Of all the health conditions people experience, low back pain is among the most common. However, there are lots of reasons for low back pain. To a lot of peoples’ surprise, low back pain is not always the result of trying to lift something too heavy or a slip and fall. For that reason, let’s take a look at a few of the reasons for low back pain.
1. Lumbar Muscle Strain
One of the biggest reasons for lower back pain is a straining of the lumbar muscles. Many people can’t even remember what they did to cause the strain. Not picking up objects in the proper manner, sitting stationary for an lengthy period of time, or even recreational sports can all put a strain on the muscles of your lower back.
2. Pinched Nerve
In between each of your vertebrae, nerves branch off of your spinal cord and exit into your body. If one or more of your vertebra gets twisted and out of place (i.e. subluxated), this could “pinch” one of your spinal nerves. Pain could then result at the location of the nerve impingement or the pain could follow the path of the nerve and radiate into your body.
3. Lumbar Spine Arthritis
Although arthritis is mostly associated with joints of the finger, knees and shoulders, the spine has numerous articulating joints which are also vulnerable to arthritis. Arthritis can be the result of a past trauma or injury, or it might be merely a consequence of the normal process of growing older.
4. Bulging Disc
Separating each of your vertebrae are discs. In the center of each disc is a gel-like substance that functions kind of like a shock absorber. Due to injury or trauma to the spine, discs can become damaged. The gel-like substance can create a herniation of the disc which resembles a bulge on a damaged inner tube of a tire. The bulging disc can then impinge upon the adjacent spinal nerve. In acute circumstances, a bulging disc could rupture.
Low Back Pain Diagnosis
The good news is that most lower back pain resolves itself on it’s own. However, if your back pain remains or gets worse after several days, it’s suggested that you see a physician.
A routine medical evaluation with basic orthopedic tests can help establish the underlying issue. X-rays are also part of the standard diagnosis protocol. Depending on the findings of the initial exam and tests, an MRI might be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment For Low Back Pain
Depending on the intensity of the pain, medication, muscle relaxers or a local injection initially might be required to make the pain tolerable. However, this pain relief is often only temporary and the pain will eventually recur unless the underlying cause of the problem is addressed.
A conservative treatment approach like physical therapy and/or chiropractic adjustments will quite often correct most low back pain problems. In severe cases where the body doesn’t respond and the pain persists, surgery may be required to repair the affected area.
When You Should Visit A Physician
As stated above, low back pain often resolves itself without any medical treatment. However, if your back pain persists for more than a couple of days or keeps you up at night, it’s strongly recommended that you see a physician for a thorough evaluation to identify the problem, then get suitable treatment to correct the problem.
About the author: Dr. Fabrizio Di Noto is a primary care doctor that practices in Michigan. If you are suffering from lower back pain and need pain relief for low back pain please call his office to schedule an appointment or visit his website at http://www.drfabriziodinoto.com.
