Introduction:
Welcome to our exploration of lower back pain, a widespread issue that nearly everyone encounters at some point in life. In this blog, we’ll delve into the causes, risk factors, and potential solutions for managing and preventing lower back pain.
Pain can range from mild to severe. In some cases, pain can make it difficult or impossible to walk, sleep, work or do everyday activities.
Lower back pain is very common. It can result from a strain (injury) to muscles or tendons in the back. Other causes include arthritis, structural problems and disk injuries. Pain often gets better with rest, physical therapy and medication. Reduce your risk of low back pain by keeping at a healthy weight and staying active
Understanding the Lumbar Region:
The lumbar region, or low back, is situated below the ribcage and plays a crucial role in supporting our daily movements. Gain insights into the anatomy of the lumbar region and its significance in our overall well-being.
There are two types of back pain:
- Acute Back Pain
- Chronic Back Pain
.Acute Back Pain:
Short-term lower back pain is called acute and is the most common, lasting just a few days to a few weeks. It typically resolves on its own with a few days of rest.
Chronic Back Pain:
About 20 percent of people affected by acute low back pain will develop chronic low back pain, lasting 12 weeks or longer. In some cases, treatment for the injury or condition causing the pain will provide relief. In other instances, the pain may continue and need management
Symptoms of Lower Back Pain:
Symptoms associated with back pain can vary depending on the cause or severity of the injury or condition. Some common symptoms include:
- Trouble Bending or Twisting Your Back
- Difficulty Standing Up Straight
- Dull Aches or Stabbing Pains
- Pains That Radiate Down One or Both Legs
- Weakness, Numbness, or Tingling Sensations
Back Pain Symptoms That Require Immediate Care:
Pay attention to the pain or abnormal sensations you feel and see a doctor if you think something may be wrong.
If you experience any of the following severe symptoms, get medical care right away:
- Severe Leg Pain or Lower Back Pain
- Sudden Weakness, Numbness, Tingling, or Electric Shock-Like Pain
- Pain That Doesn’t Improve After Two Weeks
- Pain That Gets Worse, Even When Using At-Home Remedies
- You Lose Control of Your Bowels or Bladder Function
What Causes Low Back Pain ?
There are many different potential causes of lower back pain. Figuring out what is causing your pain can help you get the proper treatment to provide relief and get you back to your normal activities.
Work-Related Causes:
Almost everyone has lower back pain at some point in their lives, and it’s one of the top reasons for missing work in the U.S. Unfortunately, your job can also be what’s causing your back pain in the first place.
If your job requires heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or using equipment that vibrates your spine, you’re at risk of sustaining an injury that causes back pain.
Office workers are at risk for back problems too. Prolonged sitting with little to no activity creates muscular weakness and imbalance, which leads to lower back pain—especially with poor posture or a chair that doesn’t provide enough back support.
Types of Injuries:
Anyone can sustain an acute injury resulting in lower back pain. Still, they’re particularly prevalent in athletes who participate in high-contact sports like basketball, football, or rugby. They can also happen in a car accident, fall, or another traumatic event.
The most common types of injuries that contribute to back pain include:
- Sprains (Overstretched or Torn Ligaments)
- Strains (Tears in Tendons or Muscles)
- Spasms (Sudden Contraction of a Muscle or Group of Muscles)
Conditions That Causes Low Back Pain:
Several conditions of the spine list lower back pain as one of their top symptoms. Those conditions, in order from most to least common, include:
- Herniated Disc (Typically causes low back and leg pain)
- Spondylolisthesis (Typically causes low back and leg pain)
- Spinal Stenosis (Typically causes low back and leg pain)
- Arthritis
- Sciatica (Typically causes low back and leg pain)
- Spinal Nerve Compression or Inflammation(Typically causes low back and leg pain)
- Osteoporosis (Leading to fracture)
- Fibromyalgia
- Infections Involving the Vertebrae
- Ankylosing Spondylitis