Low back pain is one of the common problems that people experience at one point in life. While it is most common in adults, it is necessary to understand that it is not normal. In many cases, people have to go through surgeries to get treatment.
First of all, you need to understand what actually a low back pain is:
What is Low Back Pain
The lumbar region or lower back is responsible for providing support, strength, and flexibility to the body. It consists of bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves that coordinate and works together to give body support and strength. Basically, these parts of the lower back are responsible for handling the weight of the upper body and providing flexibility to move in general. However, these parts are sensitive to injury and pain. Sudden movements, bad techniques of exercising, and posture are some of the leading reasons behind injury to lumbar bones, muscles, nerves, and ligaments. As a result, they cause pain in the lower back.
Types of Low back pain:
1. Non-specific back pain:
It is the most common back pain problem that happens to almost everyone at one point in life. It is when the causes of pain are unidentified; it is difficult to pinpoint one key reason behind the low back pain. Therefore, such a kind of acute back pain is categorised as non-specific back pain. However, the severity of the back pain can vary from mild to severe.
2. Sciatica:
Nerve root pain or sciatica is an acute low back pain that is caused due to the pressing of a nerve peeking out of the spinal cord. The nerves usually come out of the spinal cord when the softer cover of discs bulges from weakness. It is also called a slipped disc. It can cause pain, numbness, and irritation in the lower back, which go down to the legs. The pain can extend to the calf or foot. However, this kind of back pain is rare.
3. Cauda equina syndrome:
Cauda equina syndrome is an extremely rare kind of back pain that is a serious nerve root problem. It happens when the nerves at the end of the spinal cord are pressed or irritated. It can cause low back pain and many other conditions such as bowel or bladder problems. Like sciatica, it causes pain and numbness that goes down the legs, but the severity of the pain is high. Though it is rare, when it happens, it can cause serious outcomes. Therefore, it is essential to see a doctor immediately if you experience some of its symptoms.
Causes of low back pain:
1. Strain:
The most common reason behind back pain is strain. Strain is a condition in which muscles of the lumbar region are stretched beyond a limit that they tear or break down. It can happen from a sudden movement or an inappropriate exercise. It is an acute problem that can be recovered with some rest and mild exercise. The back pain treatment caused by the stain requires rest and some physical therapy.
2. Sprain:
A sprain is to ligaments as strain is to muscles. Ligaments are a flexible and fibrous material that connects bones. The sprain causes when the ligaments are twisted and wrenched; however, it does not mean dislocation.
3. Bad sitting and moving posture:
One of the common reasons leading to the astounding growth of low back stats is a bad sitting and standing posture. A very high proportion of people work on desks to perform their professional jobs. On the other hand, almost all people spend their leisure time scrolling their phones or sitting on laptops. As a result, people spend their whole time sitting and standing in poor posture. As a result, the poor posture of the body causes pain in bones that are naturally aligned in a slightly straight position.
4. Bulging disc:
The spinal cord consists of discs that act as cushions between bones and the spine. These disks are covered with a soft cover, cartilage, that can bulge if they become weak. When the outer cover bulges, the discs in the spinal vertebrae are displaced from their position pressing on nerves. The disks are susceptible to damage, but the intensity grows with age as they become weak.
5. Stenosis:
It is a condition in the spinal cord when the space between the spine becomes narrow. The small space puts pressure on the nerves travelling through the spine.
Diagnosis of low back Pain
Some of the common symptoms of back pain include:
1. Pain:
One of the most common symptoms is pain in the lumbar region, which can sometimes extend to the buttocks and down the legs to feet.
2. Stiffness:
Secondly, you may not feel the flexibility to move as you did before. You may get difficulty in turning, bowing, or even walking.
3. Posture problems:
Sometimes, it is difficult to find a comfortable posture. Whether you sit, stand, or lie down to sleep, you may find it difficult to pursue a specific posture.
4. Muscle spasm:
The muscle spasm is a problem that may lead from a problem concerning muscles like Stains. When you have the symptoms, you should see a doctor. The doctors ask for the medical history and symptoms and refer to some tests. If the symptoms are mild, the doctors may oversee the condition for a week. Most of the time, the low back problems get fixed with rest and home treatment. If the condition is severe, the doctors will immediately do the screening tests to diagnose the problems, such as XRay, CT scans, Ultrasounds, and MRIs.
Treatment of low back pain:
1. Home treatment:
Most of the time, low back can be treated at home. Within 72 hours of the pain starts, it is essential to start aiding at home. First of all, it is important to shun physical exercises and opt for rest. Secondly, ice and heat therapies are essential. Apply ice on the low back to immediately stop inflammation by numbing the nerves. After 48 hours, apply heat to help the muscles relax. You can also take relievers like ibuprofen etc. If the continues after 72 hours, despite the home treatment, you should see a doctor.
2. Medical treatment:
The second method of treating low back pain is by taking medical treatment in which doctors use medical treatments such as medications, medical appliances, and physical therapy.
3. Surgery:
It is a rare case of treating, which is employed when the severity of the becomes complex. It becomes inevitable in situations when there are neurological loss, bowel or bladder control problems.
Bottom Line:
Low back is a common problem that includes the lumbar region that can prolong down the legs. The symptoms , inflammation, and numbness in the region. However, it can be treated with home treatment, medical treatment, and surgery.
