About lower back pain

What is lower back pain?

Low back pain facts

  • Functions of the low back, or lumbar area, include structural support, movement, and protection of certain body tissues.
  • Pain in the low back can be a result of conditions affecting the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.
  • Treatment of low back pain is optimally directed toward a diagnosed or suspected specific cause. For acute lumbar strain, use of a home remedy initially can be beneficial.

What are the symptoms for lower back pain?

Muscles in the lower back can spasm or contract uncontrollablyblood symptom was found in the lower back pain condition

These might range from a dull ache to a stabbing or shooting sensation. The Pain may make it hard to move or stand up straight. Pain that comes on suddenly is “acute.” It might happen during sports or heavy lifting. Pain that lasts more than 3 months is considered “chronic.” If your Pain is not better within 72 hours, you should consult a doctor.

What are the causes for lower back pain?

The following are a few of the many reasons for lower back pain:

If your job involves lifting, pulling, or anything that twists the spine, it may contribute to back pain. However, sitting at a desk all day comes with risks of its own, especially if your chair is uncomfortable or you tend to slouch.

Although you may wear your purse, backpack, or briefcase over your shoulder, it is the lower back that supports the upper body -- including any additional weight you carry. So an overstuffed bag can strain the lower back, especially if you carry it day after day. If you must tote a heavy load, consider switching to a wheeled briefcase.

Overdoing it at the gym or golf course is one of the most common causes of overextended muscles leading to low back pain. You're especially vulnerable if you tend to be inactive during the work week and then spend hours at the gym or softball field on the weekend.

Moms were right when they said, "Stand up straight!" Your back supports weight best when you don't slouch. This means sitting with good lumbar support for your lower back, shoulders back, with feet resting on a low stool. When standing, keep weight evenly balanced on both feet.

The spine's vertebrae are cushioned by gel-like disks that are prone to wear and tear from aging or injuries. A weakened disk may rupture or bulge, putting pressure on the spinal nerve roots. This is known as a herniated disk and can cause intense pain.

What are the treatments for lower back pain?

Back pain due to muscle strain will usually get better on its own, but you can take steps to make yourself more comfortable. A heating pad or warm baths may provide temporary pain relief.

When your back hurts, you may not feel like getting out of bed. But if the problem is muscle strain, doctors recommend returning to your normal activities as soon as possible. Studies suggest that any more than a day or two of bed rest can actually make the pain worse and may reduce muscle tone and flexibility.

Yoga

If back pain doesn't go away in 3 months, there's evidence that yoga can help. In one study, people who took 12 weeks of yoga classes had less back pain than those who got a book about back pain. The benefits lasted several months. Just make sure you get expert instruction so you don’t hurt yourself.

Spinal Manipulation

Chiropractors and some osteopathic doctors may try to move the joints of your spine to treat low back pain. They apply pressure with their hands to bones and surrounding tissues. This treatment is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to tell your provider about all your symptoms and health issues.

Massage Therapy

Massage may relieve chronic low back pain, especially when combined with exercise and stretching. Researchers noted patients who did all three were able to move around easier and had less short-term and long-term pain.

Acupuncture

Can acupuncture treat back pain? The evidence is mixed for people with short-term back pain. Research showed that these people benefited from sham acupuncture as much as from real acupuncture. However, in other studies, people with chronic or long-lasting backpain did show improvement after receiving acupuncture treatments

Medications 

Mild back pain often feels better with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Pain-relieving creams may be helpful for muscle aches. For severe pain or chronic pain, your doctor may recommend prescription medication.

What are the risk factors for lower back pain?

Most people experience back pain first when they're in their 30s. The odds of additional attacks increase with age. Other reasons your low back may hurt include:

  • Being overweight
  • Being sedentary
  • Lifting heavy stuff on the job

Is there a cure/medications for lower back pain?

Lower back pain cases are increasing with time due to a decrease in healthy mobility resulting from improved ease of life.

Treatment for lower back pain:

  • Pharmacological therapy: It includes treating a disease with drugs. Low back pain of acute, subacute, or chronic types can be treated with pain relievers, muscle relaxants, opioids, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, herbal therapy, thiocolchicoside, and tizanidine.
  • Pain relievers: Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium) and acetaminophen are over-the-counter medicines. However, these should be taken only upon prescription by a physician. Overuse leads to slow but severe side effects.
  • Muscle relaxants: Muscle relaxants include carisoprodol, Chlorzoxazone, Cyclobenzaprine, Metaxalone, Methocarbamol, Orphenadrine, Baclofen, and Tizanidine.
  • Physical therapy: Exercise therapy is a first-line physical treatment. It includes graded activity and a supervised exercise program for over 12 weeks. It can extend to ergonomic aspects on an everyday basis.
  • Pilates are exercises that focus on controlled movements, breathing, and stretching and have been found very effective.
  • Yoga helps people with nonspecific low back pain


Symptoms
Stiffness: It may be tough to move or straighten your back,Posture problems: Many people with back pain find it hard to stand up straight,Muscle spasms: After a strain, muscles in the lower back can spasm or contract uncontrollably
Conditions
Sudden or gradual lower back pain
Drugs
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium,Acetaminophen, opioids, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, thiocolchicoside, and tizanidine,Muscle relaxants include carisoprodol, Chlorzoxazone, Cyclobenzaprine, Metaxalone, Methocarbamol, Orphenadrine, Baclofen, and Tizanidine

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