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Human back[/caption]Stan Princeton---Back problems can happen to anybody. Sometimes they are caused by injury or poor lifestyle choices, while other times they are the result of a medical condition that can strike even the healthiest of us. No matter what causes it, it's important that you know the signs and symptoms of back trouble before they get out of hand.
Who Is at Risk for Back Pain?
There are certain people who are at higher risk of back pain. Age is often associated with back pain, because people often lose bone density as they get older. Back problems due to age and bone density loss usually begin after age 40, although most people will start to notice backaches and other minor problems in their 30s. If you are between the ages of 30 and 40 and start have back pain, you might want to keep an eye on it. It may not mean anything, but if it gets steadily worse as you get older, you should see your doctor about it regularly.
Poor physical fitness is another major contributor to back problems. The spine needs support if it is to remain stable and pain-free. If you have weak core muscles, your spine is not receiving the support it needs. Obesity is another related issue that can give you a bad back later in life. Those who carry extra weight end up putting much of it on their backs, which can cause considerable pain. Of course, the best cure for being obese or out of shape is regular exercise. Sadly, since back problems prevent people from wanting to be physically active, they don't get the exercise they need to get into shape, and the problem just becomes worse.
Some back problems can also be caused by heredity. If your parents or grandparents have had back problems that weren't associated with a severe injury or lifestyle choices, you might have problems yourself. While you should always monitor your own health regardless of your parents' health, you should be especially diligent if there is a history of back problems in your family.
Smoking can also contribute to back problems. This may come as a surprise to some people, but smoking prevents the disks in the spine from receiving nutrients they need to remain healthy. Having a violent smoker's cough can be hard on a person's back, as well.
Finally, your job might also be causing back problems, even if you work in an office. It's easy to develop a bad back if you sit at a desk for hours on end, especially if you slouch in your chair or otherwise have bad posture. You may not be conscious of your poor posture, but it can lead to aches and pains in your back after years of office work.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, back pain is manageable, but there may come a time when you should see a doctor. If your back pain becomes severe enough to be distracting and doesn't go away with rest or if you feel numbness or tingling, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. You should also see a doctor if your pain is the result of an injury. Overall, you don't need to see your doctor for every minor ache and pain in your back, but you also should never hesitate to make an appointment if there is any doubt in your mind that you need medical attention.
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Stan Princeton is a freelance writer based in Trenton, New Jersey. Stan focuses on general health, medical science, the medical profession, dentistry, reconstructive surgery and other associated topics.