Age: The first attack of low back pain typically occurs between the ages of 30 and 50, and back pain becomes more common with advancing age. Loss of bone strength from osteoporosis can lead to fractures, and at the same time, muscle elasticity and tone decrease.
According to Dr. Tingan, 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.
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.
In our youth, we may think we are indestructible, but it is not uncommon for back pain to appear in our twenties and thirties.
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.
Anyone can develop back pain, even children and teens. These factors can increase the risk of developing back pain: Age. Back pain is more common with age, starting around age 30 or 40.
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.
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.
A common cause of back pain is injury to a muscle or ligament. These strains and sprains can occur for many reasons, including improper lifting, poor posture and lack of regular exercise. Being overweight may increase the risk of back strains and sprains.
"Most people's back pain dissipates in about a week or two, but if your pain is long-term or chronic, it's time to see a spine specialist."
Poor posture or ergonomics, such as slouching at your work desk. Muscle strain, often caused by jarring movements—such as twisting suddenly or trying to lift a heavy object incorrectly—or sports-related injuries. Nerve impingement, also known as nerve compression or a “pinched nerve”
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.
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.
Lower back pain is a common symptom of PMS, a condition most women experience during menstruation. However, severe lower back pain may be a symptom of conditions like PMDD and dysmenorrhea. It may also be a symptom of a more serious condition called endometriosis.
Rest, physical therapy and avoiding overstressing the area while it heals are great ways to deal with these types of injuries.
Anyone can experience lower back pain at any time, even if you don't have a prior injury or any of the risk factors. It is not always serious and can often get better on its own. But in some cases pain is your body's way of telling you that something isn't right.
New study says decline begins in our 50s
Researchers with Duke University's School of Medicine suggest that physical decline begins in the decade of the 50s and worsens as we age, especially for those who don't exercise.
Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain
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. Disc problems, such as a herniated or bulging disc. Myofascial pain syndrome—unexplained muscle pain and tenderness.
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.
Low back pain (LBP) is the most common health problem among older adults that results in pain and disability [4, 7–10]. Older adults, aged 65 years or above, are the second most common age group to visit physicians for LBP [11].
As you age, it's normal to suffer from aches and pains in your joints and muscles as you lose muscle mass and bone density. Normal aches and pains caused by aging include: Neck pain or stiffness. Lower back pain.
If you are experiencing back pain symptoms, you should never ignore or try to suffer through the pain. Always consult your doctor and have open conversations. If you are not satisfied with your doctor or require specialized care, it is recommended to get a second opinion from a back pain specialist.