Back discomfort in the lower back is fairly common. It can be caused by a strain (injury) to the back muscles or tendons. Arthritis, structural issues, and disk injuries are among the other causes. Rest, physical therapy, and medicine are frequently used to alleviate pain. One of the best ways to avoid low back pain and injury is to maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle.
What is the definition of lower back pain?
Low back pain can be caused by a variety of accidents, ailments, or diseases, the most common of which is a strain or tear in the back muscle or tendon injury.
The intensity of pain varies from mild to severe and can make even the simplest tasks seem impossible. Low back pain can come in spurts or be consistent.
Lower back pain can often improve with rest, physical therapy (PT), or pain medication. Injections of cortisone and manual therapies (such as osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation) can assist in reducing pain while speeding up the healing process. Some back injuries and disorders require surgery.
How common is lower back pain?
Reports show that lower back pain affects roughly 4 out of 5 people at some point throughout their life. It’s one of the most prevalent causes for people to seek medical help.
Lower back discomfort is more common in certain people than in others and can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
Back discomfort is more common in those over the age of 30. Age causes discs (soft, rubbery tissue that cushions the bones in the spine) to wear away. Pain and stiffness might occur when the disks deteriorate and wear out.
Obesity or excess weight: Obese or overweight people are more prone to have back discomfort. Weight gain puts strain on joints and disks.
Overall health: Abdominal muscles that are weak can’t support the spine, resulting in back strains and sprains. Back discomfort is more likely in those who smoke, consume too much alcohol, or have a sedentary lifestyle.
Occupation and lifestyle: Jobs and hobbies that demand a lot of lifting or bending might put your back in danger.
Severe back pain can be caused by structural issues, such as scoliosis, which alters the position of the spine.
Low back discomfort is more likely in those who have a family history of osteoarthritis, certain forms of cancer, or other diseases.
Back pain can be caused by mental health issues such as sadness and anxiety.
When it comes to lower back pain, how long does it usually last?
There are 3 types of lower back pain, acute, subacute, and chronic. Acute spurts of lower back pain can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, whereas subacute occurrences persist anywhere from four to twelve weeks. According to the National Institutes of Health, roughly 20% of people who suffer from acute back pain go on to acquire chronic back pain, which is defined as pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks. Even in these circumstances, there are a variety of therapeutic options available to help alleviate the symptoms of lower back pain.
When chronic lower back pain becomes debilitating, it is not abnormal to be concerned that something is terribly wrong and the same can be said for acute back discomfort that never seems to go away. The good news is that, while back pain can be debilitating, it doesn’t have to be, as there are various remedies and therapeutic methods that can be used to help alleviate and often eliminate pain.
What are the signs and symptoms of back pain in the lower back?
Lower back pain symptoms might begin abruptly or develop over time. Pain can come as a result of a specific event, such as bending to pick up something. Other times, you may have no idea what’s causing your discomfort.
Sharp or dull and achy pain might extend to your buttocks or down the back of your legs (sciatica). When you strain your back during an activity, you could hear a “pop” as a result. Pain can often worsen when in certain positions (such as bending over) and can be relieved by lying down.
Other signs or symptoms of lower back pain include:
Difficulty straightening or moving your back. It may take some time to get up from a seated position, and you may feel the desire to walk or stretch to loosen your muscles and the stiffness you feel. You could notice a reduction in range of motion.
Many people suffering from back discomfort find it difficult to stand up straight. When experiencing low back pain, you might find yourself standing “crooked” or bent, and your lower back may appear flat rather than bent.
Muscle spasms or involuntary muscle contractions may occur after a lower back injury. Muscle spasms can cause extreme discomfort and make simple tasks like standing, walking, and moving difficult or impossible.
What causes back discomfort in the lower back?
Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of things including trauma, illnesses, and diseases. Some of these include:
Back discomfort can be caused by a variety of diseases, including tumors in the spine, infections, and several forms of cancer.
Kidney stones and an abdominal aortic aneurysm can also cause back pain.
The most common cause of back discomfort is strains and sprains. Sometimes our own strength can be the cause of our back pain. While you may be able to lift heavy objects, the act of lifting such things can harm muscles, tendons, and ligaments, especially if safe lifting methods are not used. Sneezing, coughing, twisting, or leaning over can all surprisingly cause back pain.
Problems with disks: The vertebrae are cushioned by disks (small spinal bones). Disks might bulge and push on a nerve due to their location in the spine. They can also cause tears (herniated disk). Disks can flatten as they age.
Fractures: Most common during an event such as a car accident or playing sports/ living an active lifestyle. When a fracture occurs, the bones in the spine might shatter. Fractures are more likely in certain circumstances (such as spondylolysis or osteoporosis).
Structural issues: Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal column is too thin for the spinal cord to pass through. Sciatic nerve pain and lower back pain might be caused by anything squeezing the spinal cord. Scoliosis (spinal curvature) can cause discomfort, stiffness, and trouble moving.
Arthritis: The most prevalent kind of arthritis that causes lower back discomfort is osteoarthritis. Lower back discomfort, inflammation, and stiffness are all symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.
Spondylolisthesis is a disorder in which the spine’s vertebrae fall out of place. Low back discomfort and leg pain are common symptoms of spondylolisthesis.
What Lower Back Pain Home Remedies Actually Work?
You usually don’t need to see a doctor for back discomfort unless you’ve suffered a significant injury, such as a fall or a vehicle accident. You might want to start with these easy self-care techniques.
