Back pain is more common between ages 30 and 60. However the symptoms become less visible after 60, since the elderly do not put so much stress on their bones and muscles, compared to the younger generations.
Nonetheless, back pain is one of the most common health issues experience by people over 60 and over 700 million people all over the world are affected by it.
What are the causes of back pain?
There are many causes for back pain. It can be due to muscle spasms, sprains, pain in the joints that happens as the years pass and many more.
As people grow older, the spinal canal can become narrower, partially due to arthritis, but it usually will not cause damage to the spine.
Osteoporosis is another cause of back pain and can even cause fractures. Other causes include shingles and heart problems.
When is it time to see your doctor?
In most cases, back pains that are related with our muscles and bones pass by resting, sleeping in a hard mattress and by taking painkillers. If the pain persists or it is accompanied by other symptoms then we should seek medical attention immediately as there might be need for cardiological or neurological exams.
You should consult your doctor when:
- You are under great pain that will not go away.
- The pain comes and goes.
- The pain expands towards other areas such as the genitals or towards the waist.
- There is numbing or tingling.
- Your arms and legs are feeling weak.
- You are having difficulty in urinating or defecating.
- The pain is accompanied by fever or vomit.
According to a recent study conducted in Australia and published in the European Journal of Pain, members of the aged population that suffer from back pain, are often in worse health than those who don’t.
Considering that in the coming years the aged population is set to increase, back pains will be one of the most common health problems doctors will have to face.
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