Who does back pain most commonly affect?
Back pain can affect anyone at any stage in life but has the highest prevalence during adolescence, and then again in middle age.
Is back pain serious?
Back pain can be very uncomfortable, but it is usually not serious. It can also be the cause of pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling sensations in the legs, often called sciatica. In the majority of cases, the cause of your back problem can be linked to the way in which the bones, muscles, and ligaments in your back work together and how you have been using them.
If during your episode of back pain you notice changes to your bladder or bowel function you should go straight to your local Accident and Emergency Department as this could indicate a more severe problem.
What causes back pain?
The lower part of your back, known as the ‘lumbar region’ supports the entire weight of your upper body and is under constant pressure, particularly when you are bending, lifting, and twisting. The complex structure of your back in particular means that even small amounts of damage to any part of the back can cause pain and discomfort.
How long will my recovery take?
As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to feel a 60% improvement within the first week, an 80% improvement within one month, and a 90% improvement within 2 months, depending on your situation. However, it may take longer with more severe cases.