Questions and answers

I have low back pain – what should I know?

(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Christoph Hopf, Adobe Stock -Microgen)

Low back pain is affecting more and more people in Austria and can greatly reduce the quality of life of those affected. Dr. Christian Maté, general practitioner, has all the information and contact points for you here and on KroneMED. 

Low back pain is a very common health problem that affects most of us at some point in our lives. Often there is no serious illness behind it, but that doesn't make it any less unpleasant and stressful. Risk factors for back pain include patients who

• have a sedentary job,
• generally do little exercise,
• do physically strenuous work,
• suffer from obesity,
• do mentally stressful work or have a mental illness such as depression,
• smoke,
• are of the female sex or
• are of an advanced age.

When should I see a doctor if I have back pain?
The good news is that the pain usually goes away on its own. In the event of acute or persistent low back pain, your GP is the first medical point of contact. A consultation and physical examination can often determine whether further examinations such as X-rays are necessary without any major aids - this is usually not the case. Ideally, treatment with heat, massage or manual therapy should be tried first. Pain medication in tablet form usually helps well, sometimes a pain infusion can also provide relief. In addition to painkillers, muscle relaxants can also be prescribed.

Quick help on the Internet

The health hotline 1450 for health questions, even at night and at weekends. You can also find information on common health issues at the GP surgery at kronemed.at. The health portal at www.gesundheit.gv.at also provides a comprehensive range of information on the Internet.

If your GP has the impression that further examinations are necessary to clarify your symptoms, he or she may send you for an X-ray, CT scan or MRI or carry out a blood test. Sometimes they will also send you to a specialist. If there are indications of nerve damage, this may be a neurologist; in many cases, for example if the pain persists despite treatment, an orthopaedist will come into play.

If your GP finds evidence of chronic inflammation of the spine in the nature of your symptoms, X-rays and blood tests, he or she can send you to a specialist in rheumatology. On the basis of an in-depth diagnosis, further therapeutic steps can then be taken, which may vary depending on the disease.

How physiotherapy releases vertebral blockages
A physiotherapist can use manual therapy to release vertebral blockages, mobilize the spine again and thus help to relieve pain. In the case of chronic back pain, they can loosen the muscles through massage and show you exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve mobility. Your GP may be able to give you a prescription or referral for physiotherapy as an alternative and support to other treatment methods. In the case of chronic back pain, a stay in a rehabilitation facility can have positive effects. It is best to fill out the application for treatment or rehabilitation together with your family doctor.

A physiotherapist can release vertebral blockages and provide pain relief.

(Bild: dream@do - stock.adobe.com)

When to go to hospital with back pain?
Hospital treatment is rarely necessary. Your GP will look out for so-called "red flags". These are indications of serious causes of your symptoms, such as vertebral fractures or infections, or possible serious consequences. Indications of damage to the spinal cord or a leaking nerve may make neurosurgical intervention necessary. Other symptoms that require immediate medical attention are 

• Increasing weakness in the leg and foot muscles,
• Sudden problem holding urine/stool,
• Simultaneous fever,
• Sudden onset of fever,
• Sudden onset of pain.

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