What Is Back Pain?
The back region extends from just below the head to the waist and includes the area on both sides of the spine. This area contains both deep and superficial muscle groups. Spasms, excessive strain, and inflammation in these muscles are the most common causes of back pain. Although back pain often results from mechanical issues such as muscle strain, it can also arise due to conditions like kyphosis, thoracic disc herniation, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or infectious spinal diseases such as tuberculosis and brucellosis. Additionally, pain from organs like the heart, lungs, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, and duodenum can radiate to the back and cause pain.

What Are the Causes of Back Pain?
Back pain, particularly common among desk workers, is often caused by poor posture. It can also occur due to a variety of posture disorders such as:

• Kyphosis, improper sitting, prolonged walking,
• Sleeping on an uncomfortable surface,
• Bending or standing for extended periods,
• Psychological factors like extreme stress and fear,
• Spinal disorders such as scoliosis,
• Degenerative diseases like osteoporosis,
• Fibromyalgia,
• Cervical hernia,
• Lack of exercise, prolonged inactivity, sedentary lifestyle,
• Sleep disorders,
• Injuries (e.g., traffic accidents),
• Tumors,
• Referred pain (especially from heart, gallbladder, lungs, stomach disorders),
• Thoracic disc herniation.

Although back pain is generally of musculoskeletal origin, in cases of pain severe enough to wake the person from sleep, rheumatic and cardiac conditions, or pain spreading to the shoulder blade, heart attack should also be considered.

What Are the Symptoms That May Accompany Back Pain?
The primary symptom is pain. However, certain signs should be carefully noted. If pain is accompanied by night sweats, weight loss, progressively worsening pain, pain lasting longer than a month, or the presence of a palpable mass, consultation with a specialist physician is recommended.

How Is Back Pain Diagnosed?
A detailed medical history should be taken, followed by a physical and neurological examination. In addition, laboratory tests may be necessary to distinguish systemic disorders. Radiological methods such as MRI or plain X-rays should be used depending on the complaint, and EMG may be needed in some cases.

How Should Back Pain Be Treated?
The first step is to determine the cause of the back pain. After conducting the necessary tests and reaching a differential diagnosis, an appropriate treatment plan should be developed. If the issue stems from the spine or muscle groups:

• It is important to remember that desk workers are at higher risk. If working on a computer, office ergonomics should be applied. Chairs with high backs that support the lumbar area should be used, and the computer screen should be at eye level. Every 1.5 to 2 hours, one should get up and perform light physical activities such as walking or neck exercises,
• Excess weight should be lost, and stress should be avoided,
• Sports and regular exercise should be performed. Low physical capacity leads to weakened back and abdominal muscles, making the individual more susceptible to back and lower back pain. Exercises should be done regularly, 3-4 times a week,
• Posture should be monitored when using computers or tablets,
• Lifting techniques should be followed properly when lifting heavy objects,
• A physical therapist should be consulted for guidance on exercises,
• Painkillers and muscle relaxants should be used during painful episodes, and injections may be administered to painful points if necessary,
• If medication is insufficient, treatments such as physical therapy, neural therapy, and massage may also be considered.

Back pain during pregnancy usually begins in the second trimester due to the growing abdomen and the shift of the body’s center of gravity forward. In the later stages, lower back pain may also develop. During pregnancy, following correct posture and positioning guidelines can be helpful in prevention.