Definition
Back pain is very common in Germany. A distinction is made between acute (sudden) pain and permanent (chronic) back pain. One speaks of chronic back pain if the pain lasts longer than three to six months.
There can be many different causes. Muscles and bones – especially the spine – are often the cause of back pain. Lower back pain is particularly common and is usually chronic. Sudden, severe back pain, especially in the chest area, can be a sign of a serious illness, such as a heart attack. It is important to find the cause of the pain.
Causes of back pain
The causes of back pain can be very different. Mostly the problem lies in a tense musculature. Tense muscles can cause pain in the upper, middle and lower back and are usually provoked by incorrect posture and incorrect or excessive strain. For example, prolonged sitting at work can lead to tension and pain in the back.
These diseases can lead to back pain
Wrong, sudden movements can lead to a sudden shooting pain, commonly known as lumbago. Flu-like infections can also be accompanied by back pain (aching limbs). Furthermore, slipped discs, which occur mainly in the lower back, and vertebral blockages can lead to back pain.
Accidents can result in vertebral fractures and cause pain in the back. Spondylolisthesis, in which one or more vertebrae slide forward, can also cause pain. Spondylolisthesis is often caused by sports such as gymnastics, dolphin swimming, javelin throwing or weight lifting, but can also be caused by spinal injuries or wear and tear.
A bone loss (osteoporosis) can also be responsible for the pain. In addition, inflammatory changes caused by autoimmune diseases are sometimes the cause of back pain. For example, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis or enteropathic arthritis can cause inflammation in the back and subsequent pain.
Psoriatic arthritis often occurs in connection with the skin disease psoriasis vulgaris, in which chronic herds of dandruff on inflamed skin occur mainly on the extensor sides of the arms and legs. Enteropathic arthritis can occur in the course of a chronic inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease. Skeletal deformations such as scoliosis or changes in rib-vertebral joints can also be responsible for back pain.
In children, especially those between 10 and 13 years of age, and back pain, a growth-related M. Scheuermann should be considered. Rarely tumors can be responsible for pain. In some cases, diseases of internal organs such as kidneys, heart, lungs or gallbladder can trigger back pain.
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