Back Pain Relief: When to Worry & What Helps | Mayo Clinic Health Matters Podcast

Back pain can strike from almost anything — lifting weights, sitting too long, twisting the wrong way, or even bending down to pick up a pen. But when is back pain normal, and when could it be a sign of something more serious? On this episode of Health Matters, pain medicine physician Dr. Nick Canzanello from Mayo Clinic explains the most common causes of back pain, including muscle strain, herniated discs, arthritis, poor posture and aging. He also shares warning signs that mean you should see a doctor right away, plus the best treatments for back pain relief and prevention. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Common causes of lower back pain • Herniated disc vs. muscle strain symptoms • Signs your back pain could be serious • When numbness, tingling, or weakness matter • Best treatments for back pain relief • Physical therapy, injections, and surgery options • How posture, exercise, and lifting techniques affect spine health • Tips to prevent future back injuries Whether you’re dealing with chronic back pain, sudden lower back pain, sciatica symptoms or just want to keep your spine healthy as you age, this episode breaks down what you need to know. Listen to more episodes of Health Matters from Mayo Clinic for trusted medical advice, expert interviews, and practical health tips at https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcasts/health-matters/ 0:00 Back pain and when to seek help 1:25 Understanding common back pain concerns 2:29 How common back pain is 3:09 Aging and spine changes 4:20 Risk factors for back pain 5:49 Jobs, posture and spine health 9:34 Serious back pain warning signs 13:02 Muscle strain vs. herniated disc 17:45 Diagnosing back pain causes 21:16 Treating muscle strain and disc pain 25:36 Preventing future back injuries 28:26 Key takeaways for back pain relief