Avoid complete bed rest. When lower back pain arises, many individuals believe that full rest would alleviate the problem. While rest is always important, limiting your movement can often cause your stiffness to worsen. Light movement and specific stretches can help alleviate lower back pain.
Use ice and/or heat as needed. Many people find that using ice or cold packs for up to 20 minutes at a time helps to decrease swelling and discomfort. It is important to wrap ice or cold packs in a small breathable towel to avoid injuring your skin while still allowing the cool temperature to reach the skin. Heat can be applied via a heating pad or by taking a warm bath to help alleviate pain. It is important to ice your lower back injury for the first 48 hours after the injury occurs; beyond that, a combination of ice and heat can be used.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication can also be used on a case-by-case basis. Short-term usage of over-the-counter pain medicines like ibuprofen and or Aleve, which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may help relieve your lower back discomfort. Consider over-the-counter lotions, gels, patches, or sprays that are applied to the skin. (Star Health)
What is the process for determining the cause of lower back pain?
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. Your doctor may prescribe imaging tests to look for fractured bones or other injuries. From there your provider will be able to examine clear images of your vertebrae, discs, muscles, ligaments, and tendons to decipher the cause of your pain.
Your healthcare professional may issue the following orders:
X-ray of the spine, which utilizes radiation to create pictures of the bones.
MRI – produced images of bones, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues using a magnet and radio waves.
CT scan – produces 3D pictures of bones and soft tissues using X-rays and a computer.
Electromyography (EMG) – this is a test that checks nerves and muscles for neuropathy (nerve damage), which can cause tingling or numbness in the legs.
Blood tests or urine tests, depending on the reason of your pain. Some back pain problems have genetic markers that can be detected through blood testing (such as ankylosing spondylitis). Kidney stones, which can cause lower back pain, are checked using urine testing.
What Are Some Lower Back Pain Treatments Other than Taking Pain Medication?
Doctors may recommend therapy that isn’t deemed “standard of care” in some instances. They’re unlikely to be covered by insurance, but they’re worth thinking about. Here are several examples:
Physical Therapy – The most obvious choice is physical therapy as this is a long-term solution for lower back pain. Physical therapy can help find the route of the pain and create an individualized therapy plan specific to your injury.
Dry-Needling – Dry needling is a technique that uses thin needles to treat muscle pain caused by trigger points. Trigger points are painful areas in the tissue which are the insert points for these needles. These trigger points then help decrease pain and improve mobility, and function.
Acupuncture- Although your doctor is unlikely to practice acupuncture (although some do), he or she may encourage you to try it as a supplemental therapy. Acupuncture is the insertion of small, sterile needles into precise places on the body with great care. This may cause the release of pain-killing molecules in your body.
Chiropractic treatment is a type of treatment that involves the manipulation of A chiropractor, a healthcare specialist who specializes in spinal manipulation, is seen by more than half of persons with acute lower back pain.
What are the options for treating lower back pain?
Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications are typically effective for lower back discomfort. You can gradually resume your usual activities after a few days of relaxation. Staying active helps you heal by increasing blood flow to the region.
Other lower back pain remedies are dependent on the underlying problem. They are as follows:
To treat pain, your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) or prescription medicines. Other drugs help to relax muscles and keep back spasms at bay.
Hands-on manipulation: There are a variety of “hands-on” therapies that can help to relax tight muscles, relieve discomfort, and improve posture and alignment. You may require osteopathic manipulation or chiropractic adjustments, depending on the reason for your discomfort. Massage treatment can also aid in the reduction of back pain and the restoration of function.
Injections: Your doctor will use a needle to inject medicine into the painful spot. Steroid injections are used to treat pain and inflammation.
Surgery is required for several injuries and disorders. Low back pain can be treated with a variety of surgical procedures, including numerous minimally invasive procedures.
Is it possible to avoid lower back pain?
Lower back discomfort caused by illness or structural issues in the spine are often unavoidable. However, injuries that cause back discomfort can be avoided.
To lower your chances of sustaining a back injury, you should:
Maintain a healthy weight: Carrying too much weight increases strain on the vertebrae and discs.
Pilates and other exercise regimens can help you strengthen the core muscles that support your spine.
Lift the proper way: Lift using your legs to avoid injury (not your back). Keeping heavy objects close to your body is a good idea. When lifting, try not to twist your torso.
When should I go to my doctor regarding my lower back pain?
Rest and pain medications are generally enough to alleviate lower back discomfort. Back pain that doesn’t go away might be an indication of something more serious.
If you have any of the following symptoms, see your healthcare provider:
After roughly a week of at-home treatment, the pain does not improve.
In your buttocks or legs, you may experience tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain.
Severe discomfort or muscular spasms that prevent you from doing your daily tasks
Fever, weight loss, bowel or bladder issues, or other unexplained symptoms are all possible causes.
Desert Edge Physical Therapy
Low back pain affects millions of individuals. Stiffness, pain, and restricted mobility may all have a negative influence on one’s quality of life. Maintaining a healthy weight and remaining active, on the other hand, may help you avoid lower back discomfort. If your back pain persists or prevents you from doing the things you like, see your doctor. Several therapies are available to help you decrease pain, improve your mobility, and get more out of life. Desert Edge Physical Therapy can help residents in Northwest Phoenix with lower back pain by creating individualized plans that target the specific issues at hand.
Call today to set up your first visit with one of our awesome and talented PTs!
