{"id":10696,"date":"2025-06-17T15:40:45","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T08:40:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/?p=10696"},"modified":"2026-03-10T11:34:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T04:34:59","slug":"back-pain-symptoms-causes-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/back-pain-symptoms-causes-and-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Back Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#1_What_does_back_pain_indicate\">1. What does back pain indicate?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_Symptoms_of_back_pain\">2. Symptoms of back pain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_Types_of_back_pain\">3. Types of back pain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4_Common_areas_where_back_pain_occurs\">4. Common areas where back pain occurs<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#41_Upper_back_pain\">4.1 Upper back pain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#42_Mid-back_pain\">4.2 Mid-back pain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#43_Lower_back_pain\">4.3 Lower back pain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#44_One-sided_back_pain_leftright\">4.4 One-sided back pain (left\/right)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#5_What_does_back_pain_indicate\">5. What does back pain indicate?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#51_Herniated_lumbar_disc\">5.1 Herniated lumbar disc<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#52_Lumbar_spine_degeneration\">5.2 Lumbar spine degeneration<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#53_Spinal_bone_spurs\">5.3 Spinal bone spurs<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#54_Sciatica\">5.4 Sciatica<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#55_Lumbar_spinal_stenosis\">5.5 Lumbar spinal stenosis<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#56_Scoliosis_causing_back_pain\">5.6 Scoliosis causing back pain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#57_Spinal_tumors\">5.7 Spinal tumors<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#58_Osteoporosis\">5.8 Osteoporosis<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#6_Other_causes_of_back_pain\">6. Other causes of back pain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#7_Complications_of_back_pain\">7. Complications of back pain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#8_Home_remedies_for_back_pain_relief\">8. Home remedies for back pain relief<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#81_Rest_and_relaxation\">8.1 Rest and relaxation<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#82_Hot_and_cold_compresses\">8.2 Hot and cold compresses<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#83_Wear_low-heeled_shoes\">8.3 Wear low-heeled shoes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#84_Gentle_exercise\">8.4 Gentle exercise<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#85_Adjust_sleeping_posture\">8.5 Adjust sleeping posture<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#9_When_to_see_a_doctor_for_back_pain\">9. When to see a doctor for back pain?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#10_Diagnosing_back_pain\">10. Diagnosing back pain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#11_How_is_back_pain_treated\">11. How is back pain treated?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#111_Pain_medication\">11.1 Pain medication<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#112_Surgery\">11.2 Surgery<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#113_Chiropractic_care\">11.3 Chiropractic care<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#12_Where_is_the_best_place_to_treat_back_pain\">12. Where is the best place to treat back pain?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#13_How_to_prevent_back_pain_early\">13. How to prevent back pain early<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#131_When_lifting_heavy_objects\">13.1 When lifting heavy objects<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#132_Maintain_a_healthy_weight\">13.2 Maintain a healthy weight<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#133_Nutrition\">13.3 Nutrition<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#134_Mattress_choice\">13.4 Mattress choice<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#135_For_office_workers\">13.5 For office workers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#136_Regular_exercise\">13.6 Regular exercise<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"1_What_does_back_pain_indicate\"><b>1. What does back pain indicate?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10702\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10702\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/what-disease-does-back-pain-indicate.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-10702 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/what-disease-does-back-pain-indicate.png\" alt=\"what disease does back pain indicate\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/what-disease-does-back-pain-indicate.png 600w, https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/what-disease-does-back-pain-indicate-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10702\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The incidence of back pain in young people is increasing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"2_Symptoms_of_back_pain\"><b>2. Symptoms of back pain<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"3_Types_of_back_pain\"><b>3. Types of back pain<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Back pain is categorized into three types:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Acute pain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Lasts less than 4 weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Subacute pain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Lasts 4 to 12 weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Chronic pain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Lasts more than 12 weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"4_Common_areas_where_back_pain_occurs\"><b>4. Common areas where back pain occurs<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Back pain can occur in different areas, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"41_Upper_back_pain\"><b>4.1 Upper back pain<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"42_Mid-back_pain\"><b>4.2 Mid-back pain<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"43_Lower_back_pain\"><b>4.3 Lower back pain<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"44_One-sided_back_pain_leftright\"><b>4.4 One-sided back pain (left\/right)<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10701\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10701\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/one-sided-back-pain.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-10701 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/one-sided-back-pain.jpg\" alt=\"one-sided back pain\" width=\"600\" height=\"324\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/one-sided-back-pain.jpg 600w, https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/one-sided-back-pain-300x162.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10701\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The cause of back pain can vary depending on its location.