Lower Back Pain - Causes, Treatment

Don't let lower back pain become a chronic problem. Some movements and activities of daily living may cause your back issues. Try checking yourself whether you are having these following symptoms; the pain on the lower back with muscle tightness or stiffness or from behind the ribs to the buttocks. If you are having these symptoms, it may be a sign of lower back pain. Some cases may have radiating pain to the leg as well. Lower back pain is one of the most commonly found conditions. Lower back pain can be caused by muscle, tendon, bone, or even disc problems. Besides being a bothersome illness, it can affect your daily life if left untreated.

Type of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can be divided into 3 types according to its duration. If you are having the symptom less than 6 weeks, it is considered to be an acute lower back pain. If you leave it on for more than 6 weeks, it is called a subacute lower back pain. However, if you leave it on for more than 3 months, it will be chronic lower back pain.

Cause of Lower Back Pain

Most lower back pain is caused by a back ailment such as diseases of the ligaments and muscles of the back, degenerative diseases of the spinal joints, diseases of herniated disc, spinal stenosis, accident resulting in spine injury etc. Diseases that are commonly found when there is pain in the lower back are acute back strain, Lumbar disc herniation and Spinal stenosis. In addition, lower back pain can be caused by internal organs other than non-spinal disorders, such as kidney disease or coronary artery disease. So, if the diagnosis does not find the cause of the back disease, other diagnostic investigations may be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Lower Back Pain Diagnosis

Patients with lower back pain do not require radiographic investigation especially patients who have recently had symptoms and no severe pain. Because lower back pain can be caused by various reasons, each disease has a specific treatment. The treatment of lower back pain depends on the patients with following objectives such as to reduce the pain to regain normal movement and prevent recurrence of the disease.

How to Prevent Lower Back Pain

We can prevent lower back pain and other spine disorders by avoiding risk factors such as avoiding sitting in the same position for a long period of time or maintaining the incorrect postures. Avoid carrying heavy bags or shoulder bags on one side since it causes a body imbalance resulting in low back pain. Exercise back muscles with precaution. Avoid repetitive exercises or weight lifting since it can cause both acute and chronic lower back pain.

Lower Back Pain Conclusion

You will see that lower back pain is the most common spine disorder. The pain can occur due to back muscles, discs, or even spinal joints problems and radiating to the buttocks. In case the pain becomes chronic, severe and refers to the leg or the foot with searing pain, making the patient difficult to stand or walk, these symptoms may not be just a common low back pain. It is a warning sign indicating other abnormalities or disorders. So, it is important that patients see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment.