BACK PAIN - SYMPTOMS

Pain is our body's way of telling us that something's wrong.  It is like a built in alarm system, to tell us to stop doing something which may be harmful to the body. 

The feeling of pain is also very subjective.  What may be perceived as being very painful to someone, may be felt more as a discomfort to another.  This  difference in perception is highly influenced by personality, cultural differences, circumstances under which it occurs etc. 

The affected part of the back, most commonly the lower back and neck, may feel anything from a dull, tight ache, to an acute stabbing pain.  This pain may be triggered by a number of factors including:

• Lifting, pushing or pulling heavy loads

• Sitting for extended periods of time

• Standing or bending down for extended periods of time

• Poor posture

• Being overweight

• Being pregnant

• Sleeping on an unsuitable mattress

"Red Flag" Symptoms

Symptoms associated with back pain that would warrant seeing your doctor urgently include:

• Fever, chills, cold sweats

• Weakness, numbness, pain or tingling sensation down a limb (indicating nerve compression)

• Numbness around the anal region or difficulty getting an erection

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

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