What Causes Lower Back Pain?

You’re not alone if you’ve ever had lower back discomfort prevent you from accomplishing what you want. Back pain is one of the most common health problems in the globe. It affects more than 80% of adults at some point in their life, making it a common reason for people to consult a doctor. Low back pain can be as a result of a variety of accidents, ailments, or diseases, the most common of which is a back muscle or tendon injury. The pain severity ranges from mild to severe. Pain might make it difficult or impossible to walk, sleep, work, or accomplish other daily tasks in some circumstances on the other hand, lower back pain usually improves with rest, pain medications, and physical therapy (PT).

Risk Factors of Lower Back Pain

Almost four out of every five people have lower back pain at some point in their lives. One of the most common reasons people seek medical help is because of this. Lower back discomfort is more common in certain people than in others, and it can be as a result of various conditions/factors.

Age

Back discomfort is more common in people over the age of 30. Age causes discs which is a soft, rubbery tissue that cushions the bones in the spine to wear away. Pain and stiffness might occur as the discs deteriorate and wear down.

Overall Health

Abdominal muscles that are weak 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 position of the spine.

Problems with Mental Health

Mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety can induce back pain.

Diseases

Low back discomfort is more likely in those who have a family history of osteoarthritis, certain types of cancer, or other diseases.

Obesity or Excess Weight

Obese or overweight people are more likely to experience back pain. Joints and discs are strained as a result of weight gain.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back discomfort can be as a result of a variety of injuries, ailments, and diseases and some of them include:

Strains and Sprains

Lower back discomfort is most commonly caused by ligament sprains and muscle or tendon strains. They’re frequently linked to excessive use.

Degenerative Disc Disease

While the name may be alarming, it simply implies you have a damaged disc that is producing pain. Discs get thinner and flatter over time as a result of wear and strain. As a result, they are less able to cushion the vertebrae and are more prone to tearing.

Osteoporosis

Bones become brittle when they lose mass quicker than it can be replenished. They can even fracture suddenly and without notice. Vertebral compression fractures, as they’re known, are particularly common in the spine. Men and women both lose bone mass as they become older, but postmenopausal women lose it at a faster rate, putting them at a higher risk for osteoporosis.

Structural Problem

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal column gets too narrow for the spinal cord to pass through. Sciatic nerve pain and lower back pain could be caused by something squeezing the spinal cord. Pain, stiffness, and trouble moving are all symptoms of scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine).

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that causes lower back pain.

Diseases

Back pain can be caused by a range of conditions, including spinal tumors, infections, and several types of cancer. Other conditions like kidney stones and an abdominal aortic aneurysm can also cause it.

Possible Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually. Pain can be triggered by a specific event such as bending to pick something up. Other times, you could have no notion what’s bothering you. Sometimes, you can hear a pop if you strain your back while doing something. Also, certain positions such as leaning over can increase pain, while lying down relieves it. Other symptoms include:

Stiffness

It may be difficult to move or straighten your back and it can also take some time to get up from a seated posture, even though you will feel the urge to walk or stretch to loosen yourself. You might also notice a reduction in range of motion.

Muscle Spasms

Muscles in the lower back might spasm or contract uncontrollably after a strain. Muscle spasms can be excruciatingly painful, making it difficult or impossible to stand, walk, or move.

Posture Issues

Standing up straight is difficult for many people who suffer from back pain. Your torso may be to the side of your spine rather than aligned with it, causing you to stand “crooked” or bent. Instead of being curved, your lower back may appear flat.

Treatment Options for Lower Back Pain

Lower back discomfort is usually treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. After a few days of relaxation, you can gradually resume your normal activities. Maintaining an active lifestyle aids healing by improving blood flow to the affected area. Other treatments for lower back pain are based on the underlying issues such as:

Medications

To treat pain, your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) or prescription drugs. Other drugs also help to relax muscles and keep back spasms at bay.

Injections

Your doctor will use a needle to inject medication into the painful spot. Pain and inflammation are treated with steroid injections.

Hands-on Therapies

There are a number of “hands-on” therapies that can aid in the relaxation of tense muscles, the relief of discomfort, and the improvement of posture and alignment. Depending on the cause of your discomfort, you may need osteopathic manipulation or chiropractic adjustments. Massage therapy can also help with back pain relief and restore your back to normal.

Surgery

Several injuries and diseases necessitate surgery. A variety of surgical treatments, including a number of minimally invasive procedures, can be used to treat lower back pain.

Physical Therapy (PT)

This can help your muscles maintain your spine by strengthening them. Physical therapy also improves flexibility and helps to prevent further injuries.

How to Prevent Lower Back Pain

While you can’t stop time or change your genetic makeup, you can manage and avoid lower back discomfort with lifestyle adjustments. You may be less likely to experience an injury as a result of an accident if you live a healthy lifestyle.

• Increase your physical strength: Because strong core muscles support the lower back, you may be less likely to experience an injury as a result of an accident if you live a healthy lifestyle. So enjoy to hit the gym twice a week.
• Stay active: People who maintain sedentary lifestyles are more prone to sustain injuries when they do exercise. It’s better to do less physical activity most days of the week for back health than to sit all week and over-exert yourself on weekends.
• Maintain a healthy weight: The more weight you have, the greater the pressure on your lumbar vertebrae. Obesity or being overweight can put strain on the spine and cause lower back discomfort.
• Lifting large stuff correctly is essential: Squat when lifting to allow your hips and knees to accomplish the majority of the work. While lifting, keep the load close to your chest.

Now that you Know…

Lower back discomfort affects millions of people. Stiffness, discomfort, and restricted mobility can all have a negative impact on one’s quality of life. Maintaining a healthy weight and remaining active, on the other hand, may help you avoid lower back pain. Consult your doctor if your back pain persists or prohibits you from doing the things you enjoy. Several therapies are available to help you decrease pain, improve your mobility, and help you enjoy life fully.