The back is composed of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and disks. Lower back pain is extremely common. Almost every person will have at least one episode of low back pain at some time in his or her life. The pain can vary from severe and long term to mild and short lived. It will resolve within a few weeks for most people.
Some doctors describe lower back pain as the most painful condition a person could possibly experience in their life. For people who’ve already suffered lower back pain, this statement rings loud and true.
Symptoms-
Pain in the lower part of the back is the main symptom of lower back pain.
The pain radiates down the front, side, or back of your leg, or the lower back
The part of the leg that receives its nerve supply from a compressed nerve is numb or weak
Pain becomes worse if you do any activity
The pain gets worse at night or especially after sitting or standing for long periods. Like, sitting on a long car trip or sitting in the movie theatre
Sharp pain in the lower back - especially after lifting heavy objects
Types of low back pain
Lower back pain is classified as acute or chronic:
Acute back pain is short term, generally lasting from a few days to a few weeks. Some acute pain syndromes can become more serious if left untreated
Chronic back pain is generally defined as pain in the lower back that persists for more than three months. The pain may be progressive, or may occasionally flare up and then return to a lower level of pain. The exact cause of the pain can sometimes be difficult to determine
Causes-
Lower back pain most often occurs from improper or heavy lifting, or after a sudden awkward movement. Many things can cause lower back pain, muscle strain or spasm, ligament sprains, joint problems or a slipped disk.
A slipped disk (also called a herniated disk) happens when a disk between the bones of the spine bulges and presses on nerves. It is sometimes caused due to the twisting movement while lifting. Other skeletal causes of low back pain include infections of the bones of the spine.
Risk factors:
The risk of having lower back pain increase if you are-
A smoker
Obese
Have a stressful job
Suffer from anxiety
Of old age
Are of female gender
Practice physically tiring work
Suffer from depression
Treatment-
Most
lower back pain get better with a few weeks of home treatment and careful medical attention. If home treatments do not work, stronger medications or other therapies are suggested.
Treatments for
low back pain are multiple and varied few of them are mentioned below:
Rest
A few days of rest can often calm the pain down as well. Prolonged bed rest (more than 2 days to 3 days) is no longer generally recommended for people with low back pain.
Medication
Medications such as no steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can be helpful. Occasionally, stronger medications such as muscle relaxants and narcotics are used for a short period.
Injections
The most commonly used injections are local anaesthetics and/or steroids. They are usually given either in the area that is believed to be the source of the pain, injections are occasionally placed into the disk, but this is done far less frequently.
Exercise and Stretching
Exercising to restore motion and strength to a painful lumbar spine can be very helpful in relieving pain include walking, jogging, swimming, and bicycling.
Proper Lifting Technique
Instruction in lifting techniques can be helpful as well. Improperly bending over to lift can cause a large increase in strain on the low back. Proper lifting keeps the back straight while you bend with the knees.
Prevention-
Exercise- Aerobic activities (those that don\'t strain or jolt your back) can increase strength in your back and allow your muscles to function better. Walking and swimming are good choices
Building muscle strength and flexibility- Abdominal and back muscle exercises help condition the muscles so that they work together
Quit smoking- Smokers have diminished oxygen levels in their spinal tissues, which can hinder the healing process
Maintain a healthy weight- Being overweight puts strain on your back muscles. If you're overweight, you can slim down and prevent back pain
Avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously. Find a lifting partner if the object is extremely heavy.
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