The overwhelming majority of back pain stems from overuse of the neck or back, or the gradual changes associated with aging.

In many cases, acute back pain results from a strain or a sprain of the muscle and can spread to other parts of the body. It can be triggered by a sudden movement, or the result of the over-stressing of muscles that occurs over time.

The majority of people, however, aren’t able to pinpoint one particular incident or movement that started their pain.

Some of the key causes of lower back pain are:

• A sedentary lifestyle. Even a job that keeps you sitting or standing in one place for a long period of time could be a factor.
• Overuse. Exercise is crucial, but too much weightlifting or playing sports that involve pushing and pulling can lead to injury.
• Obesity. The entire body has to work harder and people tend to move from their back instead of using the rest of their body.
• Smoking. If you smoke, your body may not be able to get the necessary nutrients to the discs in your back.
• Incorrect posture. Slouching for long periods of time puts unnecessary pressure on the lower back.
• An impact injury. A forceful collision in an automobile accident or from a fall can lead to back pain — even if the pain is initially tolerable and evolves to the point where it becomes debilitating.

In many instances of common back pain, rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, will do the trick.

The next step is using ice packs and applying pressure to the area that is causing pain. Ice can be applied for 20 minutes every two hours, but be sure to place a towel between the ice and your skin. After 48 hours, dry heat from a heating pad can also help soothe the pain.

Physicians recommend slowing down temporarily, but remaining physically active as you gradually return to your normal activity level. While it may seem like bed rest is the only and best option, back pain is NOT something you should take lying down. Physicians recommend no more than a day or two of bed rest at the start of back pain.

If medical treatment is needed, first check with your primary care physician. He or she will ask a series of questions about the pain, family medical history and your typical physical activity level.

Your doctor may recommend pain medication and a regimen of physical therapy to help work through the issue. Physical therapy will often begin in a one-on-one, supervised setting, but you’ll also be given instructions on how to do certain stretches and exercises at home that you can turn to if the pain creeps up again.

If the pain is still around after more than a month, you’re likely dealing with an issue related to a disc in the back, the spinal joints or the muscles that help support the back.

Surgery is always the last resort. But, if previous treatments have not worked over a 6- to 12-month period and the symptoms are either the same or worse, surgery may be the best option.

A decision on surgery is tailored to the individual patient and his or her symptoms — keeping in mind the person’s long-term health goals and activity level. At Baptist Health, we offer more customized approaches to minimally invasive spine surgery than anyone in the region, as well as traditional open surgery. Our surgeons work with each patient and their family to determine the best approach for the best possible outcome.

Baptist Health has invested in leading-edge technology and facilities to put the best options in the experienced hands of our surgeons, allowing them to perform more minimally invasive spine procedures that reduce recovery times. Our surgeons, nurses and operating room staff are specially trained to use highly specialized equipment safely and effectively, some of which is available in only a few places in the country.

Using intraoperative MRI and CT images, neurosurgeons are able to plot out a precise digital road map for each individual’s surgery.

Recovery times vary by patient, but are generally shorter when minimally invasive surgery is an option. Some patients are back to unrestricted activity in as few as six weeks.

Physical therapy is critical for completing the recovery and building strength after surgery. Remember, being active can help stave off back pain, and starting under the safe guidance of a physical therapist can help patients build confidence in their surgically-repaired back.