lower back pain common causes & symptoms

Back pain

backpain

  Lower back pain is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that up to 80% of adults will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. There are many different causes of lower back pain, ranging from poor posture to herniated discs. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common causes of lower back pain and provide tips on how to prevent them.

Causes lower back pain

Poor posture

Poor posture is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. When we slouch or hunch over, it puts pressure on the muscles and ligaments in our lower back, causing pain and discomfort. To prevent lower back pain caused by poor posture, try to sit up straight and maintain good posture throughout the day. Use a supportive chair with good back support, and avoid sitting for extended periods without taking breaks to stand up and stretch.

Muscle strain

Muscle strain is another common cause of lower back pain. This can occur from lifting heavy objects or from sudden movements that cause the muscles in the lower back to become stretched or torn. To prevent muscle strain, it's important to lift heavy objects properly by bending at the knees and keeping the back straight. Regular exercise, especially core-strengthening exercises, can also help prevent muscle strain by keeping the muscles in the lower back strong and flexible.

Herniated disc

A herniated disc occurs when the cushioning between the vertebrae in the spine becomes damaged and bulges out. This can put pressure on the nerves in the lower back, causing pain and discomfort. To prevent herniated discs, it's important to maintain a healthy weight and avoid activities that put excessive strain on the back, such as heavy lifting or repetitive bending.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints, including those in the spine. This can lead to lower back pain and stiffness. To prevent arthritis-related lower back pain, it's important to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle, making them more prone to fractures. This can lead to lower back pain and other complications. To prevent osteoporosis-related lower back pain, it's important to eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health. Regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercises like walking or jogging, can also help prevent osteoporosis.

 Other health conditions that can cause lower back pain include:

➔ kidney and bladder problems, including kidney infections

➔ pregnancy

➔ endometriosis

➔ ovarian cysts

➔ uterine fibroids

➔ spinal cord misalignment

➔ spinal infections

➔ cancer, such as cancer of the spinal cord

In conclusion, there are many different causes of lower back pain, ranging from poor posture to osteoporosis. By taking steps to prevent these conditions and maintain good back health, you can reduce your risk of experiencing lower back pain and improve your overall quality of life. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing persistent or severe lower back pain.

Lower back pain symptoms

Low back pain has many possible causes and can cause a variety of symptoms.

 

Some of the most common symptoms include: 

 

➤ pain when you rest or sit for a long time 

➤ pain when lifting heavy objects or bending over 

➤ pain radiating from the buttocks or hips 

➤ stiffness when not working or when you first wake up 

➤ number or weakness 

There are other symptoms that are less common, but worse. They understand: 

➤ pain in the legs or feet as well as the back 

➤ unknowingly overweight 

➤ fever 

➤ lack of age control

Diagnosis of back pain 

DIAGNOSIS

The doctor will likely start by obtaining a complete medical history and perform a thorough physical examination to determine where you are experiencing pain. A physical exam can also show whether the pain is affecting your range of motion. Also, the doctor can check your thoughts and your response to certain emotions. This helps them determine if your back pain is affecting your muscles. Unless your symptoms are related or you have a neurological deficit, the doctor may monitor your condition for a few weeks before sending you for further testing. In fact, most back pain goes away with simple self-care treatments. Symptoms that require further investigation include: 

 

✦ weak 

✦ unknowingly overweight 

✦ fever 

✦ lack of age control 

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms in addition to lower back pain.

 

Image analysis 

You can get an imaging test so the doctor can check: 

 

✦ bone problems 

✦ disk problem 

✦ problems with the muscles and ligaments of the back 

 Imaging tests include: 

✦ X-ray 

✦ ultrasound 

✦ CT scan 

✦ MRI 

 Other reviews 

If a doctor suspects that the bones in your back are weak, they may order a bone scan or bone density scan. Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies can help your doctor diagnose any problems with your nerves.

 

Low pain relief 

Once you get a diagnosis and understand what you're doing, it's time to create a treatment plan. Which one is right for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the cause of your pain.

 

home remedies 

A helpful self-care plan for the first 72 hours. Contact a doctor if your pain does not improve after 72 hours of home treatment.

 

Home remedies to consider include: 

 

✦ thermotherapy 

✦ cold treatment 

✦ RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation) 

✦ over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) 

✦ A warm bath, which usually relaxes the tight, tight back muscles 

Sometimes lying on your back causes more discomfort. If so, try lying on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your legs.

