We’ve all experienced it at some point in our lives, but do we really understand what causes it? Is it a result of some hidden disease or a misbehaving disc? Or is it just a case of “non-specific” back pain that leaves us scratching our heads? Join me on this enlightening and witty journey as we explore the different types of back pain and discover how to tackle them.
Back pain is often misunderstood. Many people think of it as a standalone condition, but in reality, it’s always a symptom of an underlying cause. To make matters even more intriguing, back pain can be broadly separated into three categories: pathological back pain, radiculopathy, and non-specific back pain.
Pathological back pain is like the Sherlock Holmes of back pain—it arises as a symptom of underlying diseases. It’s the signal that something more serious might be going on in our bodies. On the other hand, radiculopathy, that troublemaker, often occurs when there are disc-related problems, causing pain to radiate down our arms or legs.
But what about non-specific back pain? Ah, this is where things get really interesting. Non-specific back pain is like that enigma wrapped in a riddle—medically unexplained and leaving both patients and doctors scratching their heads. It accounts for the largest chunk of back pain cases, affecting a whopping 94% of sufferers. Yes, you read that right—medical science can’t explain the cause of this type of back pain for the vast majority of patients.
Now, before you start panicking, let me assure you that serious diseases causing back pain are actually quite rare. Less than 1% of all back pain cases are linked to severe ailments or traumatic incidents. However, it’s important to stay vigilant and watch out for certain red flags. If your back pain is persistent and progressive, if you can’t find any position that brings relief, if the pain worsens at night, or if you experience other worrisome symptoms like unexplained weight loss or fever, it’s crucial to see your GP promptly to rule out any underlying diseases.
Now, let’s discuss some common myths about back pain.
One prevailing belief is that strains to the muscles, ligaments, or joints in the back are the primary culprits. But does this explanation hold up under scrutiny? Not quite. Most patients, including myself and my colleagues, can’t recall any specific incident that would cause such strain. Unlike spraining an ankle, where you can pinpoint the exact moment it happened, back pain often creeps up on us. So, the idea of simple muscle or ligament strains falls short when it comes to explaining the majority of back pain cases.
Another theory suggests that our bipedal nature is to blame for back pain. Really? Are we to believe that after millions of years of evolution, we haven’t quite figured out how to stand on two legs without hurting our backs? That notion seems a bit preposterous, don’t you think? Humans have not only survived but thrived in a harsh and unforgiving world. If our bodies were mechanically flawed, we would have become cat food for saber-toothed tigers millions of years ago.
Now, let’s talk about structural abnormalities. Leg length differences, scoliosis, or joints being out of position have often been put forward as the cause of back pain. But here’s the interesting twist—extensive research has shown a weak relationship between structural abnormalities and back pain. Surprisingly, many individuals walk around happily with severe structural changes in their spines without even realising.
It turns out that abnormality is actually quite normal in the realm of human anatomy!
So, where does that leave us in our quest to understand back pain? It’s time for a paradigm shift. We need to move away from the outdated notion of a single cause for back pain and embrace the complexity of the issue. Modern neuroscience and pain science suggest that back pain is a result of multiple factors interacting in a dynamic way.
Imagine a symphony where each instrument represents a different factor contributing to back pain: genetics, environment, function, chemicals, nerves, and psychology. The interplay between these elements creates a unique experience of pain for each individual. It’s like a beautifully intricate dance, where no two cases of back pain are exactly the same.
This complexity explains why back pain can be so variable and unpredictable. It also highlights the limitations of searching for a structural “holy grail” or attributing too much significance to anatomical abnormalities. Even if a structural problem or abnormality is identified, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the cause of the pain. Studies have shown that a significant portion of the population lives with structural changes in their spines without experiencing any pain or discomfort.
To truly tackle back pain, we need to adopt a holistic approach. It’s not just about addressing one factor; it’s about considering all the causative elements and helping patients deal with them effectively. Education is key—both for healthcare professionals and patients. We need to improve our understanding of back pain and empower individuals to take an active role in their recovery.
It’s time to shift our perspective and see patients as unique individuals with complex stories rather than simply chasing after a single structural cause. By embracing this new mindset, we can pave the way for more effective treatments and better outcomes in the battle against back pain.
In upcoming blogs, I’ll delve deeper into many of the topics discussed here. But for now, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Did this journey into the world of back pain shed some light on the subject? Did it help you understand this perplexing condition a little better? Share your comments and let’s continue the conversation.
Remember, when it comes to back pain, there’s much more than meets the eye. Let’s change our thinking and embark on a new path toward relief and understanding.
Steve Morris is an Osteopath with over 30 years’ experience. He is a specialist in the field of non-surgical treatment of disc conditions, especially sciatica. He uses various different treatment mediums, from hands on osteopathy and acupuncture to the use of mechanical decompression with IDD Therapy, for which he is one of the country’s leading exponents and experts.
