Lower Back Pain

Overview

Low back pain is a common condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. It can range from a dull, constant pain to a sudden, sharp pain that makes it difficult to move. The lower back or lumber region is particularly susceptible to injury and strain because it supports the upper body and allows movement.

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

Symptoms of lower back pain can vary greatly from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• Aching or stiffness: Constant, deep pain or pressure in the lower back.
• Acute pain: Sudden, severe pain that makes it difficult to stand up or move.
• Radiating pain: Pain that radiates down the leg, often accompanied by numbness or tingling.
• Limited mobility: Difficulty bending, lifting, or turning without pain.
• Muscle spasms: Tightness or cramping of the back muscles.

While many cases resolve on their own, some may lead to chronic pain, requiring more attention.

When to See a Consultant

It is important to consult your doctor if:

• The pain lasts more than a few weeks.
• You feel severe pain, especially if it radiates down your legs.
• There are associated symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss, or bowel/bladder problems.
• You have recently suffered a back injury or trauma.
• You feel weakness in your legs or have difficulty standing or walking.

Seeing a consultant can help determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can occur for several reasons, including:

• Muscle or ligament strains: Lifting heavy objects, sudden, awkward movements, or overexertion can strain muscles and ligaments.
• Herniated disc: The discs that cushion the vertebrae can bulge or rupture, compressing nerves and causing pain.
• Arthritis: Conditions such as osteoarthritis can lead to inflammation and pain in the spine.
• Skeletal irregularities: Conditions such as scoliosis can cause uneven loading on the spine.
• Osteoporosis: Weak, brittle bones can lead to fractures and pain, especially in older people.

Lifestyle factors such as being overweight, sedentary, or poor posture can also contribute to lower back pain.

Diagnosing Lower Back Pain

When you see a healthcare provider for back pain, they usually start with a thorough medical history and physical exam. During the exam, the service provider assesses your range of motion, strength, and reflexes. Depending on the suspected cause, further tests may be recommended, such as:

• X-rays: These can reveal fractures, bone spurs, or other structural problems.
• MRI or CT scans: take detailed pictures of the soft tissues, discs, and nerves of the spine to help identify a herniated disc or nerve compression.
• Blood tests: These may be ordered to check for infection or inflammatory conditions.

Treatment Options

Treatment for back pain often depends on the severity of the pain and the underlying condition. Common methods include:

• Changing rest and activity: Rest and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain can help in the early stages. However, prolonged inactivity is not always beneficial, as gentle movement and stretching can help with recovery.
• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can create a personalized exercise program to strengthen your back muscles, improve your range of motion, and relieve pain.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications or steroids.
• Heat and ice therapy: Applying heat or ice to the affected area can help. Ice reduces inflammation and heat relaxes tense muscles.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve.
• Surgery: In severe cases, especially if there is nerve damage or structural problems, surgery may be necessary. Procedures include partial removal of the herniated disc) or spinal fusion.