Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work and a leading cause of disability worldwide. At our local Urgent Care Clinic in Oklahoma City we have seen many different forms and causes of back pain. Most people have back pain at least once in their life’s.

Risk factors for back pain

The following factors are linked to a higher risk of developing low back pain:

• A mentally stressful job
• Pregnancy – pregnant women are much more likely to get back pain
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Age – older adults are more susceptible than young adults or children
• Anxiety
• Depression

Gender – back pain is more common among females than males

• Obesity/overweight
• Smoking
• Strenuous physical exercise (especially if not done properly)
• Strenuous physical work.
  

  Signs and symptoms of back pain

  If any of the following signs or symptoms accompanies a back pain your should see your doctor:

• Elevated body temperature (fever)
• Inflammation (swelling) on the back
• Persistent back pain – lying down or resting does not help
• Pain down the legs
• Pain reaches below the knees
• A recent injury, blow or trauma to your back
• Urinary incontinence – you pee unintentionally (even small amounts)
• Difficulty urinating – passing urine is hard
• Fecal incontinence – you lose your bowel control (you poo unintentionally)
• Numbness around the genitals
• Numbness around the anus
• Numbness around the buttocks.
• According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, the following groups of people should seek medical advice if they experience back pain:
• People aged less than 20 and more than 55 years
• Patients who have been taking steroids for a few months
• Drug abusers
• Patients with cancer
• Patients who have had cancer

Everyday activities or poor posture.

 Adopting a very hunched sitting position when using computers can result in increased back and shoulder problems over time.

• Bending awkwardly
• Pushing something
• Pulling something
• Carrying something
• Lifting something
• Standing for long periods
• Bending down for long periods
• Twisting
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Muscle tension
• Over-stretching
• Sitting in a hunched position for long periods (e.g. when driving)
• Long driving sessions without a break (even when not hunched).

Don’t delay – please visit our walk in Urgent Care Clinic in North Oklahoma City and meet with one of our Health Care Providers as soon as possible to prevent health complications in the future.

Urgent Care Services NW OKC

Charter Immediate Care Clinic

NE CORNER OF MAY & BRITTON (IN THE LUBY’S SHOPPING CENTER)

9402 N. May Ave

Oklahoma City OK 73120

(405) 755-8000