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Health

How Long Does Back Pain Last | 7 Factors To Check!

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Are you constantly pondering, “How long does backpain last?” You’re not alone!

As an expert who’s gone through extensive research, I’ve found a compelling study indicating that pain tends to decrease rapidly within the first month (And there’s more to know!)… [1]

In this article, I’ll uncover 7 factors affecting how long back pain lasts and some expert-recommended remedies to ensure you use your time more effectively.

So, keep reading to learn how to curb back pain – in no time!

Key Takeaways

  • The duration of back pain depends on the underlying cause and any treatments you’re using to help manage it.
  • Back pain may last anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the severity of the condition.
  • Several factors, such as age, gender, lifestyle choices, and existing medical conditions, can affect how long back pain lasts.

Exploring Back Pain Duration: 7 Essential Factors to Consider

The duration of back pain varies depending on the underlying cause. Generally, acute back pain caused by muscle strain or minor injury may last a few days to weeks.

On the other hand, chronic back pain, often caused by conditions like spinal stenosis or herniated discs, may persist for several months or even years.

Here’s a better breakdown…

1. Severity of the Pain

Not all back pains are equal…

woman having Mid Back Pain While Breathing

A slight muscle pull might have you up and about in a few days, whereas a more severe injury can have you nursing that pain for weeks.

The cause of your back pain will majorly affect how long it lasts. For example, if you’ve suffered from a herniated disc, you may experience some degree of pain for months or even years.

The more active you are, the faster your muscles and back can heal. 

2. Treatment Type

The type and effectiveness of the treatment you choose directly influence the duration of back pain.

Physiotherapy, often recommended for muscle strains, can expedite recovery by addressing the root cause.

For those engaging in physical activity, using support mechanisms like a STOT SPORTS back brace can not only provide immediate relief but also prevent further strain, especially during the recovery phase.

In contrast, surgical interventions for conditions like herniated discs might have longer recovery times but can provide lasting relief.

Incorporating regular exercise or dietary changes can prevent recurring episodes.

Opting for Alternative therapies – such as acupuncture or yoga – can shorten pain duration by promoting holistic healing.

3. Posture

Your posture plays a pivotal role in determining how long back pain persists.

Consistently poor posture can prolong pain by continually straining the back muscles and spine.

Sitting upright and taking regular breaks to stretch can prevent prolonged strain and accelerate recovery.

Besides this, standing with a balanced posture reduces undue stress on the back, preventing extended pain episodes.

4. Sleep Quality

A good night’s rest goes a long way in healing. Ensuring you’re getting quality sleep in a posture supportive of your back is key.

When it comes to back pain, the quality of your sleep matters. Poor sleeping posture can aggravate existing back pain and hinder healing.

Getting a good night’s rest is essential for both physical and mental health.

The most comfortable sleep position is prone, with support pillows beneath your knees. This takes the pressure off your lower back, allowing it to relax and heal. 

5. Stress Levels

Believe it or not, stress can amplify pain. Managing stress, therefore, can affect how quickly you recover.

lady experiencing anxiety

When experiencing chronic back pain, assessing your stress levels and trying to reduce them is important.

Techniques like deep breathing, yoga, and mindfulness can help you recover from the stressful situation and relax your body.

Stress can manifest in physical tension, often in people with chronic pain. Luckily, there’s a solution to combat this physical, ongoing tension: massage therapy. 

6. Medication Usage

Some medications can relieve and aid recovery, while others might address the symptoms. Always consult with your healthcare provider about what’s best for you.

Generally speaking, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants may be prescribed if necessary.

For those with severe back pain or mobility issues, a wheelchair for back pain might be recommended to provide relief and support during the recovery phase.

Also, consider the duration of a medication’s effectiveness for back pain as the cause and severity of symptoms determines it.

7. Beliefs About Pain

Your mental state and beliefs can influence your perception of pain. A positive outlook and understanding of the pain can help heal.

Beliefs about pain can be divided into three main categories:

1. Pain as an enemy: People with this view see pain as a sign of physical damage or illness and expect it to worsen over time. This attitude can lead to fear, which increases the perception of pain.

2. Pain as a challenge: People who believe pain is an opportunity for growth, learning and motivation views it as a challenge to overcome.

This approach can help individuals cope better with pain and increase their resilience.

To learn more about the duration of back pain, watch this informative video.

Equipped with an understanding of how beliefs influence pain, one might ask – when is it crucial to consult an expert? Next, let’s learn when it’s time to see a doctor for your back pain…

When is it Time to See a Doctor for Your Back Pain?

