Conditions

Back Pain

Overview

Back pain is one of the most common health conditions affecting people of all ages and is also one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Whether it occurs suddenly or develops over time, back pain can significantly impact your work performance, sleep quality, and overall lifestyle. At Remix Medical, our doctors in Houston understand how debilitating back pain can be and are here to help you identify its underlying causes and symptoms.

What is Back Pain?

Back pain is an ache or pain in the upper, middle, or lower back. It can be sharp and short-lived or dull and ongoing. Although most back pain will resolve with rest, back pain that lasts for several weeks or recurs should not be overlooked.

Knowing what may have caused back pain, as well as its symptoms, is key to taking that first step toward relief and healing.

Common Causes of Back Pain

Back pain is caused by a variety of different reasons both lifestyle and posture, others caused by more serious illnesses. These include:

  • Ligament or muscle strain: Heavy lifting, jerky movements, or bad posture can cause strain on muscles and ligaments in the back.
  • Discs that are bulging or ruptured: The spine's discs function as cushions amid the vertebrae. A bulging or ruptured disc may press on nerves and result in pain.
  • Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can involve the lower back and result in narrowing of the area around the spinal cord, also referred to as spinal stenosis.
  • Skeletal abnormalities: Abnormalities such as scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, may result in long-term back pain.
  • Osteoporosis: Brittle or weakened bones may result in spine fractures that are painful.
  • Poor physical fitness or inactivity: Failure to engage in physical activity may weaken core muscles, rendering the back vulnerable to injury.

Other factors that may contribute include obesity, smoking, inadequate workplace ergonomics, and excess stress, leading to muscle tension.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The nature and severity of back pain symptoms depend on the underlying condition. Some individuals have a dull pain that exacerbates with motion, others have sharp or stabbing pain that affects movement.

The most frequent symptoms are:

  • Persistent pain or stiffness at any point in your spine, particularly in your lower back.
  • Sharp, localized pain at the neck, upper back or lower back, usually occurring after physical activity.
  • Severe pain radiating down to the legs (sciatica) or arms, in some cases suggesting nerve involvement.
  • Muscular spasms or tension, especially on lifting or twisting
  • Restricted range of motion, such that it is difficult to stand straight or walk.

Other warning signs that may accompany back pain and indicate a serious underlying problem include numbness or tingling, impairment in bowel or bladder control, or pain or tenderness caused by a recent fall or injury.

Should you observe or develop these symptoms, it is critical to have a prompt medical examination.

Do Not Allow Back Pain to Affect Your Life

At Remix Medical, we are dedicated to helping you take control of your health. Understanding your back pain is the first step toward feeling better and getting back to the activities you enjoy.

If you're experiencing persistent or worsening back pain, don’t wait for it to escalate. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation with one of our doctors in Houston. Our team will take the time to understand your symptoms and guide you toward the right next steps. Call us today or book your consultation online—your journey to lasting relief starts here.

logo

 
 


Disclaimer: The content on this website, including links and documents, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed medical professional for healthcare guidance. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. Use of this site does not create a physician-patient relationship. Remix Medical and its staff make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or applicability of the information provided.