Back ache sufferers: How long does a back ache last?

Question

I've been afflicted since Sunday (today is Friday) with a back ache. I've never experienced it before (guess my age is catching me). They do run in my family, if such a thing is possible, and so I know from my symptoms that it really is a back ache and nothing else.

How long can a back ache last? What's a typical range for you?

WebMD had scant info, so I'm hoping for help from the online back ache sufferring community! Thanks.

Answer 1

It really depends on a whole slew of things:

1. Muscle injury: If you pulled/strained a back muscle, it can take quite a few weeks to heal. Back muscles are tiny, thin "tendrils", and can easily be harmed. The best way to heal - take it easy! Lift no more than the weight of a gallon of milk for a few weeks, and slowly increment it from there.

2. Never damage: A pinched nerve usually has pain that travels down one of the legs. This nerve is the Sciatic nerve, and this can be very painful. To alleviate this pain, take Ibuprofen (and anti-inflammitory) for a few days, and take it easy until the pain dissipates. If it lasts longer than two weeks, see #3...

3. Disk problems: "Slipped" discs, or any other sort of damaged disc, requires a doctor right away. If it has been a month, and you still have back pain, see your doctor. You may require an MRI, or physical therapy to see if there is any underlying damage, such as artheritis, or degenerative disc disease.

My problem actually stems from my hip, and having three children ina short amount of time without proper strengthening excersises in between. My left hip has rotated back, straining the one tendon over the hip bone, and pinching my sciatic nerve. I have to do my physical therapy excersises EVERY DAY for relief, or undergo surgery.

Best of luck! Take it easy, for sure, but see your doctor if it becomes unbearable, or really begins to interfere with your daily life.

Answer 2

You should check this Sciatica Natural Treatment
http://cure-sciatica.info

Normally, I would not answer a question like this as my expertise is generally in medication but I had severe sciatica while I was pregnant with my 3rd child (after having had twins) and I had sciatica so bad that I was finding it difficult to walk. I tried massage therapy and physical therapy and could not take medication
I went to the chiropractor and the pain was instantly relieved. My hips and lower back were out of alignment because I had carried twins the year before. On occasion a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) can also work but they usually only work on one joint at a time - the chiropractor will do your whole back which works faster. Anyone who does not believe in chiropractors will tell you they are quacks - don't listen.
I don't necessarily believe that chiropractors can cure things like diabetes but they can definitely relieve some types of back pain especially if a pinched nerve is involved which is usually the cause of sciatica. Try a reputable chiropractor ASAP!

Answer 3

My mother has back ache almost daily, and yes, it can go on for a week at a time. She's in her 40s. I'm in my mid 20s now and I get back ache which tends to last a couple of days.

I generally remedy this with heat packs.

However, in my mother's case, I have suggested to her she seek other methods of reducing her back ache. This may be to do with mobility, as well as her wieght.

She is not terribly obese, but in looking at her weight distribution, her back and hips are taking the brunt of it. I suggested to her she begins thinking about working on either weight or mobility (the latter will help with the former).

My father gets sporadic back pain that lasts a day at a time and he is in his early 50s.

Back pain can be a sign of many things, not just spine related ailments. I suggest you seek advice from your doctor on possibly having your posture examined by a physiotherapist.

Answer 4

How long an individual suffers from back pain is very subjective. It depends on several factors, weight, type and mechanism of injury, patient's own level of pain tolerance, treatment modalities, etc. I have patients who have undergone back surgeries who will report anything from an occasional "twinge" to constant, severe pain. I personally have occasional pain that will last anywhere from a few hours to several days from an old back injury. I know when I've done too much and I'll pay for it for awhile.

Answer 5

i suffer from constant back ache due to sciatica, a hot water bottle really helps with the pain but back ache can be on and off for a very long time.

Answer 6

I've had backaches every once in a while and can tell you that sometimes they last for 2 days and other times they last for 2 weeks.

Answer 7

It will last until you decide to get rid of it. If there is a familial tendency toward this problem, it would also indicate there is a noticeable postural problem, also familial. Should you want to consider verifying this, contact me.

Answer 8

Depends on how bad you damaged your back, is how long and if it will completely heal. Try resting on a flat surface if it is really painful, then when it is healed exercise regularly to prevent recurrence.

Answer 9

When I strain my lower back, it usually takes 5 or 6 days before it clears up.

Answer 10

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