Lower back pain is one of the most common health issues people experience worldwide. Whether it's a dull ache or a sharp pain, it can make even the simplest tasks, like bending down to tie your shoes or sitting at a desk, feel impossible.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and treat lower back pain so that you don’t have to live with it all your life. There are different methods to treat lower back pain and surgery or rarely required to alleviate back pain. In this article, we'll look at what causes lower back pain, symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and how to avoid lower back pain so you can live a pain-free life.
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain can be triggered by a variety of factors, ranging from lifestyle habits to underlying medical conditions.
Here are some of the most common causes:
Muscle or ligament strain
Heavy lifting on a regular basis, as well as unexpected and unnatural movements, can strain back muscles and ligaments. People in poor physical condition may experience painful muscle spasms as a result of frequent back strain.
Posture and Lifestyle Habits
Poor posture, such as slouching while sitting, or sitting for long periods, can put extra stress on your lower back. Additionally, lack of physical activity, being overweight, or not stretching enough can contribute to muscle imbalances that lead to back pain.
Bulging or ruptured discs
Discs operate as cushions between the vertebrae in the spine. The soft substance within a disk might bulge or burst, pressing on a nerve. However, a bulging or ruptured disc may not produce back pain. Disk disease is frequently detected in spine X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs performed for other reasons.
Arthritis
Arthritis Osteoarthritis can damage the lower back. In some circumstances, arthritis in the spine can cause a narrowing of the area around the spinal cord, a condition known as spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis
If the bones become porous and brittle, the vertebrae of the spine might fracture and cause discomfort.
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis inflammatory condition can cause some of the bones of the spine to fuse. This reduces the spine's flexibility.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a discomfort that spreads from the lower back down one leg. It is caused by sciatic nerve irritation or compression, which is frequently the result of a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Symptoms of Lower Back Pain
Back pain can range from muscle soreness to a sharp, burning, or stabbing sensation. Furthermore, the pain can travel down a leg. Bending, twisting, lifting, standing, or walking can exacerbate pain. The symptoms of lower back pain vary greatly depending on the cause.
Here are some frequent indications to look out for:
- Dull or agonizing ache in the lower back that won't go away
- Lasts more than a few weeks
- Is severe and does not get better with rest
- Spreads down one or both legs, particularly if it reaches below the knee
- Cause weakness, numbness, and tingling in one or both legs
- Is associated with unexplained weight loss
- Sharp pain that can be caused by movement, lifting, or specific positions
- Stiffness or difficulty moving your back, especially in the morning
- Muscle spasms that make it hard to stand up straight
Risk Factors of Lower Back Pain
Back discomfort can affect anyone, including toddlers and teenagers. These variables may increase the likelihood of developing back pain:
- Back discomfort becomes increasingly common as people get older, typically around the ages of 30 or 40.
- Lack of exercise is one of the reasons as weak, unused muscles in the back and abdomen can cause back discomfort.
- Excess body weight causes additional stress on the spine.
- Certain types of arthritis and cancer can cause back discomfort.
- Improper Lifting such as using the back rather than the legs might cause back pain.
- People who suffer from depression and anxiety tend to be at a higher risk of developing back pain. Stress can generate muscle tension, which can lead to back pain.
- People who smoke have a higher risk of back pain.
Treatment of Lower Back Pain
While the pain can be frustrating, the good news is that lower back pain is usually treatable with a variety of methods.
Here are some common treatment options:
Rest and Ice/Heat Therapy
In the initial stages of pain, taking short periods of rest is important. However, too much rest can make things worse, so try to stay somewhat active. Applying ice during the first 48 hours can help reduce inflammation, while heat can help relax tense muscles afterward.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Non-prescription drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can give brief relief from lower back discomfort. Always take the suggested dosage and consult your doctor if the pain persists.
Physical Therapy
Applying heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation as well as some muscle release techniques, to the back muscle and soft tissue may help alleviate pain. As the pain improves, a physical therapist may introduce some flexibility and strength exercises for the back and abdominal muscles. Techniques for improving posture may also help.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors use manual manipulation to adjust the spine, which may help relieve pain caused by muscle tension or misalignment. This can be especially beneficial for conditions like sciatica or herniated discs.
Massage Therapy
Massage can help ease muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. It’s often a great complementary therapy for managing lower back pain, especially for muscle strains or stiffness.
Medications and Injections
For more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers or recommend an epidural steroid injection, which can help reduce inflammation around the nerves.
Cortisone injections
If previous treatments are ineffective, they may be injected into the epidural area surrounding the spinal cord. Corticosterone is an anti-inflammatory medication. It helps to minimize inflammation near the nerve roots. Injections may also be utilized to numb the locations believed to be generating the pain.
Surgery
Surgery for back pain is very rare. If an individual has a herniated disk, surgery may be an option, especially if there is persistent pain and nerve compression, which can lead to muscle weakness.
Examples of surgical procedures include:
- Fusion: Fusion occurs when a surgeon connects two vertebrae and inserts a bone graft between them. The vertebrae are held together by metal plates, screws, or cages. There is a substantially higher probability that arthritis will develop in the adjacent vertebrae.
- Artificial disk: A surgeon installs an artificial disk to replace the cushion between two vertebrae.
- Diskectomy: A discectomy is used to relieve pressure on a nerve root caused by a bulging disc or bone spur. During the treatment, a surgeon will remove a little piece of the lamina, a bony component of the spinal canal.
- Foraminotomy: A foraminotomy is a procedure that opens up the foramen, a bony opening in the spine where the nerve roots are located.
Also Read:- How To Avoid Back Pain During Car Driving
How to Prevent Lower Back Pain
While some risk factors, such as age or genetics, can’t be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of developing lower back pain:
- Exercise regularly: Activities like swimming, walking, or yoga can strengthen your back and improve flexibility.
- Use a high quality pillow for support: You can use a wedge pillow to support your lower back while you sit on your bed or couch. If you travel long distances or sit in an office for a prolonged period of time, you can use a backrest lumbar support pillow in your car seat or office chair for extra support.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts added strain on your back.
- Practice good posture: Sit up straight, avoid slouching, and use ergonomic furniture when possible.
- Lift properly: Bend at the knees, not the waist, when lifting heavy objects.
- Avoid prolonged sitting: Stand up and stretch every 30-60 minutes if you sit for long periods.
Conclusion
Lower back pain can be disruptive, but with the right knowledge and treatment, you can manage and even overcome it. Whether it’s a simple muscle strain or a more complex condition, there are many options available to relieve pain and help you get back to living your life. If you're dealing with persistent back pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for personalized advice.