What causes back pain?

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What you need to know about back pain

The question of “what causes back pain?” occupies our minds, especially when the pain is affecting us. Sometimes, when getting up from the desk, and sometimes when just resting, we feel that familiar discomfort in our back. Moreover, sitting still for long periods in daily life, using the phone with our neck bent forward or while slouching, or remaining in the same position throughout the day can affect our back region more than we think.

Back pain does not always occur due to a single cause, and we often encounter this pain as a result of small habits or together with other serious conditions. In this article, we will examine step by step in which situations back pain may occur, when we should take this pain seriously, and which complaints should be taken into account.

The question “what causes back pain?” is one of the most common complaints we encounter both in the healthcare field and in daily life. Our back region consists of a mobile structure in which muscles, joints, connective tissues, and nerves work together. Sitting in the same position for long periods during the day, leaning forward while using a computer or phone, lifting heavy loads, or making sudden movements can strain the back and lead to muscle spasms.

In addition, posture disorders, inactivity, and choosing an unsuitable mattress or pillow can increase the load on the back region and cause pain. In rare cases, spine-related problems or other underlying conditions may also cause back pain.

Frequently asked questions

What are the causes of back pain in women? What causes back pain during pregnancy?

The causes of back pain in women and back pain during pregnancy can occur due to hormonal changes in women, muscle tension experienced before the menstrual period, and physical loads such as standing for long periods in daily life. These and similar factors can lead to strain in the back muscles. In addition, unknowingly slouching throughout the day can also increase the pressure on the back region.

During pregnancy, the body’s center of gravity shifts forward as the abdomen grows. This changes the spine balance. In addition, some hormones released during pregnancy loosen the joints and connective tissues as part of the body’s preparation for childbirth. For these and similar reasons, the changes occurring in the female body during pregnancy may cause back pain. These common pains are often temporary.

Are the causes of right back pain and mid-back pain the same?

The back region is a broad area connected with the muscles surrounding the spine, the ribs, and some internal organs. For this reason, the pain on the right side of the back or along the midline may indicate that the problem is related to different structures in the body, and therefore, the underlying cause may also differ.

Most of the time, both right and mid-back pain are caused by conditions such as muscle strain, poor posture, or prolonged periods in the same position. However, pain on the right side may, in some cases, be related to referred pain from the gallbladder or kidneys, whereas mid-back pain may be more associated with spinal joints, muscle spasms, and prolonged desk work. For this reason, if the pain lasts a long time or is accompanied by other complaints, it is very important not to neglect the problem and to consult a specialist.

What are the causes of persistent back pain and left back pain?

Although back pain often eases within a few days, persistent back pain lasting for weeks or recurring pain may also occur. In such cases, the presence of another underlying condition is suspected. Prolonged desk work, posture disorders, and muscle spasms are among the most common causes of this type of pain.

Back pain on the left side may sometimes be purely muscle-related, but as mentioned above, in some cases it may also be associated with conditions originating from internal organs. Especially pain that spreads to the chest region, arm, or around the shoulder blade, increases with breathing, or is accompanied by other complaints should not be ignored. Therefore, if our back pain does not improve despite rest or affects our daily life, it is appropriate to consult a specialist for evaluation.

What are the symptoms of stress-related back pain?

Symptoms of stress-related back pain appear especially during intense and exhausting periods. When our body is under stress, not only our mood but also our muscles are affected.

Unknowingly tightening our shoulders, clenching our teeth, or staying tense throughout the day can cause the muscles around the back and shoulder blades to remain constantly contracted. This condition may manifest as pain over time.

Some of the most common symptoms of stress-related back pain can be listed as follows:

Stiffness in the neck and shoulders, a feeling of difficulty when moving
Burning or pressure-like pain between the shoulder blades
Increasing tension and stiffness as the day progresses
Inability to fully relax despite rest
Headache or accompanying habit of teeth clenching
Pain becoming more pronounced during periods of intense thinking and anxiety

What can back pain and nausea indicate?

The question of what back pain and nausea may indicate arises when we experience two different complaints at the same time. Most of the time, we associate back pain with muscle strain and nausea with the digestive system. However, these two symptoms can sometimes occur together.

Some problems related to organs in the upper abdominal region, such as the stomach, gallbladder, or pancreas, may cause pain in the back region. Likewise, nausea due to pain may also be seen in people experiencing severe muscle spasms. Sometimes infections and kidney diseases can also manifest with both back pain and nausea.

Can back pain that increases when lying down be a sign of a heart attack?

Back pain that increases when lying down can be a source of concern, especially when it becomes noticeable at night during rest. Most of the time, muscle tension related to sleeping position, use of an incorrect mattress or pillow, and muscle relaxation during rest can cause this type of pain. Therefore, back pain increasing when lying down does not always indicate a serious problem.

However, some heart conditions may manifest not only with chest pain but also as a feeling of pressure or burning in the back, especially spreading between the shoulder blades. If the pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, cold sweating, nausea, palpitations, or discomfort radiating to the left arm, the situation should be taken seriously. In such a case, acting quickly with the possibility of heart attack risk in mind is of vital importance.

Which department should be consulted for severe back pain that makes breathing difficult?

Although back pain is often muscle- and spine-related, pain that makes breathing difficult, starts suddenly, or spreads to the chest region should be evaluated more carefully. In such cases, the question of which department to visit for back pain can also be confusing.

The first step should be to consult an internal medicine physician for a general evaluation. Based on the assessment after examination, your doctor may refer you to different medical departments such as orthopedics, pulmonology, or cardiology.

Which doctor should be consulted for back pain during pregnancy?

As pregnancy progresses, the growing abdomen, weight gain, and hormonal effects may lead to disturbances in spinal balance. This causes a greater-than-normal load on the back muscles. Therefore, although back pain during pregnancy is often considered physiological, it is still important that the condition be evaluated by a specialist.

In this process, the first department to consult should be obstetrics and gynecology. Your doctor, who is monitoring your pregnancy, will assess whether the pain is pregnancy-related and may refer you to other specialists if necessary.

How does back pain go away?

Most back pain occurs as a result of posture disorders, muscle strain, or sudden movements. Therefore, we can often see relief with small adjustments in daily habits. Some recommendations that those wondering how to relieve back pain can apply are as follows:

Trying to move at regular intervals instead of staying in the same position for long periods
Using a chair that supports the back while sitting
Paying attention not to bend the head forward while using a phone or computer
Doing light stretching and flexibility exercises during the day
Taking a warm shower or relaxing the muscles with heat application
Choosing a mattress that supports the spine and is neither too soft nor too hard

Generally, with such measures, the pain decreases within a few days. However, if our back pain lasts for a long time, gradually increases, or is accompanied by other complaints such as numbness or weakness, we should not rely only on home measures and should consult a specialist.