Why you shouldn't ignore back pain

And when you should definitely act.

Almost everyone experiences back pain at some point in their lives. Many people dismiss it as "normal" - after all, it's the result of sitting for long periods in the office, physical work or "just getting older". But this can be a dangerous misconception. Back pain is often an early warning sign that the body is sending us. Ignoring them can mean that the pain becomes chronic or that serious causes go undetected.

Why does my back hurt at all?

The back is a highly complex system of bones, joints, intervertebral discs, muscles and nerves. It carries us through life every day, protects the spinal cord and enables movement. At the same time, its complexity also makes it susceptible to strain and malfunctions.

The most common causes of back pain include

• Lack of exercise, constant sitting and weak core muscles that do not adequately stabilize the spine
• Stress, which leads to increased muscle tension and influences pain processing in the nervous system
• Poor posture and one-sided strain that lead to muscular imbalances and overloading in the long term
• Age-related signs of wear and tear (degeneration) on intervertebral discs and small vertebral joints

Back pain is therefore usually a sign that the back needs support - be it through more exercise, targeted training or therapeutic measures.

When should you react?

Many cases of back pain are harmless and disappear by themselves after a few days or weeks. However, there are clear warning signs that you should definitely consult a doctor or specialized therapist as soon as possible:

• Pain that radiates to the arms or legs and is accompanied by tingling, numbness or muscle weakness (indication of nerve involvement)
• Very severe, sudden onset of back pain, especially after an accident or fall
• Difficulty urinating or defecating and numbness in the genital or buttock area (possible indication of cauda equina syndrome, an emergency)
• Back pain in conjunction with unexplained weight loss, night sweats or fever, which may indicate inflammation or tumor disease

If in doubt, it is better to have too many medical examinations than to overlook a serious cause.

What happens if you ignore back pain?

If back pain is ignored over a long period of time, it can develop into a chronic pain syndrome. Postures that protect the back often lead to further muscular tension, which intensifies the pain. At the same time, the range of movement becomes smaller, muscles break down and joints become more immobile.

Another problem is the so-called pain memory: if pain persists for weeks or months, the perception of pain in the nervous system changes. Pain stimuli are then perceived more strongly or even without an actual trigger. The result is that pain persists even when the original cause has long since been resolved.

Psychological consequences: When pain hits the mind.

Chronic back pain is not only a physical burden, but can also have a significant impact on the psyche. Over time, many sufferers develop a fear of movement ("I mustn't strain myself or it will get worse") or withdraw from social activities. This increases the risk of depressive moods or even depressive illnesses.

At the same time, studies show that stress, worry and depressive symptoms can themselves intensify the sensation of pain. The result is a vicious circle: pain burdens the psyche, and the burdened psyche in turn intensifies the pain.

It is therefore important to always take a holistic view of back pain and, if necessary, seek psychological support to break this cycle.

What can you do?

In most cases, back pain can be treated well - and prevented even better.

• Exercise is the main remedy. Bed rest should be avoided, except in rare medical exceptions. Instead, regular, even gentle movement is advisable.
• Heat, stretching exercises and relaxation can help to loosen tense muscles.
• If symptoms persist, the cause should be investigated by a specialist, chiropractor or physiotherapist. Functional problems in the small vertebral joints or muscles are often the cause and can be treated specifically.
• Relaxation techniques or psychological procedures can also help to reduce stress and improve the way chronic pain is dealt with.

Conclusion

Back pain is common, but should never be dismissed as harmless. It is often an important signal from the body that needs to be taken seriously. If you react in good time and seek advice, you can prevent acute complaints from becoming chronic - and at the same time ensure a healthy, resilient back and balanced mental well-being.