Back pain in the lower back is pretty prevalent. It can be caused by a strain (injury) to the back muscles or tendons. Arthritis, structural issues, and disk injuries are among the other causes. Rest, physiotherapy in Dubai, and medicine are frequently used to alleviate pain. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help you avoid low back pain.
What is the definition of lower back pain?
Low back pain can be caused by various accidents, ailments, or diseases, the most common of which is a back muscle or tendon injury.
The intensity of pain varies from mild to severe. Pain might make walking, sleeping, working, or accomplishing other daily tasks difficult or impossible in some circumstances.
Lower back pain usually improves with rest, medications, and physical therapy (PT). Injections of cortisone and manual treatments (such as osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation) can reduce pain and speed up the healing process. Some back injuries and disorders necessitate surgery.
What is the prevalence of lower back pain?
Lower back discomfort affects almost four out of every five persons at some point in their lives. It’s one of the most prevalent causes for people to seek medical help.
Lower back discomfort is more common in certain people than in others. Lower back discomfort can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Age: Back discomfort is more common in people over the age of 30. Age causes discs (soft, rubbery tissue that cushions the bones in the spine) to wear away. Pain and stiffness might occur as the disks deteriorate and wear down.
- Obesity or excess weight:Obese or overweight people are more likely to experience back pain. Weight gain puts strain on joints and disks.
- Overall health:Weak Abdominal muscles can’t support the spine, resulting in back strains and sprains. Back discomfort is more likely in people who smoke, consume too much alcohol, or lead a sedentary lifestyle.
- Occupation and lifestyle:Jobs and hobbies that require a lot of lifting or bending can put your back in danger.
- Structural Problems: Severe back pain can be caused by structural issues, such as scoliosis, which alters the spine’s position.
- Diseases: Low back discomfort is more likely in those with a family history of osteoarthritis, certain types of cancer, or other diseases.
- Mental Health: Back pain can be caused by mental health issues such as sadness and anxiety.
What are the signs and symptoms of back pain in the lower back?
Lower back pain symptoms might begin suddenly or develop over time. Pain can arise due to a specific event, such as bending to pick up something. Other times, you may have no idea what’s causing the discomfort.
Sharp or dull and achy pain can radiate to your buttocks or down the back of your legs (sciatica). You might hear a “pop “when you strain your back during activity. You might hear a “pop.” Pain is often aggravated by certain positions (such as bending over) and relieved by lying down.
Other signs and symptoms of lower back pain are:
- Stiffness: It may not be easy to move or straighten your back. It may take some time to get up from a seated posture, and you may feel the desire to walk or stretch to loosen yourself. You might notice a reduction in range of motion.
- Posture Problems: Many people suffering from back discomfort find it challenging to stand up straight. You may stand “crooked” or bent, with your torso to the side of your spine rather than aligned with it. Your lower back may appear flat rather than bent.
- Muscle spasms:Muscles in the lower back might spasm or contract involuntarily after a strain. Muscle spasms can produce excruciating discomfort and make standing, walking, and moving difficult or impossible
What causes back discomfort in the lower back?
Lower back discomfort can be caused by various traumas, illnesses, and diseases. They are as follows:
- Strains and sprains:The most prevalent cause of back discomfort is strains and sprains. Lifting something too heavy or not lifting safely can harm muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Sneezing, coughing, twisting, or leaning over can cause back discomfort.
- Fractures:During an accident, such as a car accident or a fall, the bones in the spine might break. Fractures are more likely in certain circumstances (such as spondylolysis or osteoporosis).
- Problems with disks:The vertebrae are cushioned by disks (small spinal bones). Disks can bulge and press on a nerve due to their position in the spine. They can also cause tears (herniated disk). Disks can flatten and give less protection as they age (degenerative disk disease).
