The following factors are linked to a higher risk of developing low back pain:
- A mentally stressful job
- Pregnancy – pregnant women are much more likely to get back pain
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Age – older adults are more susceptible than young adults or children
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Gender – back pain is more common among females than males
- Obesity and overweight
- Smoking
- Strenuous physical exercise (especially if not done properly)
- Strenuous physical work.
The main symptom of back pain is an ache or pain anywhere on the back and sometimes all the way down to the buttocks and legs. Some back issues can cause pain in other parts of the body, depending on the nerves affected.
If you experience any of the following symptoms when you have back pain, you should seek medical advice:
- Weight loss
- Elevated body temperature
- Inflammation on the back
- Persistent back pain – lying down or resting does not help
- Pain down the legs
- Pain reaches below the knees
- A recent injury, blow or trauma to your back
- Urinary incontinence
- Difficulty urinating
- Fecal incontinence
- Numbness around the genitals
- Numbness around the anus
- Numbness around the buttocks
The osteopathic approach to back pain also diagnoses by touching and a visual inspection. Osteopathy involves slow and rhythmic stretching (mobilisation), pressure or indirect techniques and manipulations on joints and muscles.
