Back pain is one of the most frequent health complaints worldwide, with nearly 85% of people experiencing it at some point in their lives. While most cases are benign, some types of back pain may indicate an underlying medical condition. Understanding the two main categories of low back pain—mechanical and referred—is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.(1)
The 2 types of Low Back Pain
1. Non-specific low back pain
This is the most common form of back pain. It is usually caused by muscle or joint dysfunction, with a specific structure generating the pain. The symptoms can vary and need to be properly assessed during a physiotherapy session to determine the exact cause.
2. Specific low back pain
Specific LBP can be explained by an underlying disease (e.g., cancer), tissue damage (e.g., fracture), or may be referred from other organs (e.g., from kidney or aortic aneurysm).
When Should You Be Concerned?
Most back pain is harmless, but certain symptoms should prompt further medical evaluation. Red flags include:
• Persistent pain that does not change with movement or rest
• Pain that occurs at night or is accompanied by night sweats and unexplained weight loss
• Pain associated with digestive, urinary, or cardiac symptoms
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
If you experience any of these symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is essential to rule out serious underlying conditions. (2)
Conclusion
Most cases of back pain are not serious and can be effectively managed with physiotherapy and osteopathy. However, identifying non-mechanical causes early is key to preventing complications.
At Studio On, a physiotherapy and osteopathy clinic in the heart of Phnom Penh, we specialize in assessing and treating back pain using an evidence-based approach.If you have concerns about your back pain, feel free to contact me for more information or visit my website to learn more about my approach.
References:
GBD 2021 Low Back Pain Collaborators. Global, regional, and national burden of low back pain, 1990-2020, its attributable risk factors, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Lancet Rheumatol 2023: 5: e316-29.
De Palma MG. Red flags of low back pain. JAAPA. 2020 Aug;33(8):8-11. doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000684112.91641.4c. PMID: 32740106.
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