From an interview with
Dr. Catherine Tannahill
Florence Neurosurgery and Spine at McLeod Health

According to the National Institute of Health, back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States. It can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that may shoot down the leg. Sometimes it can come on suddenly – from an accident, a fall, or lifting something heavy, or it can develop slowly because of age-related degenerative changes in the spine.

There multiple types of back pain:

• Acute back pain happens suddenly and usually lasts a few days to a few weeks.
• Subacute back pain can come on suddenly or over time and lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
• Chronic back pain may come on quickly or slowly and lasts longer than 12 weeks and occurs daily.

Treatment for back pain varies depending on the cause and symptoms, and often there are several contributing factors. However, there are steps you can take to improve your health and lower your chance of developing chronic or long-lasting back pain. Neurosurgeon Catherine Tannahill shares more:

“Greater than 80% of all Americans at some point in their lives suffer from back pain, but that doesn’t mean you need surgery to alleviate it. Prevention is the best medicine of all. Anything you can do to strengthen your core is good for your back. A strong core can stabilize your spine to help keep your lower back healthy and pain-free. Water aerobics, swimming, walking, yoga and martial arts are all good for spine health.”

Seeking professional help when you experience pain is an important step in long-term spine health. Your primary care physician can help identify the cause and refer you to the appropriate specialists.