Back Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Many people report experiencing sudden back pain. Persistent or intermittent back pain (mainly in the lumbar spine region) not only affects mobility and work performance but can also lead to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life.

1. What does back pain indicate?

Back pain refers to discomfort that can occur anywhere along the back, from the base of the neck to the top of the buttocks. It is a common symptom of injuries and various medical conditions in this area.

2. Symptoms of back pain

Back pain may be mild, persistent, severe, or episodic. Sometimes, it may be accompanied by muscle stiffness or tightness, numbness, or weakness in the limbs. The pain may even radiate from the back to other areas such as the buttocks, hips, or legs.

Certain positions (such as standing up, bending over, or lying down) may worsen or relieve the pain. The pain may also be worse at certain times of day (such as early in the morning when waking up).

3. Types of back pain

Back pain is categorized into three types:

• Acute pain: Lasts less than 4 weeks.
• Subacute pain: Lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
• Chronic pain: Lasts more than 12 weeks.

4. Common areas where back pain occurs

Back pain can occur in different areas, such as:

4.1 Upper back pain

Upper back pain occurs from the neck to the bottom of the rib cage, most commonly between vertebrae T1 to T12. The pain may start suddenly and disappear or persist, often accompanied by burning sensations, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness.

4.2 Mid-back pain

Mid-back pain is common and can affect anyone, presenting as dull or sharp pain, chest tightness, tingling in the chest or limbs, which can significantly affect daily life.

4.3 Lower back pain

Lower back pain, or lumbar spine pain, may result from natural aging, heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or being overweight. Without timely treatment, it may become persistent, accompanied by burning, muscle spasms, and discomfort, seriously affecting quality of life.

4.4 One-sided back pain (left/right)

Pain may occur on one side of the back, either left or right. This condition may indicate joint misalignment in the pelvic area, lumbar spine, or hip joints and requires timely medical examination for proper treatment.

5. What does back pain indicate?

Back pain can be a symptom of serious medical conditions, including:

5.1 Herniated lumbar disc

When excessive force causes the disc nucleus to herniate through a tear, it compresses nearby nerves, causing dull or continuous pain in the lower back or hips, which worsens with coughing, sneezing, or strenuous activity.

5.2 Lumbar spine degeneration

Degeneration occurs in the cartilage and discs. When the lumbar spine degenerates, patients experience persistent lower back pain that worsens when bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects.

5.3 Spinal bone spurs

A common manifestation of lumbar spine degeneration, bone spurs grow and rub against other bones or surrounding soft tissue, causing pain, especially when standing or moving. The pain may radiate down both legs or along the spine.

5.4 Sciatica

The sciatic nerve runs from the spinal cord down to the hips and legs. Sciatica is characterized by lower back pain radiating down the legs along the nerve’s path, often accompanied by tingling, burning, or numbness.

5.5 Lumbar spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal due to various causes, compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. Causes include bone spurs, ligament thickening, herniated discs, or spinal arthritis. Symptoms include lower back pain radiating to the legs, which may eventually lead to paralysis if untreated.

5.6 Scoliosis causing back pain

In adults, scoliosis (adult-onset) can lead to lower back pain and joint stiffness, often caused by disc degeneration, facet joint arthritis, and vertebral collapse, with symptoms of leg pain or numbness.

5.7 Spinal tumors

Rarely, back pain may result from a tumor in or around the spine. These abnormal tissue growths compress the spinal cord, causing mild to severe pain. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent metastasis.

5.8 Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them brittle and prone to fractures. It often shows no symptoms until bones become severely weakened, causing vertebral fractures or collapses, resulting in intense back pain.

6. Other causes of back pain

Other factors that may cause back pain include:

• Natural aging increases back pain risk.
• Prolonged sitting and lack of exercise weaken back and abdominal muscles.
• Injuries such as sprains and strains from lifting while twisting.
• Infections affecting the vertebrae.
• Smoking reduces spinal blood flow and increases osteoporosis risk.
• Overweight or obesity increases pressure on the spine.

