. Back pain in patients younger than 18 years or older than 50 years constitutes a red flag. In both groups, back pain is more likely to have a serious cause such as tumor or infection.
As you age, your spine goes through changes that make it more delicate and susceptible to pain. For most people, the first back pain symptoms arise between age 30 and 50, and they keep getting worse from there on out. Most of the time, age-related back pain can be attributed to general degeneration.
Low back pain is not often considered to be a potential problem among young adults. So when back pain strikes at a young age, it comes as a surprise and a source of confusion as to the cause. In our youth, we may think we are indestructible, but it is not uncommon for back pain to appear in our twenties and thirties.
In our 20s and 30s, “normal” back pain often can be attributed to factors of daily life, such as sitting too long, picking up children, or overdoing it while exercising. In our 40s and older, work injuries and the beginnings of arthritis and degenerative conditions are more common.
One of the most common causes of lower back pain in young adults, back strain is often caused by lifting heavy objects, excessive exercising, sudden movements or twisting into an awkward position. The ligaments and muscles in your back might have stretched or suffered from microscopic tears, thus causing you pain.
If the pain lasts four weeks or longer. If the pain keeps getting worse as time goes by. If you are experiencing other symptoms, such as fever, major weight loss or weight gain, loss of function or weakness in extremities, bladder problems, etc.
Our metabolism tends to slow down in our 30s and 40s, meaning we may be prone to weight gain. This extra weight only puts more stress on our spines, which can lead to injury. Junk foods and fatty foods can also contribute to the onset of spinal inflammation, which can compress spinal nerves and make movement painful.
Contact your health care provider for back pain that: Lasts longer than a few weeks. Is severe and doesn't improve with rest. Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain goes below the knee.
The main predictors of back pain include physical stress (e.g., prolonged lifting, driving, forceful or repetitive movements involving the back),1–7 psychosocial stress (e.g., high perceived workload and time pressure, low control and lack of social support at work),8,9 personal characteristics (e.g., psychological ...
"Straining a muscle or spraining a ligament are the most common causes of lower back pain," says Dr. Palmer. "While they can be serious, these common causes of lower back pain aren't long-lasting — taking anywhere from a few days to heal or, at most, a few months."
Lifetime prevalence of low back pain (LBP) is reportedly 75-84% of the general population studied in developed countries, which includes working individuals, but also includes individuals who disabled and are not employed[1–6].
This age group are more likely to suffer from pain related to degeneration of the joints in the spine. Two of the most common causes of lower back pain in older adults include osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis.
Sit with a back support (such as a rolled-up towel) at the curve of your back. Keep your hips and knees at a right angle. (Use a foot rest or stool if necessary.) Your legs should not be crossed and your feet should be flat on the floor.
Prolonged nerve irritation, which occurs when back pain is left untreated for too long, can lead to permanent disabilities. Untreated vertebrae injuries can even lead to spinal stenosis (the narrowing of the spinal canal), radiculopathy (severe nerve pain), and nerve damage.
If your lower back pain is accompanied by other troubling symptoms, it may require immediate medical attention. Seek immediate medical care if your lower back pain is experienced in tandem with any of the following symptoms: Increasing weakness in your legs. Loss of bladder and/or bowel control.
If your back pain lasts more than two weeks and keeps you from participating in normal, daily activities, see your family doctor. If your pain is severe, you should see a doctor sooner. You should seek urgent medical care if you have: Fever associated with back pain.
Poor posture, like slouching or pushing the head forward while sitting or standing, causing misalignment of the spine. Muscle overuse or strain, usually due to repetitive motions or lifting items or children incorrectly. Injury to discs, muscles and/or ligaments. Myofascial pain.
It can result from a strain (injury) to muscles or tendons in the back. Other causes include arthritis, structural problems and disk injuries. Pain often gets better with rest, physical therapy and medication. Reduce your risk of low back pain by keeping at a healthy weight and staying active.