One in four people experience back pain, often described as burning, aching, or shooting. Dr. Darian Sutton explains the causes, symptoms, and treatments for back pain, using visuals to describe the spine’s structure. A common concern among patients is a slipped disc, which occurs when the cushioning disc between spinal bones bulges or herniates, pressing on nearby nerves. This can lead to pain in different body parts depending on the disc’s location — such as hands (neck) or legs (lower back).
Patients are advised to seek medical evaluation if pain lasts more than a week, involves numbness, or radiates into the legs. More serious red flags include weakness, fever, headaches, groin numbness, or bladder/bowel issues, which could signal a medical emergency.
For prevention and treatment, stretching is emphasized — especially before getting out of bed. Gentle movements like bringing the knees to the chest or waist rotations can relieve pressure. Over-the-counter medications and physical therapy are first-line treatments. While spinal injections can help, they should only be considered after trying less invasive options. Even footwear, such as poorly fitting shoes, can worsen back issues.
Vocabulary:
• burning (adj): sharp, hot pain that feels like it's on fire
• aching (adj): dull, continuous pain
• sprain (noun): injury to a ligament caused by stretching or tearing
• strain (noun): injury to muscle or tendon caused by overuse
• herniate (verb): to push out abnormally, especially through a weak spot
• numbness (noun): lack of feeling in a part of the body
• radiating (adj): spreading from one point to others
• sciatica (noun): pain along the sciatic nerve, often in the lower back and legs
• emergent (adj): requiring immediate medical attention
• stretching (noun): extending muscles to increase flexibility
• benign (adj): mild, not harmful
• exhaust (verb): to use up all options or resources
Source: Good Morning America