What is it?
Lower back pain is discomfort in the lower back that can limit mobility and disrupt normal activities. It is classified as either acute or chronic. Acute lower back pain typically spans from a few days to a few weeks and generally resolves on its own, while chronic lower back pain continues for more than three months and tends to worsen progressively.
Causes
- Repetitive or heavy lifting
- Exposure to vibration for prolonged periods
- Injury
- Degeneration of vertebrae (often caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine or the effects of aging)
- Infection
- Abnormal growth (tumor)
- Obesity: increases weight on the spine and pressure on the disks
- Poor muscle tone in the back
- Muscle tension or spasm
- Sprain/strain
- Ligament or muscle tears
- Joint problems (such as spinal stenosis)
- Smoking
- Protruding or herniated (slipped) disk
- Disease: Osteoarthritis, Spondylitis, Compression fractures
Symptoms
Symptoms of lower back pain can vary, presenting as discomfort or pain in the lower back with sensations that might be aching, burning, stabbing, sharp, dull, distinct, or indistinct. This pain may also spread to one or both buttocks and can extend down to the thigh, hip, lower leg, and foot. It’s crucial to understand that symptoms of lower back pain may resemble those of other medical issues, necessitating a consultation with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment strategies for lower back pain emphasize staying active to manage and prevent pain. Short periods of rest might be beneficial, depending on the intensity of pain and the patient’s specific condition, but strengthening exercises for the back and abdominal muscles are vital. Gentle exercises including walking, swimming, tai chi, and yoga are recommended.
Additional treatment options include:
- Applying heat
- Medications
- Physical rehabilitation
- Various therapeutic interventions
- Osteopathic manipulation
- Occupational therapy
- Weight management (for overweight individuals)
- Smoking cessation programs (for frequent smokers)
- A prevention program tailored by a healthcare provider
- Surgical interventions
- Use of assistive devices such as mechanical back supports
Resources for Patients
Back Pain: Finding solutions for your aching back
Stretching and strengthening exercises to relieve and prevent lower back pain
What's the best sleeping position to relieve back pain? - Teri Eldenburg, Physical Therapist
Resources Used
- Low Back Pain. (2022, June 9). Www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-anddiseases/back-pain/low-back-pain