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"5_What_does_back_pain_indicate\"><b>5. What does back pain indicate?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Back pain can be a symptom of serious medical conditions, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"51_Herniated_lumbar_disc\"><b>5.1 Herniated lumbar disc<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"52_Lumbar_spine_degeneration\"><b>5.2 Lumbar spine degeneration<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"53_Spinal_bone_spurs\"><b>5.3 Spinal bone spurs<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"54_Sciatica\"><b>5.4 Sciatica<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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\u2019s path, often accompanied by tingling, burning, or numbness.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10700\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10700\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/what-illness-causes-back-pain.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-10700 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/what-illness-causes-back-pain.png\" alt=\"what illness causes back pain\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/what-illness-causes-back-pain.png 600w, https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/what-illness-causes-back-pain-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10700\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Back pain caused by herniated discs compressing the sciatic nerve is a common condition in the elderly.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"55_Lumbar_spinal_stenosis\"><b>5.5 Lumbar spinal stenosis<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"56_Scoliosis_causing_back_pain\"><b>5.6 Scoliosis causing back pain<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"57_Spinal_tumors\"><b>5.7 Spinal tumors<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"58_Osteoporosis\"><b>5.8 Osteoporosis<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"6_Other_causes_of_back_pain\"><b>6. Other causes of back pain<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Other factors that may cause back pain include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Natural aging increases back pain risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prolonged sitting and lack of exercise weaken back and abdominal muscles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Injuries such as sprains and strains from lifting while twisting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Infections affecting the vertebrae.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Smoking reduces spinal blood flow and increases osteoporosis risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overweight or obesity increases pressure on the spine.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10699\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10699\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/causes-of-back-pain.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-10699 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/causes-of-back-pain.jpg\" alt=\"causes of back pain\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/causes-of-back-pain.jpg 600w, https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/causes-of-back-pain-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10699\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pregnancy-related rapid weight gain and hormonal changes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"7_Complications_of_back_pain\"><b>7. Complications of back pain<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Long-term back pain can lead to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Sleep disturbances<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Night pain makes it hard to sleep, leading to concentration issues, memory decline, weight gain, and depression.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Reduced sexual desire<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Pain may cause one partner to avoid intimacy, affecting relationships.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Limited mobility<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Severe cases may result in leg weakness or numbness, loss of sensation, or even urinary dysfunction.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"8_Home_remedies_for_back_pain_relief\"><b>8. Home remedies for back pain relief<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"81_Rest_and_relaxation\"><b>8.1 Rest and relaxation<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sometimes, back pain results from overuse, and simple rest can alleviate the discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"82_Hot_and_cold_compresses\"><b>8.2 Hot and cold compresses<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Useful for pain accompanied by swelling or inflammation. Do not apply for more than 20 minutes at a time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"83_Wear_low-heeled_shoes\"><b>8.3 Wear low-heeled shoes<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">High heels increase pressure on the lower back. Women should limit high heels and opt for flat or low-heeled shoes (under 3 cm).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"84_Gentle_exercise\"><b>8.4 Gentle exercise<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prolonged sitting or lying is harmful. Light activities such as walking, yoga, or swimming can strengthen the spine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"85_Adjust_sleeping_posture\"><b>8.5 Adjust sleeping posture<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use extra pillows to relax back muscles depending on your preferred sleeping position:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If lying on your back: place a pillow under your knees.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If lying on your side: place a pillow between your knees.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If lying on your stomach: place a pillow under your hips and pelvis.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10698\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10698\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/sleeping-positions-for-back-pain.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-10698 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/sleeping-positions-for-back-pain.jpg\" alt=\"sleeping positions for back pain\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/sleeping-positions-for-back-pain.jpg 600w, https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/sleeping-positions-for-back-pain-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10698\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The correct sleeping position can help the back feel more comfortable and reduce pain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"9_When_to_see_a_doctor_for_back_pain\"><b>9. When to see a doctor for back pain?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You should see a doctor if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The pain is severe and does not improve after one week.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There\u2019s unexplained weight loss.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Urine is cloudy, bloody, painful, or groin pain occurs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chest and back pain when coughing (possible infections like pneumonia or bronchitis).