Back Pain: When the Doctor Says There's Nothing Wrong

It’s not uncommon to go to the doctor complaining of back pain and be told that there’s nothing wrong. While it’s true that your pain may be caused by mental distress or an unrelated issue, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have back pain at all. For those of you who know exactly what it feels like, here are some tips on what to do if the doctor says there’s nothing wrong with your back.

What is low back pain?

Low back pain is a common condition, and most people experience it at some point in their lives. In fact, an estimated 80 percent of Americans will have low back pain at some point; it’s one of America’s most prevalent and costly medical conditions. Here’s how to identify lower back pain and differentiate between acute or chronic pain. The first step to dealing with low back pain is knowing what you’re dealing with. While lower back pain may seem like a catch-all term, there are two main types—acute and chronic—and each comes with its own symptoms, risks, causes, and treatments.

What does nothing wrong really mean?

If your doctor tells you that nothing is wrong, it simply means that he or she has not found a physical cause for your pain. The discomfort may still be real—there’s just no way to prove it through medical tests. In these cases, you can usually treat back pain with over-the-counter medications, rest and lifestyle changes.

Why should I be worried about this diagnosis?

Lower back pain is extremely common. The National Institute of Health estimates that 85% of Americans will experience it at some point in their lives. Doctors often dismiss lower back pain as muscle strain, and prescribe painkillers like aspirin or Tylenol. But what if your diagnosis is incorrect? According to WebMD, It may take several weeks for a slipped disc to heal, meaning you could be suffering through unbearable pain for longer than necessary.

So what can I do to get better if my pain won't go away?

The good news is that pain doesn't have to be a constant companion. Even if your doctor can't make it go away, they can help you get better at managing pain—that is, once you figure out what's causing it in the first place. According to doctors interviewed for an NPR story about back pain, common conditions like muscle spasms and arthritis are often treated with exercises that can be done at home, or modifications made to your daily habits (like taking breaks from sitting). If your doctor thinks there may be a non-surgical cause for your pain (i.e., there isn't anything seriously wrong), she might suggest physical therapy or other forms of care like massage therapy or acupuncture.

Myths & Misconceptions

Some people believe that you should toughen up and bear your pain in silence. Others say that common painkillers, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), are unsafe. Both of these ideas are myths. Pain is real and can be debilitating; there’s no shame in asking for help. The best way to manage chronic pain is with a long-term plan, which starts with an evaluation by a medical professional, who can tell you what causes your back pain and what type of treatment will help relieve it over time. Never ignore persistent back pain; it could be a sign of something much worse!

Success Stories

Back pain is something we’ve all experienced at one point or another. Unfortunately, most of us have been to a doctor complaining of back pain only to be told there’s nothing wrong with us. This is a shame because it makes treating our problem more difficult, and even worse—our pain can become chronic and unbearable. Pain medication can treat acute lower back pain, but once you stop taking them, your back pain may return. Here are some ways you can differentiate between chest pains and heart pains to avoid being misdiagnosed at the doctor’s office; keep in mind that any time you experience unusual chest pains or feel something on your chest while resting, it could be serious and should always be treated as such.