Why Does My Back Hurt? Common Causes and When to Seek Help

What is back pain?

Back pain isn’t a disease — it’s a symptom. It can arise from:

• Muscles or ligaments: Strains from heavy lifting or poor posture
• Spinal structures: Discs, vertebrae, or joints
• Nearby organs: Kidneys, pancreas, or reproductive organs

Most back pain is mechanical (related to muscles or spine) in nature and which heal in a couple of weeks but certain symptoms may indicate an urgent medical problem.

What does back pain feel like?

Back pain can feel different depending on the underlying cause. The sensation and severity vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• A dull, aching discomfort
• Sharp or stabbing pain
• Reduced flexibility or range of motion

Mild back pain often improves on its own within a few days to weeks. However, if symptoms persist for more than 3 months, the condition is generally considered chronic back pain.

Who is at risk of back pain?

Anyone can experience back pain, but some groups are more vulnerable:

• Office workers spending long hours sitting
• Older adults, due to decreased bone density (osteoporosis)
• People with a sedentary lifestyle or poor posture
• Individuals with obesity or smokers
• Active individuals without proper warm-up or stretching

Common causes of back pain

Muscle strain

Lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, or prolonged poor posture can strain your muscles. This usually causes a dull ache or stiffness that improves within days or weeks.

Slipped disc (Herniated disc)

Your spinal discs act as cushions between vertebrae. A disc can bulge or rupture, pressing on nerves and cause:

• Pain radiating to arms or legs
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness in affected areas

Most disc injuries improve with physiotherapy and medication, but surgery may be recommended if pain persists beyond 6 weeks or if there’s nerve compression.

Spinal fractures

Fractures can occur after trauma or in osteoporotic bones. Warning signs include:

• Severe pain that worsens with movement
• Constant pain that is present at rest
• Numbness, weakness, or incontinence

Seek immediate medical care at the urgent care centre if these occur.

Age-related conditions

• Osteoporosis: Reduced bone density, higher fracture risk
• Arthritis: Joint degeneration causing pain and stiffness

Other spine conditions

• Degenerative disc disease: Disc wear and tear causing bone-on-bone friction
• Spondylolisthesis: Vertebra slipping out of place
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal compressing nerves
• Scoliosis: Abnormal spinal curvature

Red flags include loss of bladder/bowel control, severe numbness, night pain, or unexplained weight loss. These require urgent evaluation.

Non-spinal causes

Back pain can also come from organs:

• Kidney infections or stones: Pain usually higher and deeper
• Reproductive conditions: Ovarian cysts or cancers may cause lower back pain with other symptoms
• Pancreatic issues: Rare but possible, often with systemic symptoms

A thorough assessment by a specialist is essential for accurate diagnosis.

How is back pain diagnosed?

Specialists typically conduct:

• Medical history & physical exam: Checking posture, range of motion, strength, and reflexes
• Imaging: X-ray, MRI, or CT scans if nerve compression or fractures are suspected
• Lab tests: Blood or urine tests to rule out infections or organ-related causes

Treatment options for back pain

Non-surgical treatments

• Physiotherapy: Tailored exercises to strengthen core and improve posture
• Medications: Anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants for short-term relief
• Lifestyle adjustments: Ergonomic chairs, standing desks, proper lifting techniques

Minimally invasive procedures & surgical options

For severe, persistent, or treatment-resistant back pain, a spine specialist may recommend surgical intervention, such as:

• Endoscopic spine surgery – Performed through very small incisions using specialised instruments, often resulting in less tissue disruption and faster recovery for suitable cases
• Spinal decompression procedures – Including laminectomy, discectomy, and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF), which relieve pressure on compressed spinal nerves
• Traditional open spine surgery – Typically reserved for more complex spinal conditions, extensive disease, or emergency situations

Alternative & complementary therapies

Evidence-based approaches can complement medical care:

• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Yoga & pilates for spinal health
• Cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic pain management

Always consult your doctor before trying new therapies to ensure safety.

Preventing back pain

• Maintain an active lifestyle: Daily walking, stretching, and core strengthening
• Use ergonomic office setups: Correct chair height, screen level, and posture
• Avoid prolonged sitting and practice frequent posture breaks
• Maintain healthy weight and diet rich in calcium and vitamin D

When to see a specialist

Seek professional advice if:

• Pain persists beyond 6 weeks
• You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness
• There is loss of bladder or bowel control
• Pain is severe or worsening

Book an appointment with an orthopaedic spine specialist to get personalised assessment and treatment.