Back pain doesn’t always have a serious cause and often improves on its own or with lifestyle changes.
You may also experience dull or achy pain or cramping of the lower back.
Lower back pain can be a symptom of many illnesses and conditions, often related to the back itself.
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Some of these are more common than others.
Some require medical attention, while others can be managed at home.
Causes of Severe Lower Back Pain
Severe lower back pain has various causes.
Some of these may require immediate medical attention.
When Does Lower Back Pain Become Chronic?
Chronic back pain will last more than three months and may worsen.
Symptoms might worsen over time and require surgery to relieve pressure off the spine or spinal nerves.
Lower Back Pain: Males vs.
Females
Back pain can affect anyone regardless of age or sex.
Determining the cause of back pain typically starts with the healthcare provider asking about your medical history and symptoms.
They will also examine your back and ability to sit, stand, walk, and move your legs.
Additional testing might include:
Once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan can start.
Summary
Most adults have lower back pain at some point in their lives.
Back pain typically isn’t serious and often improves on its own.
Other times, it may be a sign of a more concerning condition.
A spinal tumor or cancer is a much rarer cause.
People assigned female at birth experience back pain at higher rates than those assigned male at birth.
You should reach out to your healthcare provider for low back pain that is persistent or getting worse.
However, some people may need prescription therapies and physical therapy.
Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.
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