Lower back pain - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The pain or pressure that occurs in the lower back is termed lower back pain. Lower back pain usually occurs between the ages of 30-50. This is due to wear and tear of discs in the spine. This happens when the fluid between the vertebrae reduces as you grow older. Studies show that 84% of adults will experience lower back pain in their lifetime.

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Lower back pain causes

The following are the major lower back pain causes 

  • Muscle sprains and strains 

Excess activity leads to the stretching of muscles in the back which results in muscle sprains and strains. 

  • Disc herniation 

With normal ageing, small tears in the disc’s outer annulus are developed and slowly enlarge over time. Eventually, the tears in the annulus may become large enough so that a portion of the inner jelly-like nucleus can push completely through the tear, backwards into the spinal canal; this condition is called a herniated disc. 

  • Spinal stenosis 

Spinal stenosis leads to the narrowing of spaces in the spine which causes pressure on the spinal cord. 

  • Sciatica 

The sciatica nerve travels from the spine to legs, which is the largest nerve in the human body. If a herniated disc applies pressure on the sciatic nerve, sciatica occurs. 

  • Spondylosis 

 

This causes loss of normal spinal structure and function. Spondylosis occurs due to the wear and tear of bones and soft structures that build the spine.

Lower back pain symptoms

The most common lower back pain symptoms are 

 

  • Pain when you are trying to get up from a seated position. 

  • Stiffness that occurs when you first wake up due to inactivity. 

  • Numbness 

  • Weakness 

  • Pain when you lift heavy objects.

Lower back pain in women

The Prevalence of lower back pain is slightly higher in women than in men.  The reasons for lower back pain in women which men may not worry are  

 

  • Endometriosis. 

  • Menstruation dysfunction. 

  • Hormonal imbalance. 

  • Menopause issues.

Diagnosing lower back pain and lower back pain treatment

.When you consult a doctor for lower back pain, the doctor may order the following diagnosis methods to visualize the damage. 

  • x-ray  

X-rays generate images of damaged bones. 

  • MRI 

MRI generates clear images of muscles, bones and soft tissues. 

  • CT scan 

CT scan generates 3D pictures of bones. 

  • Electromyography 

Electromyography checks the functioning of bones and muscles

 

Non-surgical treatment options

Your lower back pain should be usually relieved with Over-the-counter medication, ice or a hot pack and rest. If you are not getting relieved, then the doctor suggests the following non-surgical treatment options as a first line of treatment. 

 

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

  • Physical therapy. 

  • Injections.

When is surgery Necessary?

Usually, back pain is relieved with non-surgical treatment options. Surgery is performed rarely when all the treatment options fail. Different treatment methods include Diskectomy, Laminectomy, Nucleoplasty, Spinal fusion etc.

Conclusion

Studies reveal that lower back pain is the greatest cause of disability. Neglecting lower back pain which lasts more than 5 weeks is not acceptable. You should consult a doctor if the pain is not getting reduced. Dr Umakant Pandurang Dolas is a renowned neurotherapist and spondylosis consultant in Pune. He is specialised in treating spine disorders like slip disc, sciatica and spondylosis – pre & post-operative cases. He has vast experience working with other medical professionals all over the country. A fully established Spinal care centre like this and the prominent methods adopted by our doctors help patients heal permanently from spine problems. Visit us for more information.