BACK PAIN
Low back pain is something that almost all people experience at some point in their lives. It is something common across sexes, age groups, countries, socioeconomic groups, education levels and occupation.
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It can be caused by a variety of problems with any parts of the complex, interconnected network of spinal muscles, nerves, bones, discs or tendons in the lumbar spine.
Typical sources of low back pain include:
- The large nerve roots in the low back that go to the legs
- The smaller nerves that supply the low back
- The large paired lower back muscles (erector spinae)
- The bones, ligaments or joints
- An intervertebral disc
An irritation or problem with any of these structures can cause lower back pain and/or pain that radiates or is referred to other parts of the body. There may also be some associated back muscle spasm.
While lower back pain is extremely common, the symptoms and severity of lower back pain vary greatly.
Causes of low back pain include:
- Bending awkwardly
- Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling incorrectly
- Poor slouched sitting posture
- Standing or bending down for long periods
- Twisting
- Over-stretching
- Driving for long periods especially if in a poor position
- Overuse of the muscles, often due to sport or repetitive movements.
Symptoms of low back pain can vary from a dull ache to a sharp or shooting pain. The pain may make it hard to stand upright or move around.
Treatment:
- It is very important that as much as pain allows you keep moving and do not take to your bed.
- Applying a cold or hot pack over the painful area for 10 minutes may be of help.
- Try to see a physiotherapist as soon as possible. They will thoroughly assess you and determine, if possible, the cause of your symptoms which will enable you to have a better understanding of your back and the management. They will then treat with appropriate “hands on” massage, mobilisations or manipulation, stretching and strengthening exercises. They will advise you on dos and don’ts and how to best prevent further reoccurrences.
Most cases of low back pain do not require urgent care, but anyone should see a doctor immediately if low back pain is a result of trauma, or if pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Fever and chills
- Unexplained recent weight loss
- Significant leg weakness
- Sudden bowel and/or bladder incontinence—either difficulty passing urine or having a bowel movement, or loss of control of urination or bowel movementSevere, continuous abdominal pain
Source; Web Md, Spine-health.com, NICE.org.uk