Lower Back Pain: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments
Lower back pain is a common issue experienced by a large number of people worldwide and is caused by a variety of conditions. This blog will help you understand the lower back pain causes, pain diagnosis and the various lower back pain treatments that you can opt for.
What is lower back pain?
As the name suggests, lower back pain is basically pain experienced in the lower back region of the body. The pain can vary from mild to severe pain and in some instances, can make it challenging to perform day-to-day activities.
How common is lower back pain?
Research studies have shown that 4 out of 5 individuals experience lower back pain at some stage in their lifetime. Lower back pain is among the most common reasons people visit a doctor or take a leave from work.
Who experiences lower back pain?
Lower back pain is generally experienced by people suffering from an issue with one or multiple parts of the lower back, including:
- Muscles & ligaments (tendons)
- Spinal discs
- Intervertebral discs
- Vertebrae
- Nerves
- Problem in a nearby organ, like the kidneys
Common causes of lower back pain
Lower back pain can be the result of a variety of injuries, conditions & diseases. Following are the common causes:
Strain
Strain in muscles causes stiffness & soreness and generally leads to lower back pain. It normally happens due to sudden awkward movements or lifting heavy objects in the wrong manner.
However, it can sometimes occur due to overexertion. In some rare cases, strain can also be caused by twisting of the back or while bending over to fetch something.
Structural problems
If you are experiencing severe back pain, then it could be due to structural problems caused by conditions like scoliosis or spinal stenosis. Scoliosis is the curvature of the spine and can cause stiffness in the back, difficulty in movement and pain. In contrast, spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal column is too narrow for the spinal cord.
Arthritis
Spinal osteoarthritis is a major spine condition and causes severe back pain as it progresses. It’s usually a result of damage and wear & tear in the cartilage of joints in the lower back region. If left untreated, it can cause narrowing of the spinal column, leading to spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is essentially bone density loss & thinning and causes mild to severe lower back pain. It can result in tiny fractures in the vertebrae, culminating in immense pain. Individuals with osteoporosis are at a higher risk of fractures after suffering an accident such as a fall or vehicle crash.
What are the symptoms of lower back pain?
Common symptoms of lower back pain comprise:-
Posture Issues: Having a slouched or bent posture instead of a straight one is a very common symptom of lower back pain. The lower back may seem flat as opposed to curved.
Stiffness: Stiffness of the lower back may make it difficult for you to move or straighten the back. You may take a lot of time to get up from a seated position and typically experience a reduced range of motion.
Muscle Spasms: If you have had a lower back strain, then your lower back muscles may spasm or contract out of control, leading to significant pain. You may find it impossible to move, stand or walk.
Lower back pain treatment
Mild lower back pain generally goes away with adequate rest, basic exercises, ice therapy and common painkillers. However, if the pain persists for a long period of time and increases in severity, then visiting a doctor or spine specialist is recommended. The various lower back pain treatment options available are:
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Injections
- Surgery
- Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Treatment
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Treatment
The most affordable, effective and proven treatment for chronic lower back pain is the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Treatment.
Based on the US Patented Spinal Decompression Technology, this world-class treatment involves No medications, injections, hospitalisation, side effects or surgery. ANSSI has so far successfully treated more than 3500 patients worldwide through this best-in-class technology.
Following is the treatment procedure: Decompression treatment gently lengthens & releases the spine via repetitive movements. As a result, a negative pressure change is formed within the spinal joints, enabling the nutrients to be pulled back into the disc. This culminates in a physiological change that reduces pain levels and facilitates the natural healing process of the human body.
Lower back pain home remedies
Certain home remedies can be effective in treating mild lower back pain. This include:
Heat & Ice Therapy
Using ice packs or ice wrapped in a towel/cloth on the lower back area can help alleviate pain & reduce inflammation. On the other hand, warm compresses should be avoided in case of inflammation and instead used for conditions like arthritis.
Exercises
Performing basic exercises for enhancing posture and bolstering the back & abdominal muscles can help decrease lower back pain. You can focus on strengthening the core muscles to increase flexibility.
Conclusion
Although common and generally mild, lower back pain can lead to chronic complications and severe pain if left untreated. If you are suffering from chronic back pain due to a spinal disorder, then get in touch with the Spine Specialists at ANSSI Wellness Center for an Expert Consultation! Click here to book an appointment at your nearest ANSSI Wellness Center:
FAQsReference:
Gionis, Thomas A., and Eric Groteke. “Spinal decompression.” Orthopedic technology review 5 (2003): 36-39. https://comfortrac.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Spinal_Decompression.pdf
Daniel, Dwain M. “Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy: does the scientific literature support efficacy claims made in the advertising media?.” Chiropractic & Osteopathy 15.1 (2007): 1-5. https://chiromt.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1746-1340-15-7