Dealing with back pain can be overwhelming, right?

Based on recent research by experts like Sungwoo Choi and his team, we know that back pain is a common issue that can seriously affect our day-to-day lives [2].

If your pain sticks around for more than a couple of weeks or if it’s so bad that you’re losing sleep or struggling with daily tasks, it’s a clear sign you should see a professional.

And if you’ve had a recent injury or notice other concerning symptoms like sudden weight loss or bladder issues, don’t wait – get medical advice immediately.

Remember, while some back pain can be tackled at home, there are times when getting expert help is the best way forward.

Navigating back pain might raise numerous questions. To help ease your journey, we’ve gathered some frequently asked questions below…

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does back pain typically last?

The duration of back pain can vary greatly, depending on the cause. Usually, acute (short-term) back pain resolves within a few days to weeks with self-care measures and over-the-counter medications.

2. What causes back pain?

Numerous factors, including poor posture, injury to muscles or ligaments, strained muscles, and medical conditions such as arthritis, can cause back pain.

3. How long will it take for my back pain to go away?

Generally speaking, if your back pain is acute (short-term), it can usually last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. However, if your back pain is chronic (longer term), it can take several weeks or months to improve.

Conclusion

Understanding “how long does back pain last” is a concern that resonates with many.

Back pain – be it acute or chronic – can be a debilitating experience, affecting your daily activities, work, and overall quality of life.

The duration of back pain can vary widely based on its cause, severity, and the individual’s overall health.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long back pain lasts, being proactive, informed, and seeking timely medical advice can guide individuals toward relief and recovery.

If you’ve had similar experiences or insights to share, leave a comment or say hi! I’d love to hear from you.

Resources

1. Pengel LHM, Herbert RD, Maher CG, Refshauge KM. Acute low back pain: systematic review of its prognosis. BMJ : British Medical Journal [Internet]. 2003;327:323. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC169642/

2. Choi S, Nah S, Jang H-D, Moon JE, Han S. Association between chronic low back pain and degree of stress: a nationwide cross-sectional study. Scientific Reports. 2021;11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34267269/

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About Author

Lamia A Kader, MD
Lamia A Kader is a Medical Doctor and a Medical Research Professional with a Ph.D. in Clinical Research. ISMMS, USA. She had enhanced her medical knowledge of medical devices and equipment development and innovation by attending clinical meetings, local national courses, journal clubs, and conferences, in addition to e-learning, subscribing to major medical journals and keeping an eye on latest trends in medicine and keeping an eye on clinical trials industry and healthcare marketing current trends. She had participated in several medical device innovation projects by conducting clinical research studies, developing clinical trial protocols, writing patient safety narratives and “Medical Device Risk Assessment Reports” to transform new medical technologies into real products that save and improve lives. Follow her on LINKEDIN. Read her LATEST POSTS. Learn more about her HERE.

22 thoughts on “How Long Does Back Pain Last | 7 Factors To Check!”

  1. With back pain, the main factor that will affect how long it will last is the cause. Lots of people suffer from back pain these days and in some cases, it’s easily fixed.

  2. Your article on back pain duration was incredibly informative. The seven factors you highlighted provided a clear understanding of what to consider. It’s a valuable resource for anyone dealing with back pain. Thanks for sharing this helpful information!

  3. Great post and lots of good information. I suffer from back pain for over 20 years now. Man, it’s no joke and some days are better than others but gosh it can be debilitating.

  4. My husband did something to his back recently and is having serious pain issues and I feel horrible. It is the sciatica….and looking for something for him to use to help relieve it. I think that one can take a long time to heal as well and it has been a week so far. Back pain is the worst……

  5. This was an interesting article. I liked seeing stress listed as onoe of the causes of back pain. Too often people do not understand the relationship between stress and pain.

  6. I realized that eating sugar triggers my back pain – so I am constantly avoiding sugar and carbs to avoid inflammation. I have not noticed getting back pains from sitting long (or probably because my cats come by and ask for food, I do stand up lol) but I will monitor that!

  7. This blog on “How Long Does Back Pain Last | 7 Factors to Check!” is a fantastic resource for anyone dealing with back pain. must-read for anyone seeking relief and answers regarding their back pain!

  8. Sometimes it surprises you and hits you right out of the blue. I’ve bent over to get a quarter from the trunk and gotten back pain that lasted for days. No fun at all.

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