Q:

Good morning!

I am a 32 year old female, and have been dealing with moderate back pain for the past few months. It gets worse the more I walk or stand upright. It feel better when I'm seated, especially if I lean forward or hunch a bit.

I've never been very conscientious about wearing appropriate footwear; I wear flip-flops every day during the summer, and flat shoes with little to no support in the winter.

Should I be worried that it's something other than age and misuse?

Thanks so much!

 

A:

As with most specific complaints, it is impossible to tell you what to do without a specific diagnosis, which would require that you consult a health care provider.

Most back pain is not related to serious disease, but rather to mechanical factors, muscular imbalances and functional habits. But saying anything other than that, and emphasizing that "the doc" cannot fully reassure without having seen you and evaluated your specific situation, is impossible.

~The Doc