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"10_Diagnosing_back_pain\"><b>10. Diagnosing back pain<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Besides physical examination, doctors may request specialized tests to determine the cause:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>X-ray<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: detects arthritis or fractures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>MRI or CT scans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: assess discs, vertebrae, tissues, tendons, nerves, ligaments, blood vessels, muscles, and bones, especially tumors or compression fractures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>EMG (electromyography)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: detects nerve compression from herniated discs or spinal stenosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"11_How_is_back_pain_treated\"><b>11. How is back pain treated?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Treatment depends on the cause and condition:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"111_Pain_medication\"><b>11.1 Pain medication<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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).<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10697\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10697\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/back-pain-relief-medication.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-10697 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/back-pain-relief-medication.png\" alt=\"back pain relief medication\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/back-pain-relief-medication.png 600w, https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/06\/back-pain-relief-medication-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10697\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">When experiencing back pain, many people tend to buy medicine on their own, but this is an extremely dangerous habit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"112_Surgery\"><b>11.2 Surgery<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Surgery may be considered if conservative treatments fail. However, surgery carries risks such as infection, nerve damage, fibrosis, muscle weakness, bleeding, or paralysis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"113_Chiropractic_care\"><b>11.3 Chiropractic care<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chiropractic treatment is widely used in the U.S. and other advanced countries. Through gentle adjustments, chiropractors realign misaligned structures, relieving nerve compression \u2014 the root cause of back pain. Doctors may also recommend physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises to speed up recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"12_Where_is_the_best_place_to_treat_back_pain\"><b>12. Where is the best place to treat back pain?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">ACC is a pioneer in applying Chiropractic Therapy for musculoskeletal conditions in Vietnam. We are committed to providing the best treatment experience:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>International Chiropractic doctors<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: All trained at top universities and with international experience, familiar with Vietnamese musculoskeletal conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Modern equipment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: ACC invests in advanced equipment such as DTS spinal decompression, ATM2 therapy, Shockwave, Class IV laser, Vertetrac decompression, improving treatment success rates.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>International standard facilities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Comfortable and relaxing spaces for comprehensive healthcare.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Dedicated staff<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Attentive staff follow patients closely throughout treatment, providing timely support.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Efficient processes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: No long waits due to optimized appointment booking and streamlined procedures.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"13_How_to_prevent_back_pain_early\"><b>13. How to prevent back pain early<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"131_When_lifting_heavy_objects\"><b>13.1 When lifting heavy objects<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Squat down with a straight back, head up. Use your legs to lift rather than bending or twisting, which can injure your back.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"132_Maintain_a_healthy_weight\"><b>13.2 Maintain a healthy weight<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This reduces pressure on the spine, limits damage progression, and decreases spinal sensitivity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"133_Nutrition\"><b>13.3 Nutrition<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ensure sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health. A healthy diet also helps control body weight.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"134_Mattress_choice\"><b>13.4 Mattress choice<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use a mattress that keeps the spine straight while supporting shoulders and hips \u2014 neither too firm nor too soft.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"135_For_office_workers\"><b>13.5 For office workers<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maintain proper posture (sit upright, with suitable desk height, back support), change positions often, and stand or move every hour.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span id=\"136_Regular_exercise\"><b>13.6 Regular exercise<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, focusing on strengthening abdominal, back, and leg muscles to reduce back strain during lifting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">See 6 simple back pain exercises guided by ACC specialists:<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Contents1. What does back pain indicate?2. Symptoms of back pain3. Types of back pain4. Common areas where back pain occurs4.1 Upper back pain4.2 Mid-back pain4.3 Lower back pain4.4 One-sided back pain (left\/right)5. What does back pain indicate?5.1 Herniated lumbar disc5.2 Lumbar spine degeneration5.3 Spinal bone spurs5.4 Sciatica5.5 Lumbar spinal stenosis5.6 Scoliosis causing back pain5.7 Spinal &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/acc.vn\/en\/back-pain-symptoms-causes-and-treatment\/\" class=\"more-link\">View more ><span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Back Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":10700,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[83,31],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v15.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Back Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment - ACC English<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Signs of back pain may include sudden discomfort from herniated discs, scoliosis, osteoporosis, or bone spurs. 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