Editorial, Int J Glob Health Vol: 7 Issue: 2

Back Pain: Causes, Management, and Prevention

Dr. Alex Morgan^*

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,University of Wellington Health Sciences Center,Wellington, New Zealand

*Corresponding Author:

Dr. Alex Morgan
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,University of Wellington Health Sciences Center,Wellington, New Zealand
E-mail: alex.morgan@uowhealth.nz

Received: 01-Jun-2025, Manuscript No. ijgh-25-175790; Editor assigned: 4-Jun-2025, Pre-QC No. ijgh-25-175790 (PQ); Reviewed: 18-Jun-2025, QC No. ijgh-25-175790; Revised: 25-Jun-2025, Manuscript No. ijgh-25-175790 (R); Published: 30-Jun-2025, DOI: 10.4172/ijgh.1000201

Citation: Alex M (2025) Back Pain: Causes, Management, and Prevention. Int J Glob Health 7: 201

Abstract

Keywords: Back pain, Musculoskeletal disorders, Physical therapy, Ergonomics, Chronic pain managemen

Keywords

Back pain, Musculoskeletal disorders, Physical therapy, Ergonomics, Chronic pain management

Introduction

Back pain, particularly lower back pain (LBP), is a global health problem affecting millions of people at some point in their lives. It is the most common reason for disability and missed workdays worldwide [1-4]. While most cases of acute back pain resolve spontaneously, a significant proportion of individuals progress to chronic pain, which can significantly reduce functionality and overall well-being. Understanding its multifactorial origins and evidence-based management is essential for clinicians, patients, and public health planners.

Causes of Back Pain

Back pain can arise from a variety of factors, broadly categorized into:

Mechanical Causes

• Muscle strain or ligament sprain
• Herniated or degenerated discs
• Facet joint dysfunction
• Poor posture
• Spinal stenosis

Mechanical causes account for the majority of back pain cases and often result from repetitive stress or sudden injury.

Occupational and Lifestyle Factors

• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Repetitive lifting
• Poor workplace ergonomics
• Sedentary lifestyle and obesity

These factors contribute significantly to chronic back pain prevalence, particularly among office workers.

Psychological and Social Factors

Stress, anxiety, depression, and job dissatisfaction have been shown to exacerbate pain perception, contributing to chronic pain development through biopsychosocial interactions [5].

Medical and Structural Conditions

Less commonly, back pain can indicate underlying systemic or structural conditions such as:

• Osteoporosis
• Inflammatory diseases (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis)
• Infections
• Tumors

Diagnosis

Diagnostic evaluation begins with a thorough clinical history and physical examination. Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT) is recommended primarily for severe, persistent, or red-flag symptoms such as neurological deficits, trauma, or suspected systemic disease. Evidence-based guidelines discourage early imaging for uncomplicated acute back pain.

Management Strategies

Non-Pharmacological Treatments

• Physical therapy: Strengthening, stretching, and stabilization exercises
• Manual therapy: Chiropractic and osteopathic techniques
• Heat and cold therapy
• Acupuncture

Exercise-based therapy remains the cornerstone of effective management.

Pharmacological Management

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Muscle relaxants
• Short-term opioid use (only in severe cases and with caution)

Medication is often used adjunctively with physical rehabilitation.

Interventional Procedures

• Epidural steroid injections
• Nerve blocks
• Radiofrequency ablation

These are reserved for patients who fail conservative treatment.

Surgical Options

Surgery is considered for structural abnormalities (e.g., herniated disc with neurological deficits) or when conservative management fails after an extended period.

Prevention

• Maintaining proper posture
• Engaging in regular physical exercise
• Weight management
• Ergonomic workplace modifications
• Education on proper lifting techniques

Public health initiatives promoting physical activity and ergonomic awareness have shown promise in reducing back pain incidence.

Conclusion

Back pain is a complex and multifactorial condition that significantly impacts global health and productivity. Although most acute cases resolve spontaneously, chronic back pain remains a major challenge. Early diagnosis, patient education, and a multidisciplinary treatment approach are essential to improving outcomes. Continued research and public health strategies are needed to reduce the burden of back pain and enhance long-term quality of life for affected individuals.

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