Living with back pain
Back pain is one of the most common health issues in the world. Nearly 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. report recent back pain, and it’s the leading global cause of years lived with disability 1 2. For some, pain comes and goes; for others, it lingers and limits daily activities, work, or sleep. The good news is that most people recover without surgery, especially when they stay active and get evidence-based support.
Did you know?
More than 90% of people with back pain recover without surgery, and regular movement helps prevent future flare-ups2,6. Even gentle walking can reduce the risk of recurrence and double pain-free days after recovery 9.
What are the symptoms of back pain?
- Dull, aching, or sharp pain in the mid- or lower back
- Stiffness after sitting or sleeping
- Pain that worsens when bending, twisting, or standing for long periods
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Tingling, numbness, or shooting pain down a leg (sciatica)
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating due to discomfort
- Difficulty lifting, walking, or doing everyday activities
Clinical insight
What causes back pain?
Most back pain isn’t caused by a single injury but by a mix of factors that affect how your back moves and responds to stress. Common causes include:
- Muscle or ligament strain from lifting, bending, or poor posture
- Age-related changes in the discs or joints of the spine
- Nerve irritation or inflammation (as in sciatica)
- Low physical activity or deconditioning
- Smoking, stress, or poor sleep
- Heavy or repetitive work, especially with vibration or awkward postures
- Serious causes like fracture, infection, or cancer are rare 3 4.
When should I see a doctor for back pain?
You should seek medical care if you have:
- New or worsening leg weakness or numbness, gait alteration or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss
- History of cancer, osteoporosis, or immune disease
- Back pain after a major fall or accident
- Persistent pain that does not improve after a few weeks despite adequate treatment
- Difficulty walking
If you’re unsure, a clinician can help rule out serious causes and guide treatment.
How is back pain treated?
Most back pain improves with active, non-surgical care. The goal is to restore movement, build strength, and help you feel confident staying active. Typical options include:
- Education and activity: Learning safe ways to move and staying as active as possible speeds recovery. Avoid bed rest 5.
- Exercise-based rehab: Supervised and home programs that include stretching, strengthening, and aerobic exercise reduce pain and prevent recurrence 6.
- Medications: Short-term use of NSAIDs can ease pain; opioids are rarely recommended but some muscle relevant can be used 1.
- Psychological support: Personalized tecniques can help dealing with pain, reducing fear of movement which improve function 1 7.
- Injections or surgery: Reserved for specific conditions like nerve or modular compression when other treatments haven’t helped 8. Recovery varies, but most people improve significantly within weeks to a few months.
Sword's approach
Sword Health helps people manage pain and movement issues with expert-guided AI care you can use from home. Our model combines clinical support with modern technology, designed to work around your life.