- Structural issues:Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal column is too thin for the spinal cord to pass through. Sciatic nerve discomfort and lower back pain might be caused by something squeezing the spinal cord. Scoliosis (spinal curvature) can cause discomfort, stiffness, and trouble moving.
- Arthritis:Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis that causes lower back discomfort. Lower back pain, inflammation, and stiffness are symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.
- Diseases: Back discomfort can be caused by various diseases, including tumors in the spine, infections, and several types of cancer. A variety of factors can cause back pain. Kidney stones and an abdominal aortic aneurysm are two examples.
- Spondylolisthesis: is a disorder in which the spine’s vertebrae fall out of place. Spondylolisthesis causes low back discomfort and, in some cases, leg pain.
What is the procedure for determining the cause of lower back pain?
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. He/She may prescribe imaging tests to look for broken bones or other injuries. Your provider will be able to examine clear images of your vertebrae, discs, muscles, ligaments, and tendons thanks to these examinations.
Your healthcare provider may issue the following orders:
- X-ray of the spine uses radiation to create images of the bones.
- MRI creates images of bones, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues using a magnet and radio waves.
- CT scan creates 3D images of bones and soft tissues using X-rays and a computer.
- Electromyography (EMG) is a test that checks nerves and muscles for neuropathy (nerve damage), which can cause tingling or numbness in the legs.
Your doctor may also request blood tests or urine tests, depending on the source of your pain. Some back pain diseases have genetic markers that can be detected through blood tests (such as ankylosing spondylitis). Kidney stones, which cause flank pain, are checked for using urine testing (the sides of the low back).
What are the options for treating lower back pain?
Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications are usually adequate for lower back pain. You can gradually resume your normal activities after a few days of relaxation. Staying active helps you heal by increasing blood flow to the area.
Other lower back pain remedies are dependent on the underlying problem. They are as follows:
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) or prescription drugs to treat pain. Other medicines help to relax muscles and keep back spasms at bay.
- Physical therapy (PT): can help your muscles maintain your spine by strengthening them. PT also increases flexibility and aids in the prevention of further injuries.
- Hands-on manipulation:A variety of “hands-on” therapies can help relax tight muscles, relieve discomfort, and improve posture and alignment. You may require osteopathic manipulation or chiropractic adjustments, depending on your pain. Massage treatment can also aid in the reduction of back pain and the restoration of function.
- Injections:Your doctor will use a needle to inject medication into the painful spot. Steroid injections are used to treat pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: is required for several injuries and disorders. Low back pain can be treated with various surgical procedures, including numerous minimally invasive procedures.
Is it possible to avoid lower back pain?
Lower back discomfort caused by disease or structural issues in the spine is unavoidable. However, injuries that cause back pain can be avoided.
To lower your chances of sustaining a back injury, you should:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Carrying too much weight increases strain on the vertebrae and disks.
- Pilates and other exercise regimens can help you strengthen the core muscles that support your spine.
- Lift the appropriate way:Lift with your legs to avoid injury (not your back). Keeping heavy objects close to your body is a good idea. When lifting, try not to twist your torso.
When should I go to my doctor regarding my lower back pain?
Rest, and pain medications are generally enough to alleviate lower back pain. Back discomfort that doesn’t go away could signify something more serious.
If you have any of the following symptoms, consult your healthcare provider:
- After roughly a week of at-home care, the pain does not improve.
- You may experience tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in your buttocks or legs.
- Severe pain or muscle spasms that prevent you from doing your daily tasks
- Fever, weight loss, bowel or bladder issues, or other unexplained symptoms are all possible causes.
Royal Premiere Healthcare Center has issued the following statement:
Low back discomfort affects millions of people. Stiffness, pain, and restricted mobility can hurt one’s quality of life. Maintaining a healthy weight and remaining active, on the other hand, may help you avoid lower back pain. You can get an on call doctor if your back discomfort persists or prevents you from doing the things you enjoy. Several therapies are available to help you decrease pain, improve mobility, and get more out of life.
