Nonspecific back pain refers to pain in the back due to an unknown cause.
See also: Low back pain
Alternative Names
Back pain - nonspecific
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Back pain is one of the most common complaints treated by physicians. Nearly four out of five people will have back pain at some time in their life. Most of the time, the exact cause of the pain can not be found.
Back pain can develop in association with a number of causes, including muscle strain, injury to the back, overuse, muscle disorders, pressure on a nerve root, poor posture, and many others. Pregnant women, smokers, construction workers, and people who do repetitive lifting all have increased risk of back pain. .
Symptoms
Low back pain
Pain in any part of the back
Pain may radiate to the buttocks or upper leg(s)
Signs and tests
A physical examination focused on the back, the abdomen, and the extremities may confirm back pain or muscle spasm, but the examination does not reveal a specific cause (such as a herniated disk) or any neurological problem (such as weakness or change in sensation).
X-rays of the spine are usually normal. Further work-up may include a CT scan or MRI of the spine.
Treatment
Most nonspecific back pain is probably caused by muscle strain. It usually responds to 2-5 days of rest and pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which includes ibuprofen and naproxen, followed by gradual return to activities. Medications may be needed to reduce muscle spasms.
Physical therapy is often prescribed so the patient follows proper body mechanics (such as good posture and lifting correctly) and to improve strength and flexibility in the spine, abdomen, and legs.
Surgery is not useful for the treatment of nonspecific back pain.
Expectations (prognosis)
Most cases of nonspecific back pain go away on their own or respond to treatment.
Back pain - low (1 image)
Average Rating:
(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Pain felt in your lower back may come from the spine, muscles, nerves, or other structures in that region. It may also radiate from other areas like your mid or upper back, a hernia in the groin, or a problem in the testicles or ovaries. You may feel a variety of symptoms if you've hurt your back. You may have a tingling or burning sensation, a dull aching, or sharp pain. You also may experience weakness in your legs or feet. It won't necessarily be one event that actually causes your pain. You may have been doing many things improperly - like standing, sitting, or lifting - for a long time. Then suddenly, one simple movement, like reaching for something in the shower or bending from your waist, leads to the feeling of pain. Reviewer: Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 05/05/2008
Backaches and stress (5 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Question: Can stress cause backaches? Answer: Stress can make you more likely to get a backache. Also, reducing stress can help you recover more quickly from a back injury. But, be careful not to blame back pain on stress, because you may be overlooking a serious cause. It is important to see a doctor right away if: Your back pain extends to the buttocks, arms, or legs; You have weakness or numbness in your arms or legs; You have any loss of bladder or bowel control; The pain wakes you up from sleep. See also: Low back pain Reviewer: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 08/06/2007
Herniated nucleus pulposus (4 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
A herniated nucleus pulposus is a slipped disk along the spinal cord. The condition occurs when all or part of the soft center of a spinal disk is forced through a weakened part of the disk. Reviewer: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 05/12/2008
Compression fractures of the back (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Compression fractures of the back are broken vertebrae, which are the bones of the spine. Reviewer: Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 05/05/2008
Tailbone trauma (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Tailbone trauma is an injury to the small bone at the lower tip of the spine. Reviewer: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 08/12/2008
Scoliosis (8 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Scoliosis is a curving of the spine. The spine curves away from the middle or sideways. Reviewer: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/27/2008
Kyphosis (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Kyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing of the back, which leads to a hunchback or slouching posture. Reviewer: Andrew L Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 07/17/2008
Lordosis (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Lordosis is an increased curving of the spine. Reviewer: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/27/2008
Diskitis (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Diskitis is swelling (inflammation) and irritation of the space between the bones of the spine (intervertebral disk space. Reviewer: Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 07/17/2008
Lumbosacral spine x-ray (6 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
A lumbosacral spine x-ray is a picture of the small bones (vertebrae) in the lower part of the spine (the lumbar region) and the sacrum, the area that connects the spine to the pelvis. Reviewer: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/22/2009
Lumbosacral spine CT (5 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
A lumbosacral spine CT is a computed topography scan of the lower spine and surrounding tissues. Reviewer: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 08/11/2008
Back strain treatment (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Question: What should be done for a back strain? Answer: A common misconception about back pain is that you need to rest and avoid activity for a long time. In fact, bed rest is NOT recommended. If you have no sign of a serious cause for your back pain (such as loss of bowel or bladder control, weakness, weight loss, or fever), then you should stay as active as possible. Here are some tips for how to handle back pain and activity early on: Stop normal physical activity only for the first few days. This helps calm your symptoms and reduce any swelling (inflammation) in the area of the pain; Apply heat or ice to the painful area. One good method is to use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat after that; Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol; Sleep in a curled-up, fetal position with a pillow between your legs. If you usually sleep on your back, place a pillow or rolled towel under your knees to relieve pressure; Do NOT perform activities that involve heavy lifting or twisting of your back for the first 6 weeks after the pain begins; Avoid exercise in the days right after the pain begins. After 2 to 3 weeks, however, slowly begin to exercise again (it's helpful to get advice from a physical therapist. You can start getting back to regular activities after a few days. See also: Low back pain Reviewer: Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 05/05/2008
Diskectomy (5 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Diskectomy is surgery to remove all or part of a cushion that helps protect your spinal column. These cushions, called disks, separate your spinal bones (vertebrae. When one of your disks herniates (moves out of place), the soft gel inside pushes through the wall of the disk. The disk may then place pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that are coming out of your spinal column. Reviewer: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 03/04/2009
Spinal fusion (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Spinal fusion is surgery to fuse spine bones (vertebrae) that cause you to have back problems. Fusing means two bones are permanently placed together so there is no longer movement between them. Spinal fusion is usually done along with other surgical procedures of the spine. Reviewer: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 03/04/2009
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