Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a common ailment that affects almost every body at one time or another. It’s estimated that Americans spend at least $50 billion every year on pills, medicines and other forms of treatment for lower back pain.

Research has revealed that lower back pain is the second most common ailment after headaches and is one of the most common reasons for missing office work.

Structure of a back:

In a human body, the back is one of the most complex structures and is made up of many bones, tissues and ligaments. The important constituents of the back are:

• The spinal column contains the spinal cord - one of the most critical organs in the body. It also supports the entire weight of the upper part of the body.
• The vertebrae are made up of 30 bones that are placed on top of one another.
• Intervertebral discs are bundles of spongy cartilages that fill the space between the vertebrae. They allow for the various movements associated with the back and allow us to bend the lower back. They also act as shock absorbers.
• The back also contains tendons and ligaments that join the spinal column to the muscles.

Symptoms of lower back pain:

Some of the most common symptoms of lower back pain are:

• Stiffness and cramps: Many lower back pain sufferers state that they often experience stiffness and cramps in their lower back.
• Pain in other areas: In the case of most lower back pain sufferers, the pain does not remain confined to a single area but travels downwards. Hence, those suffering from lower back pain also complain of pain in the buttocks and the legs.
• Pain due to inactivity: Many patients suffering from lower back pain also complain that the pain worsens if they are required to sit in a particular position for a long time. For instance, driving or sitting in a theater can trigger pain in many cases.
• Numbness in legs: Patients suffering from lower back pain may also feel numbness in their legs or in that particular part of the leg which receives its supply of blood from compressed nerves present in the lower back region.

Causes of lower back pain:

• Aging: In many elderly patients, the cause of lower back pain can be directly attributed to aging. As we age, the bones lose their strength, the muscles become inflexible and the intervertebral discs start losing their flexibility and fluidity. This makes them more susceptible to injuries, which in turn can trigger lower back pain.
• Intra-abdominal disorders: People suffering from intra-abdominal disorders such as infection around the pelvis, ovarian disorders, appendicitis, kidney ailments, bladder disorders etc. often experience lower back pain.
• Sprain or strain on ligaments or tendons: Many times lifting of heavy objects can cause a sprain or might put a strain on the ligaments and tendons that are present in our backs. This might cause pain in the lower back.
• Strain on the spine: If the spine is put under tremendous pressure or strain, it might cause one of the discs to rupture or to bulge out.
• Fibromyalgia and Arthritis: A patient suffering from either of these ailments is more susceptible to lower back pain.
• Osteomyelitis or sacroiliitis: These two conditions infect the bones present in the spine and can ultimately lead to lower back pain. The pain worsens when one is seated for a long time or has been standing for long periods.
• Other factors: Other factors that have been identified for causing lower back pain include:
• Obesity.
• Weight gain in pregnancy.
• Tumors.
• Wrong posture while standing or seating.
• Improper position while sleeping.

Treatment for lower back pain:

Some of the popular treatments for lower back pain include:

• Exercises: Exercises that strengthen the back such as swimming, walking and stretching are often recommended by the doctors. However, care must be taken not to over indulge as this may further damage the back.
• Hot and Cold compresses: Using ice and heat provides relief from pain and inflammation.
• Bed rest: Patients are often advised to have bed rest for a day or two.
• Medications: Common medications like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen are administered to patients to provide relief.
• Alternative treatments: Many patients suffering from lower back pain also opt for Yoga or acupuncture.

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Do not take this as medical advice. Please consult with your physician before trying any of these ideas.

None of the statements in this site have been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.