Low back pain

Spine

Low back pain

Low back pain, also known as lumbago, is a common and often frustrating experience that affects millions of people around the world. This is pain or discomfort felt in the lower back, specifically between the lower ribs and buttocks. This pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp and debilitating sensation, having a significant impact on daily activities and quality of life. Although low back pain can be alarming, it is important to understand that it is rarely a sign of a serious underlying condition and usually resolves with proper care and self-management.

What are the Symptoms?

The most important symptom of low back pain is localized pain in the lower back. This pain can vary in nature, including:

Pain: Dull, stabbing pain that may be constant or intermittent.
Acute: Sudden, stabbing pain that may worsen with certain movements.
Burning: A burning sensation in the lower back.
Stiffness: Difficulty bending forward, twisting, or standing up straight.
Muscle spasms: Involuntary contractions of the muscles of the lower back, causing sudden, intense pain.
Sciatica: Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating to one leg along the path of the sciatic nerve.

What are the Causes & Risk Factor?

They have a clearly identifiable source, such as:

Muscle strain or sprain: Lifting heavy objects incorrectly, sudden, awkward movements, or poor posture can strain or sprain the muscles and ligaments of the lower back, leading to pain and stiffness.
Herniated disc: When the soft inner core of an intervertebral disc protrudes through a tear in the outer ring, it can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness and weakness.
Spinal stenosis: This narrowing of the spinal canal due to bone spurs, thickening of ligaments, or a herniated disc can compress nerve roots, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness.
Sciatica: This pain radiates down the leg due to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, often caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Fractures: Although less common, a fracture of the vertebrae can cause significant lower back pain.
Poor posture: Slouching, hunching, or sitting for a long time with poor back support can put strain on the muscles and ligaments of your lower back over time.
Weak core muscles: Weak core muscles can lead to poor posture and spinal instability, increasing the risk of lower back pain.
Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the spine, including the lower back, contributing to pain.
Arthritis: Degenerative changes to the facet joints of the spine can cause pain and stiffness.
Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety and depression can worsen the perception of pain and interfere with healing.

Predisposing factors of low back pain/ People at risk:

Occupation: Jobs that involve heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, awkward posture, or vibration can put extra stress on the lower back, increasing the risk of back pain. Examples include construction work, nursing, driving, and desk jobs.
Obesity: Excess weight puts extra stress on the spine, including the lower back, making it more susceptible to pain and injury.
Smoking: Smoking can weaken discs and reduce blood flow to the spine, speeding degeneration and increasing the risk of pain.
Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles that support the spine, leading to poor posture and an increased risk of back pain.
Stress and anxiety: These can contribute to muscle tension and the perception of pain, potentially worsening low back pain.
Previous back injuries: People with a history of back injuries or sprains are more susceptible to future episodes of low back pain due to weakened tissues and altered mechanics.
Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to weak connective tissues or certain conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, which can increase the risk of lower back pain.

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Diagnosis of Low Back Pain

They have a clearly identifiable source, such as:

Medical History and Physical Exam: Assessing symptoms, events leading to pain, and physical findings.
Motor and Sensory Exams: Testing muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation.
Imaging Studies: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to evaluate the spine.
Other Tests: Nerve conduction studies or electromyograms (EMGs) to assess nerve function.

Low back pain treatment options

The good news is that most cases of lower back pain get better within a few weeks or months with conservative treatment. Treatment usually focuses on managing pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing.

Rest: Although complete bed rest is generally not recommended, avoiding strenuous activities that aggravate pain may be beneficial in the early stages.

Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help control pain and inflammation.

Heat or ice treatment:Applying heat or an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Maintaining good posture: Practicing good posture while standing, sitting and sleeping can help support the spine and reduce stress on the lower back.

Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can play an important role in the management of low back pain.

Manual therapy techniques: Techniques such as massage therapy and joint mobilization can help manage pain, improve mobility and reduce muscle tension.

Other possible treatment options:

Epidural steroid injection:In some cases, injection of corticosteroids into the epidural space may be considered to provide targeted pain relief.

Mind-body therapies: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and relaxation training can help manage stress and pain perception, potentially improving overall health.

Surgery:

Low back pain surgery is usually a last resort for people with severe and persistent pain that significantly affects their daily life and has not responded to conservative or minimally invasive treatment. Different surgical procedures may be used depending on the underlying cause of the pain.

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Low back pain

Spine

Low back pain

What are the Symptoms?

What are the Causes & Risk Factor?

Predisposing factors of low back pain/ People at risk:

Diagnosis of Low Back Pain

Low back pain treatment options

Other possible treatment options:

Surgery:

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