7. Complications of back pain

Long-term back pain can lead to:

• Sleep disturbances: Night pain makes it hard to sleep, leading to concentration issues, memory decline, weight gain, and depression.
• Reduced sexual desire: Pain may cause one partner to avoid intimacy, affecting relationships.
• Limited mobility: Severe cases may result in leg weakness or numbness, loss of sensation, or even urinary dysfunction.

8. Home remedies for back pain relief

8.1 Rest and relaxation

Sometimes, back pain results from overuse, and simple rest can alleviate the discomfort.

8.2 Hot and cold compresses

Useful for pain accompanied by swelling or inflammation. Do not apply for more than 20 minutes at a time.

8.3 Wear low-heeled shoes

High heels increase pressure on the lower back. Women should limit high heels and opt for flat or low-heeled shoes (under 3 cm).

8.4 Gentle exercise

Prolonged sitting or lying is harmful. Light activities such as walking, yoga, or swimming can strengthen the spine.

8.5 Adjust sleeping posture

Use extra pillows to relax back muscles depending on your preferred sleeping position:

• If lying on your back: place a pillow under your knees.
• If lying on your side: place a pillow between your knees.
• If lying on your stomach: place a pillow under your hips and pelvis.

9. When to see a doctor for back pain?

You should see a doctor if:

• The pain is severe and does not improve after one week.
• There’s unexplained weight loss.
• Urine is cloudy, bloody, painful, or groin pain occurs.
• Chest and back pain when coughing (possible infections like pneumonia or bronchitis).

10. Diagnosing back pain

Besides physical examination, doctors may request specialized tests to determine the cause:

• X-ray: detects arthritis or fractures.
• MRI or CT scans: assess discs, vertebrae, tissues, tendons, nerves, ligaments, blood vessels, muscles, and bones, especially tumors or compression fractures.
• EMG (electromyography): detects nerve compression from herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

11. How is back pain treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and condition:

11.1 Pain medication

Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are commonly used for immediate relief. However, overuse can cause serious side effects (ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver/kidney damage, high blood pressure).

11.2 Surgery

Surgery may be considered if conservative treatments fail. However, surgery carries risks such as infection, nerve damage, fibrosis, muscle weakness, bleeding, or paralysis.

11.3 Chiropractic care

Chiropractic treatment is widely used in the U.S. and other advanced countries. Through gentle adjustments, chiropractors realign misaligned structures, relieving nerve compression — the root cause of back pain. Doctors may also recommend physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises to speed up recovery.

12. Where is the best place to treat back pain?

ACC is a pioneer in applying Chiropractic Therapy for musculoskeletal conditions in Vietnam. We are committed to providing the best treatment experience:

• International Chiropractic doctors: All trained at top universities and with international experience, familiar with Vietnamese musculoskeletal conditions.
• Modern equipment: ACC invests in advanced equipment such as DTS spinal decompression, ATM2 therapy, Shockwave, Class IV laser, Vertetrac decompression, improving treatment success rates.
• International standard facilities: Comfortable and relaxing spaces for comprehensive healthcare.
• Dedicated staff: Attentive staff follow patients closely throughout treatment, providing timely support.
• Efficient processes: No long waits due to optimized appointment booking and streamlined procedures.

13. How to prevent back pain early

13.1 When lifting heavy objects

Squat down with a straight back, head up. Use your legs to lift rather than bending or twisting, which can injure your back.

13.2 Maintain a healthy weight

This reduces pressure on the spine, limits damage progression, and decreases spinal sensitivity.

13.3 Nutrition

Ensure sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health. A healthy diet also helps control body weight.

13.4 Mattress choice

Use a mattress that keeps the spine straight while supporting shoulders and hips — neither too firm nor too soft.

13.5 For office workers

Maintain proper posture (sit upright, with suitable desk height, back support), change positions often, and stand or move every hour.

13.6 Regular exercise

Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, focusing on strengthening abdominal, back, and leg muscles to reduce back strain during lifting.

See 6 simple back pain exercises guided by ACC specialists:

With this information, you can see that back pain can interfere with daily activities and work, silently diminishing quality of life. Sometimes, the pain may be temporary, but in other cases, it signals serious medical conditions. Therefore, when abnormal symptoms or back pain occur, consult a doctor as soon as possible for timely diagnosis and treatment.