 

If you can lie comfortably on your back, place a pillow or towel under your thighs to reduce pressure on your lower back. Medical treatment 

Possible medical treatments include: 

✦ medicine 

✦ medical devices 

✦ physical therapy 

Medicines that doctors may prescribe include: 

 

✦ muscle relaxants 

✦ non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 

✦ corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation 

✦ narcotics, which can be given temporarily for severe pain or used to help treat chronic cancer 

✦ Medical equipment may include back braces or braces.

 

Physiotherapy may include: 

 

✦ massage 

✦ elongation 

✦ strengthening exercises 

✦ to move the back or spine

Surgery 

For severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

surgery

Surgery is often the only option when all other treatments fail. However, you may need emergency surgery if you experience bowel obstruction, bladder obstruction, or persistent neurological deficits (such as numbness or weakness) and feet).

 

Types of surgery for low back pain include: 

 

Discectomy: If a bulging disc or bone spur is pressing on your nerve root, a discectomy can relieve the pressure. During this procedure, the surgeon will remove a small part of the lamina, the bony part of the spinal cord.

Foraminotomy: A foraminotomy is a procedure that opens a hole, a bony opening in the spine where the nerve root exits. Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET): In IDET, the surgeon inserts a needle through a catheter into the disc and heats the needle for 13.5 to 16.5 minutes. This strengthens the disc walls and reduces internal disc compression and muscle tension. Nucleoplasty: During nucleoplasty, the surgeon inserts a wand-like object through a needle into the disc. The application can remove the object from the internal disk. It also uses radio waves to heat and shrink the tissue.

Radiofrequency ablation: Repetitive injury or ablation uses radio waves to interrupt the way nerves communicate with each other. The surgeon inserts a special needle into the nerve and heats it, destroying the nerve.

Spinal fusion: In this procedure, the surgeon removes the disc between two or more of your vertebrae. Then, they connect the vertebrae next to each other with bone grafts or special metal screws. This technique strengthens the spine and reduces painful movements. Learn more about backlinks.

Spinal laminectomy: In a spinal laminectomy, the surgeon widens the spinal cord by removing the spinal cord. This reduces pressure on the intestines and nerves. This process is also known as backstopping. You may also have surgery for conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or cancer.

Stretches and exercises for low back pain 

Whether you're trying to prevent back pain or dealing with current pain, these four moves are a great addition to your exercise routine. You can do them 1 or 2 times a day. Consult a doctor before adding these exercises or any new exercises to your exercise routine.

 

Knees straight 

Knee-to-chest stretches work the lower back, hips, glutes and thighs. Follow these steps: 

 

♦ Start by lying on your back with both feet on the floor.

♦ Bend your right leg, grab your knee and pull your knee towards you. Keep your left leg straight.

♦ Make your spine long by holding your knees. Avoid lifting your hips.

♦ Hold for 1 minute or as long as you feel comfortable. Repeat on the other side.

baby pose 

baby pose

Known as one of the most restorative poses in yoga, Child's Pose stretches the paraspinal muscles, glutes, and thighs. Follow these steps: 

 

With your knees on the floor, go back to rest your hips on your heels.

Extend your arms in front of you as you bend at the hips, sinking your hips into your heels. If you feel comfortable, keep your arms in front of you and turn your palms up. If that's hard, stretch your arms across your body. Hold for 1 minute or as long as you feel comfortable.

Add the string 

Add thread to your workout routine with Thread the Needle, a yoga pose that focuses on the spine, pelvis, and hips. Follow these steps: 

 

Start with your knees and hands on the floor in a table position. Your back should be completely flat. Raise your right arm to the sky.

Almost immediately lower your right arm and place it in the space between your left shoulder and your body. Extend your right arm to the left as far as possible. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

Superman 

If you're looking for a more powerful move, try Superman. Follow these steps: 

 

♦ Lie down with your stomach on the floor and your arms extended in front of you.

♦ Raise your arms and legs. You should know that your weight changes your lower back.

♦ Hold your arms and legs in the air for 30 seconds before falling. If 30 seconds is not comfortable, hold the position for a short time.

When making these moves, go slowly if possible and move carefully. If you feel any pain, stop and take a day off. 

Good Luck!👍💙