When should you see a doctor for back pain?

What is called lower back pain?

Low back pain is when pain or discomfort occurs in the area between the lower rib cage and the gluteal- lower gluteal fold. The pain may radiate to the buttock-buttock-lower limb. The different types of lower back pain are grouped according to their location and duration in the literature.

When should you see a doctor for back pain?

Lower back pain is the one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affects around 80% of the population at least once in their lifetime. Low back pain is a single symptom that can be caused by a variety of different factors. To clarify and treat the underlying cause, it is recommended to orthopaedic or rheumatologist see a specialist.

How long has your back pain lasted?

• About acute low back pain it's about, if it occurs suddenly and has been present for less than a month.
• Subacute low back pain if it has been up for 1-3 months continuously.
• Chronic lower back painrecurrent low back pain that has been present for more than 3 months.

Misconceptions about back pain

„Ah, it will pass” - we trivialise, we don't take the signs seriously. The most common misconception about low back pain is that symptomatic treatment is enough and it is not too late to investigate. Although the onset of low back pain may be mild, it may only be accompanied by a feeling of discomfort in the lower back, which quickly disappears with rest and a little ointment. However, there is always a cause for lower back pain that will not go away with symptomatic treatment. In case of recurrence or worsening of the complaint, it is essential to see a specialist.

“I must have a herniated disc” - panic. Many people tend to think the worst when they experience back pain. They may be reassured by the fact that only 4-5% of cases of low back pain are caused by a herniated disc. In contrast, a much more common, real cause is strain in the surrounding soft tissues, small joints, muscles and ligaments, which is present in nearly 70% of cases. Read more about the causes of lower back pain below.

What is the difference between back pain and lumbar pain?

The lumbago is a Latin term meaning pain in the lower back, hence the often conflated use of the two terms. The difference lies in the type and location of the pain. Lumbar pain is a type of lower back pain.

What are the possible causes of lower back pain?

The cause of low back pain can be inferred from the circumstances and qualitative characteristics of the complaint. After thorough questioning and physical examination by a specialist, an imaging diagnostic test can confirm the cause of the complaint.

Movement-related lower back pain mechanical origin is assumed. In this case, the pain originates from different components of the spinal motion segment. This may be pain arising from the intervertebral disc, the intervertebral facet joint, the ligamentous system between the vertebrae, and the surrounding musculature.
The pain varies depending on the physical effort: it increases when standing, in static positions; it decreases when lying down or resting. Pain at night when resting may indicate inflammation or cancer. However, other symptoms (malaise, weight loss, fever) may also be associated with low back pain.

Investigating lower back pain

It can be important to find the cause of a common lower back pain, as only symptomatic treatment is possible before diagnosing the underlying problem.

The basics of a successful investigation are based on the BMM patient journey protocol:

• The medical history is half the diagnosis, and many diseases can be ruled out by detailed questioning.
• A thorough physical examination by a specialist. On the basis of the physical examination, a specialist will determine the need for any diagnostic imaging tests:
• X-ray examination the bony lesions are verified. X-rays are usually taken of the spine, hip joints, knees and feet. This is often necessary for isolating diagnostic purposes.
• The condition of the soft tissues, discs, articular cartilage, muscles and tendons is accurately assessed by the radiograph.
• The soft tissues are the intervertebral disc, articular cartilage, muscles and tendons can only be accurately identified by a radiograph.
• In some cases, a CT (computer tomography) scan or a CT scan can be used to make an accurate diagnosis. MRI (magnetic resonance) scanning is also required.
• In case of nerve involvement, neurophysiological testing to determine the extent of suspected nerve damage, ENG or EMG needed.

Diagnostic imaging

Diagnostic imaging tests can help to visualise and measure anatomical structural changes and reveal the true cause of the complaint.

Neuroconductive neurophysiological examinations (ENG/EMG) are available at BMM's clinics in Pest and Óbuda. X-ray examinations are available at our private clinic in Óbuda. If ultrasound, MRI or CT scans are required, these can be arranged at our partner institutions' external locations for an additional fee.

• Based on the medical history, physical examination and imaging diagnostics, the specialist makes an accurate diagnosis.
• A personalised treatment plan is drawn up. We guide our patients through the healing process

Common complaints treated by specialists at the Spine Centre

• back pain
• back pain
• scoliosis
• nerve pinching
• back pain
• neck pain
• stiff neck - neck stiffness
• osteoporosis
• back pain
• spinal stenosis
• back pain
• pain in the lumbar spine
• pain in the buttocks
• neglect
• sacral pain
• shoulder blade pain
• morning backache
• pain in the back of the neck

In the vast majority of cases of low back pain, surgery can be avoided with professional physiotherapy and complex conservative therapy. The key to success: doctor-patient cooperation and trust.