Associated symptoms

A slipped disc is accompanied by stabbing pain. If the nerves are irritated, it can radiate – depending on the height of the herniation – into the arms, costal arches or legs. In addition, numbness, muscle weakness or pareses can occur.

Osteoporosis is usually accompanied by diffuse back pain. In addition, it can lead to a hunchback, a reduction in height and vertebral body fractures. Fractures of the vertebral bodies then occur primarily in post-menopausal women.

Slipped vertebrae are usually accompanied by load-dependent pain, which may radiate into the buttocks and thigh. Furthermore, affected persons usually have pain when the back is tilted back. Fatigue, weight loss and fever can be general symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.

The back pain usually sets in gradually, is independent of position and can be felt especially at night. In the morning, affected persons usually describe a stiffness of the back. Back stiffness and pain usually improve with movement.

In addition, pain can occur at bone-tendon transitions (enteropathies), for example at the Achilles tendon. Persistent diarrhea is usually a sign of a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, which can be accompanied by back pain associated with enteropathic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is usually preceded by the skin symptoms of psoriasis vulgaris.

In this case, scaly, inflamed, sharply defined redness forms on the skin.These are mainly found on the extensor sides of the arms and legs, on the hairy scalp and the lower back. Sometimes the skin areas are also accompanied by itching. Scoliosis can lead to respiratory problems if the spine is severely deformed. If the heart or lungs are the cause of the pain, it usually occurs suddenly and very strongly and is usually accompanied by shortness of breath. The gallbladder can cause pain in the right shoulder in the event of stones or inflammation.

Diagnostics for back pain

When making a diagnosis, it is important to take an interview (anamnesis). Previous activities or accidents may indicate the cause of the back pain. On the other hand, it is important to describe accompanying symptoms, the course of the back pain and its first occurrence.

Furthermore, the quality, strength, type and duration of the back pain should be questioned and whether there are factors that improve or aggravate the pain. A physical examination, in which the back is examined, palpated and patted, can also provide information about the underlying cause. Lungs and heart should also be listened to.

Furthermore, a blood sample can, for example, indicate possible inflammation. In the blood, certain antibodies specific for diseases, which are often formed in autoimmune diseases, can also indicate the possible cause. In order to exclude osteoporosis, a bone density measurement should be performed in addition to a blood sample.

An ultrasound examination can reveal diseases of the internal organs. Imaging procedures such as X-rays, MRI and CT help to find muscular, skeletal and also organic causes. The exact diagnosis depends on the initial anamnesis and physical examination, as these provide information about the underlying cause.