What You Need to Know About Acute Low and Mechanical Back Pain: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Acute low/mechanical back pain is a common medical problem. Acute pain is pain that has been present less than 4 to 6 weeks. Mechanical means the source of the pain may be in the spinal joints, discs, vertebrae or soft tissues. Acute mechanical back pain may also be called acute low back pain, lumbago, idiopathic low back pain, lumbosacral strain or sprain, or lumbar syndrome.
What causes low/mechanical back pain?
A precise cause of low/mechanical back pain can be identified 20 percent of
the time. Sometimes, a specific trauma or strenuous activity may cause the pain.
However, 80 percent of the time, the specific source of pain is not found.
It implies the source of pain is in the spine and/or its supporting structure. The surrounding muscles and ligaments may become inflamed and irritated.
Less than one percent of people who develop acute low back pain have a serious cause, such as cancer or infection, to explain their pain.
What are the symptoms of low/mechanical back pain?
Most people experience pain primarily in the lower back. The pain may spread
(radiate) to the buttocks, thighs or knees. Many people may also experience
spasms with mechanical back pain. The symptoms of low/mechanical back pain are
generally more noticeable with flexion of the back and when lifting heavy objects.
Back pain is usually more severe than leg pain (sciatica). Sciatica is usually the result of a pinched nerve, when a protruding disc is putting pressure on a spinal nerve. With sciatica, the pain frequently extends below the level of the knee.
How is back pain diagnosed?
A careful evaluation of your medical history and a physical examination will
help your health care providers determine if you have mechanical back pain.
Then, they will work with you to create an appropriate treatment plan.
If your health care provider has determined your back pain is mechanical, additional testing is not usually necessary. If your symptoms or examination suggest the possibility of infection, malignancy or a pinched nerve, additional tests may be necessary. Additional testing may include blood tests, X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or nerve conduction studies.
This information is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
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