Is it normal to have back pain for years?

Back pain is considered chronic if it lasts three months or longer. It can come and go, often bringing temporary relief, followed by frustration. Dealing with chronic back pain can be especially trying if you don’t know the cause.

What does it mean when your whole back hurts?

Upper and middle back pain may be caused by: Overuse, muscle strain, or injury to the muscles, ligaments, and discs that support your spine. Poor posture. Pressure on the spinal nerves from certain problems, such as a herniated disc.

What are the symptoms of thoracic spine nerve damage?

What Are the Symptoms of Thoracic Spine Nerve Damage?

• Significant leg weakness or loss of sensation.
• Loss of feeling in genitals or rectal region.
• No control of urine or stool.
• Fever and lower back pain.
• A fall or injury that caused the pain.

When should I be worried about back pain?

If your lower back pain is accompanied by other troubling symptoms, it may require immediate medical attention. Seek immediate medical care if your lower back pain is experienced in tandem with any of the following symptoms: Increasing weakness in your legs. Loss of bladder and/or bowel control.

What does a herniated disc in the thoracic spine feel like?

The symptoms of a herniated disc in the thoracic area usually include: Pain that travels around the body and into one or both legs. Numbness or tingling in areas of one or both legs. Muscle weakness in certain muscles of one or both legs.

How do I release a trapped nerve in my back?

Home-based remedies

1. Rest. You may find that certain seated positions or activities that cause you to twist or lift make your pinched nerve worse.
2. Ice and heat. Applying ice or heat for 20 minutes a few times a day may reduce pain and muscle spasms.
3. Frequent movement.
4. Sleeping position modifications.

When does back pain become serious?

If back pain can be associated with a specific activity, such as lifting or twisting wrong, and the pain goes away within 72 hours after resting and applying ice, it’s usually nothing to worry about. However, if pain creeps on gradually, appears suddenly, or doesn’t go away, you might have a more serious condition.

What are the 3 categories of back pain?

3 Types of Back Pain and What They Mean

• Acute Pain. Acute pain, or short-term pain, can last anywhere from a day up to four weeks.
• Subacute Pain. Subacute pain lasts anywhere from four to 12 weeks.
• Chronic Pain. Chronic pain lasts longer than 12 weeks.

What if my lower back pain doesn’t go away?

Back pain that won’t go away is an indicator of something serious. It is best to get the assistance of a medical professional, because in certain cases, you may even require surgery or other types of comprehensive treatment. Don’t risk exacerbating the situation, and visit a doctor as soon as you can.

Can muscle strain cause spasms in the lower back?

A common location for muscle strains is the lower back. In addition to causing sudden pain and lingering soreness, muscle strains can also cause painful back spasms. 2  Facet joints are the bones that connect the different portions of your spine.

What can I expect after back surgery for sciatica?

Sometimes patients experience good pain relief early on after their surgery, but as the scar tissue slowly forms, the pain relief diminishes, and leg and back pain recurs or increases. Occasionally the nerve damage from the original cause of the patient’s pain makes the nerve heal more slowly.

How reliable are MRI and X-rays for low back pain?

MRI and x-ray for low back pain are surprisingly unreliable, 1 because things like bulging discs usually aren’t a big deal, 2 most back pain goes away on its own, 3 and trigger points (“muscle knots”) are common and can be worrisomely intense but aren’t dangerous. 4 Most patients are much better off when they feel confident about these things.

Are you still experiencing pain after back surgery?

If you are still experiencing pain following your back surgery don’t despair. Learn about the possible causes of this pain and what you can do about it. Despite careful diagnosis and a successful operation, some patients may still experience pain after their back surgery.