Back pain - 7 potentially fatal causes

Back pain - 7 potentially fatal causes

Your back hurts. So what? Everyone has a little back pain from time to time.

But what if it could kill you?

Most people suffer from back pain as a result of daily stress on the body's structural supports: bones, discs, muscles and ligaments in and around the spine. Just as a car becomes rusty with age, the human body succumbs to the effects of gravity over the years. Pain and sprains, muscle strains and strains are part of life from middle age onwards.

However, back pain can be the result of other abnormalities in the body, some of which can cause death within minutes or years. It is advisable to think twice if your back starts to hurt. Was it too much gardening over the weekend or perhaps something else?

Here are 7 potentially fatal causes of back pain:

1.Aortic aneurysm. The large artery that carries blood away from the heart sometimes weakens with age and rises outward, like a weak spot on a tire. If the aorta ruptures, massive internal bleeding can occur, sometimes leading to death within minutes. Quite often, the pain of a damaged aorta is felt in the back. If the vessel expands slowly over time, the pain may be chronic or intermittent in nature. If the vessel ruptures quickly, the pain is usually severe and is accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, abdominal pain and fainting. If you're experiencing strange back pain that's different from your usual pattern, it's best to contact your doctor. If the pain is abrupt and severe, call 911.

2.Cancer and tumors. Both cancer that originates in the bones of the back and cancer that spreads to the back from elsewhere often cause back pain. A benign tumor of the spinal cord and vertebrae can also cause pain as the enlarging mass presses on sensitive structures. The pain can occur with movement or at rest, but worsens over time and can be severe. Any back pain that persists or worsens over time should be professionally evaluated.

3.infection. When bacteria invade the body's deep structures such as bones, discs and spinal cord, it can lead to a serious infection. These infections are fairly rare and may not be recognized until the process is well advanced. Kidney and lung infections can also cause back pain and are often dismissed as just back strain. If any of these conditions are left untreated, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis, a potentially fatal infection of the blood. If an infection is the cause of back pain, other symptoms may also be present, such as: B. Fever, nausea and sweating. Contact your doctor again if these symptoms occur.

4.Pancreatitis. If the pancreas becomes inflamed for any reason, the enzymes that are supposed to help digest your food may begin digesting your own body instead. Usually this causes nausea, loss of appetite and stomach pain, but it can also lead to back pain. Pancreatitis can cause internal bleeding, dehydration, elevated blood sugar, electrolyte imbalances, dehydration and death. Alcohol abuse and gallstones are among the most common causes. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if these symptoms occur.

5.Penetrating ulcer. Just as pancreatic juices can eat through the pancreas and other abdominal structures, stomach acid can also burn a hole through the duodenum or stomach. In this case, internal bleeding occurs and the stomach contents enter the abdominal cavity, where they cause further destruction and infection. The pain of an ulcer can be felt in the abdomen, chest, or back. Heartburn or stomach pain combined with back pain may be an indication of an ulcer and should be evaluated by a doctor.

6.Inflammatory bowel disease. When the colon is inflamed, pain may occur in the abdomen, pelvis, or back. Inflammation can lead to perforation of the intestine, similar to an ulcer, or intestinal obstruction. Any of these conditions are potentially fatal. Seek professional care for abdominal pain accompanied by back pain.

7.Pulmonary embolism. Blood clots usually form deep in the legs, where they can cause swelling, discomfort, and sometimes redness. If a clot breaks off and moves up through the heart to the lungs, chest and/or back pain may occur, usually along with difficulty breathing. If the clot is large, it can hinder air exchange and cause too little oxygen in the blood. Sudden onset of back pain associated with difficulty breathing could be a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) or even a heart attack. Don’t drive to the hospital – call 911.

The examples above show that not all back pain is a simple matter.Fortunately, all of these conditions are fairly rare. If you find your symptoms on the list, seek medical attention immediately.

On the other hand, if you have the same back pain that you get every time you weed your garden or mop the floor, take an aspirin and call your doctor in the morning.

Copyright 2010 Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

Inspired by Cynthia Koelker