Back pain can have many causes

A good third of all Germans complain about Back painBut not all back pain is the same: it is often a symptom of an internal disease. Therefore, early and precise investigation into the cause is recommended when back pain occurs.

A good third of all Germans complain of back pain. The most common pain is in the lumbar spine area. But not all back pain is the same: it is often a symptom of an internal disease. Therefore, early and precise investigation into the cause is recommended when back pain occurs.

If the cause of the pain comes from the spine itself, it is often a simple muscle tension, slipped discs or even vertebral fractures. "What is often dismissed as lumbago sometimes turns out to be a warning sign of the onset of osteoporosis - especially in older women," reports Dr. Reinhold Lunow, internist and medical director of the Practice Clinic for Diagnostics and Preventive Medicine Bornheim near Cologne and Bonn. "This bone loss often goes undetected for a long time. Chronic, recurring, severe back pain is often the first symptom in people at increased risk. If osteoporosis is detected early, effective treatment can be initiated to prevent the disease from progressing."

Back pain can also be caused by inflammation. If the symptoms last longer than three months and worsen at night and in the morning, as well as when resting, this may be an indication of ankylosing spondylitis: chronic inflammatory processes in the spine that usually begin at the lower end of the spine and, if left untreated, can lead to gradual stiffening.

 "Men between the ages of 20 and 45 are affected twice as often as women. Here too, only exercise and drug therapy that begins as early as possible can stop the progression of the disease and thus prevent further decomposition of the joints and curvature of the spine," explains Dr. Lunow.

Internal causes of back pain

In addition, back pain must always be considered as a possible cause of an internal disease:

Acute severe pain can be a sign of Heart attack, pulmonary embolism or gastritis.

Pain in the lumbar spine area may be a sign of pyelonephritis, kidney or ureter stones, or a gynecological disease.

Unclear pain radiating to the back can be caused by pancreatitis, shingles, Lyme disease or biliary colic.

Psychological stress can also be the cause of back pain. This increases the sensitivity of the nerves that control the muscles. The muscles are permanently tense, leading to tension in the back muscles that support the spine. Depending on which region is affected, this can lead to neck, shoulder or back pain.

practice clinic Bornheim: Interior Medicine and general medicine can help

The multitude of possible causes makes it clear that those affected should not hesitate to seek medical attention. Only after a thorough Check-up the appropriate treatment can be determined.

“In our practice, we combine internal medicine procedures with general medicine,” explains Dr. Lunow. “Especially for back pain, various procedures and relaxation exercises or tips for a healthier Nutrition proven."

back pain: Sports only after medical consultation

Likewise, only after consultation with the Doctor Back pain can be countered with exercise and sport. "Movements that involve the whole body promote blood circulation and ease painful muscle tension. Swimming, walking, hiking or walking, cycling and cross-country skiing are particularly suitable here," says Dr. Lunow. A positive side effect: overall physical resilience increases.

"Many complaints, especially back and joint pain, improve when you keep moving," says Dr. Lunow. "It's best to stay active in the long term and make physical exercise a regular part of your everyday life."

(Images: Fotowerk; Sebastian Kaulitzki/fotolia.com)