Though the majority of low back pain is due to
injury, there could be a separate medical issue at play.
Almost everyone will experience lower back pain in their
lifetime — about 80% of adults. According to the National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS),
low back pain is the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading
contributor to missed workdays.
Pain in the lower back can come on suddenly as a result of
heavy lifting or an accident, or it can develop slowly over time due to aging’s
role in changing the spine. Leading a sedentary lifestyle can also cause low
back pain as the back muscles become weak and more vulnerable to injury.
Causes for lower back pain
Though the majority of low back pain is due to injury (i.e.
a strain or disc injury), this isn’t always the case. Other causes of lower
back pain include:
1.
Aging
2.
Spinal
stenosis: When the spinal column narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord
and nerves.
3.
Abnormal
spine curvatures
4.
Fibromyalgia:
Long-term pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, and tendons.
5.
Spondylitis:
Inflammation of the joints between the spinal bones.
6.
Spondylosis:
A degenerative disorder that sometimes leads to loss of normal spinal structure
and function.
7.
Cancer
of the spinal cord
8.
A
ruptured or herniated disc
9.
Sciatica:
When a herniated disc presses on the sciatic nerve.
10.
Arthritis
11.
Kidney
infections
12.
Infections
of the spine
13.
Kidney
and bladder problems
14.
Endometriosis
15.
Ovarian
cysts
16.
Uterine
fibroids
It’s also important to note that there are two types of back
pain: pain that comes on suddenly and lasts no more than six weeks (aka acute
back pain) and pain that lasts more than three months (aka chronic back pain).
What to do about lower back pain
According to Mayo Clinic,
the majority of low back pain gradually improves with home treatment and
self-care, usually within a few weeks. Home treatment can include alternating
between ice and heat to relax muscles, over-the-counter pain medication,
cessation of intense physical activity, and/or a warm bath or a massage.
If you practice home treatment diligently and your pain
doesn’t improve after 72 hours, you should call your doctor.
There’s also the chance that your back pain is indicative of
a serious medical problem.
In
rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem.
In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical
problem. Seek immediate care if your back pain leads to new bowel or bladder
problems, is accompanied by fever, or follows a fall/blow to your back, seek
immediate care.
Additionally, you should contact a doctor if your back pain
becomes severe, causes weakness/numbness in one or both legs, causes
tingling/pain down one or both legs, or is accompanied by inexplicable weight
loss.
If you’re over 50 years old and you start experiencing back
pain for the first time with no clear cause, seek medical help. The same goes
for those with a history of cancer, osteoporosis, steroid use, or excessive
drug or alcohol use.
Future prevention
Some back pain can be prevented through lifestyle
modifications such as regular low-impact aerobic activities, abdominal and back
muscle exercises, quitting smoking, and maintaining good posture.
Alternative medicines such as cupping therapy and
acupuncture have also been shown to markedly improve back pain.
Remember, though, that most products that promise prevention
and/or relief aren’t scientifically proven to help (i.e. special mattresses or
insoles). Always consult with your doctor before beginning a new
program/protocol for your back pain.
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