11/08/2024
Lower Back pain
Back pain varies greatly from one person to the next.
Lower back pain is very common. It usually develops due to overuse or a minor injury, but sometimes there may be no obvious cause. Lower back pain can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
Lower back pain may appear suddenly or gradually and can range from a dull ache to intense, sharp pain. It can range from mild to severe, and can be short-lived or long-lasting.
These are some of the causes of lower back pain:
1. Sprains and strains
A sprain occurs when a person overstretches or tears a ligament, while a strain is caused by overstretching or tearing a tendon or muscle. Back sprains and strains can result from overuse, sports injuries, twisting awkwardly, or lifting something too heavy or improperly.
2. Herniated or ruptured discs
This is having a forceful impact to the back which causes spinal damage in the form of herniated or ruptured discs. Possible causes of this can include falls, motor vehicle accidents, and sports injuries.
3. Degenerative disc disease
This occurs when the discs between the spinal vertebrae begin to wear down. These discs act as protective cushions, so when they degenerate, the vertebrae may start rubbing against each other, which can cause back pain. This pain may worsen with bending, twisting, and lifting but improve with walking or moving.
4. Arthritis
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. This form commonly affects the lower back and causes symptoms including stiffness and pain.
Treatment
The treatment options will depend on the type and severity of the injury. A person may be able to treat minor injuries at home with rest, ice, over the counter (OTC) pain relievers, and gentle stretching.
For people with more severe injuries, Physiotherapy (Physical Therapy) is highly recommended alongside prescription medications, pain management procedures, or surgery.