BACKACHE
In adults this is a very common symptom. In children - i.e. <16 years
of age - it is unusual and unless there is a very obvious cause and
always if it is other than mild and short-lived it should be checked
out.
When to get checked out:
-
'Flu and other viral infections are often associated with fever and muscular-type
back and chest pains which can be severe. These symptoms rarely persist in
intensity beyond a couple of days though they may take longer than that to
completely clear. Any backache associated with fever which shows no sign
of abating after two days should be checked out - sooner if you are concerned,
of course.
-
Backache disturbing sleep. Any backache which seriously disturbs your sleep
- especially if there is localised pain or tenderness or if it is persisting
beyond a couple of days needs checking. There would be a particularly high
index for concern in the older patient.
-
Pain radiating from the back. Pressure on a nerve in the low back may cause
pain down the back of the leg (sciatica). Higher up the back and the symptoms
may radiate around the chest or into the loin area. Sometimes there may be
numbness or tingling in the area of the pain. Unless the symptoms are relatively
minor and short-lived they need checking out.
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NUMBNESS/ TINGLING in the genital or anal region (whether or
not associated with actual backache) is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY and especially
so if associated with urinary or anal leakage or retention of
urine. You should contact us for immediate advice as to what
to do.
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Backache that interferes with work or other day to day activities beyond
a week.
-
Any backache which is persistent or recurrent.
Most backache in young or middle-aged adults is benign and emanates from
the muscles or joints in the back - especially if it doesn't radiate, doesn't
interfere too much with work, sleep or leisure and the patient is, in all
other respects, well. Advice re exercise and activities may benefit you as
occasionally does physiotherapy, osteopathy or chiropractic.
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