Back Pain Symptoms

If you suffer from back pain symptoms, you’ll know how debilitating they can be. No-one should have to live their day to day life in pain, but luckily help is available. Here, we’ll talk you through the common symptoms of back pain, some possible underlying causes and how chiropractic treatment can help. 

What are the symptoms of back pain?

The symptoms of back pain can vary, in terms of both the type of pain and the severity. If you’re suffering from back pain, you may experience the following: 

• Muscle aches
• A shooting, burning or stabbing sensation (sharp pain)
• Dull, throbbing pain
• Pain that spreads down into the front or back of your legs
• Pain which worsens when bending, twisting, lifting, standing or walking
• Numbness, tingling or weakness (if you’re experiencing these symptoms you should call your doctor or 111).

Why do people get back pain?

People experience back pain for a variety of reasons; from pulling a muscle lifting heavy objects, to poor posture when sitting or standing. A person’s work or general lifestyle might also lead to back pain symptoms – for example, if their job involves a lot of manual labour or bending down. 

It can be difficult to pinpoint the underlying cause of back pain, but it’s rarely the sign of a serious condition. A qualified health professional (like a chiropractor) will be able to help locate the source and potential cause behind any back pain symptoms. 

Managing back pain symptoms

If you suffer from back pain, you’ll know that it can make day to day life very difficult. Back pain symptoms usually improve after a few weeks, but there are steps you can take to manage the pain in the meantime. 

• Stay active – it might seem counterproductive, but it’s important to keep moving and participate in normal activities as much as possible. Movement has been found to speed up recovery, however speak to your doctor or chiropractor beforehand if you have any concerns. 
• Gentle exercise and stretches – try some gentle exercise, such as walking, swimming or pilates. Your chiropractor will also be able to recommend some stretches that can help. 
• Painkillers – paracetamol is not recommended for back pain – look for an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen instead. Codeine may also be suitable if you’re unable to take ibuprofen. 
• Professional treatment – seeing a professional like a chiropractor can help you pinpoint the cause of pain and put you on the road to recovery.

Should I see a chiropractor for back pain?

Chiropractors specialise in assessing, diagnosing and managing conditions of the spine, so they can be extremely beneficial if you’re suffering from back pain symptoms. If you want to identify the reasons for your back pain, improve mobility and relieve pain, it’s a great idea to visit a chiropractor. 

What will a chiropractor do for back pain?

When you go to see a chiropractor for back pain, they’ll first perform a full assessment. This will include details about your overall health, medical history, current back pain symptoms and general lifestyle. 

The chiropractor will perform a physical examination, and possibly some additional tests like x-rays. They can then work to identify the underlying cause of your back pain and put together a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms. A chiropractor can treat a wide variety of back pain symptoms, from chronic pain, to lower back pain symptoms, general stiffness and more.