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: The first attack of low back pain typically occurs between the ages of 30 and 50 and may become more common as you age. Fitness level: Back pain is more common among people who are not physically fit, as their muscles may not properly support the spine.
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.
Among males, back pain and problems were the second leading cause of disease burden for those aged 25–44 and 45–54 and the third leading cause for those aged 55–64. Among females, they were the leading cause for those aged 45–54 and the second leading cause for those aged 25–44.
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.
Overuse and muscle strains are by far the most common causes of back pain in children and teens but usually resolve after a period of rest or activity modification. Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, as well as ice or warm compresses may also help relieve symptoms.
Summary. While it's not as common as it is in adults, back pain can be a problem for kids and teens. Children who play sports, lug heavy backpacks at school, or are at a higher body weight are more likely to have back pain.
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.
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.
Problems that affect a child's back are most often due to injuries from sports or play, falls, or unusual strain, such as that caused by wearing a heavy backpack. Back pain and stiffness are most often caused by a pulled muscle, a strained ligament, or bruising.
Most young adults don't expect to suffer from back pain, it is usually associated with people who are much older. However, in your mid twenties to early thirties, it is possible to suddenly start experiencing lower back pain. This kind of soreness can be very debilitating and severely affect your quality of life.
Most back pain goes away on its own. But if your back pain has been lingering for more than two weeks without improvement, it's been coming and going for some time, or if you're experiencing any alarming symptoms, don't delay the care you need.
Lower Back Pain. Lower back pain is very common. It can result from a strain (injury) to muscles or tendons in the back. Other causes include arthritis, structural problems and disk injuries.
A common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle (strain). Sometimes, medical conditions like a slipped disc, sciatica (a trapped nerve) or ankylosing spondylitis can cause back pain. Very rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection.
Back pain associated with arthritis is most commonly seen in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60. Unlike arthritis which can occur all over the body, degenerative disc conditions can only occur in your spine and neck. Discs are the soft cushions in between the bones of the spine that allow motion and compression.
Chronic back pain is usually age-related, but can also result from a prior injury. The most common causes include: Arthritis of the spine —the gradual thinning of the cartilage inside the spine. Spinal stenosis —narrowing of the spinal canal that may lead to nerve pain.
Stress affects the body in a variety of ways, from mood swings and headaches to weight fluctuations. However, an often overlooked side effect of stress is neck and back pain. Over time, repetitive bouts of stress can cause musculoskeletal issues in these regions of the body.
Dehydration causes the spinal discs to lose water, resulting in back pain. When those discs aren't hydrated as they should be, your spine ends up suffering the consequences by taking on the full shock of your movements, which leads to pain. Here is what you need to know.
Back pain in children over age 10 is commonly caused by mechanical or developmental problems. Developing muscles are often weak and provide poor support as a result. It is not uncommon for teenagers to experience low back pain as the result of tight hamstrings and weak abdominal muscles.
Back pain red flags – Night Pain
Back pain that worsens at night or while you're sleeping might indicate something more severe like an infection or cancer. This is especially true if you also have other symptoms in addition to your back discomfort when you sleep or relax.
"Since it stretches the ligaments, cracking your back could also potentially also lead to joint instability over time if you do it frequently enough — which, in turn, could increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis," says Dr. Palmer.