Back pain is usually an indicator of an underlying problem.
For example, if your back bothers you once and later the pain will stop. Later, the pain may start again. This means you have received the indicator of future problems. The first time you have back pain, you can consider it as a warning that something is not right. You will need to pinpoint exactly where the pain originated, and what you were doing when the pain began.
Once you determine the day the pain started, and exactly what you were doing when the pain began, you will know what to avoid doing later in life. Did you fall? Were in you a car accident? Were you picking up a box?
What Did the Pain Feel Like?
After you have determined what triggered your back pain, you will need to take into consideration the symptoms associated with the pain.
Did you feel the pain?
Was there any weakness in the area surrounding the muscles?
Was any weakness felt that extended to your legs?
Before the pain hit, was your back stiff, or did you feel numbness in the area?
Now that you know what triggered the pain, you can utilize the indicators to discover where exactly the pain started. Was the pain in the top of your back? Did the initial pain cause radiating pain? Did you feel pain around your neck? Was the pain constant or did it come and go? Did the pain shoot to other locations in your body?
How Did the Pain React?
Did the pain increase or decrease when you performed certain activities, or moved in a certain way?
Was there constant pain after the initial injury, or did the pain come and go over time?
Were there any long-term problems associated with the injury? Did the pain go immediately, or did it take a while to fade away?
Why You Should Consider These Questions
The answer to these questions can assist your doctor in determining the cause, and fully understanding the condition you are suffering from. If you were in an accident, and were treated by a medical professional, you will want to let your doctor know what tests were performed when you were treated. What was found on the exam, tests, and images taken during the visit?
If you did see a medical professional and they recommended a specific treatment, what was it? Did the treatment help you? If the treatment did help, are you willing to try the same treatment again?
Back Pain Caused by Other Conditions
Did your back pain start after having surgery? Maybe it is associated with a joint or musculoskeletal disorder. By letting your doctor know if you have any of these problems, you may help them find a solution to your problem.
Other things you may want to take into consideration is whether your job requires you to lift heavy objects, causes emotional distress, or causes you to suffer serious stress. Are you required to stand for prolonged periods of time, or maybe sit for extended periods of time?
Do you exercise properly, or often? Do you stretch before exercising? How much stress do you endure on a regular basis? Do you perform physical activity in order to relieve emotional and mental stress? All of the problems listed here can cause acute and chronic back pain.
Does Your Family Carry a Hereditary Back Problem?
Once you have asked yourself the important questions above, you need to consider your family history. If there is any possibility of hereditary back problem. If there is, letting your doctor know there is a possibility of this history, it can help him to determine the origin of your injury or pain. Many times, patients ignore this possibility, which causes confusion for physicians.
Recurring Back Pain
If your back pain has occurred before and has recently come back, let your doctor know the answer to the questions above. Let your doctor know exactly what treatments you have tried at home, along with what has worked and what has not.
Doctors commonly recommend rest as a treatment for back pain. They may also make a referral to a chiropractor or physical therapist. These professionals will be able to recommend stretches you can do to release tension from muscles that are commonly overlooked, which may prevent future pain.
It is important that you do not ignore back pain indicators. As soon as back pain starts, take note of it. Discuss the problem with your doctor to help prevent future problems and possible permanent damage.
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