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Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is characterized as a sudden, sharp, persistent or dull pain and stiffness in the lower back. It is one of the common medical problems being faced by the people worldwide.
Low back pain is mostly the result of the muscle strain or spasm, caused by physical activities such as lifting or carrying heavy objects, bending or twisting and standing constantly in a position for a long time.
Spinal stenosis, arthritis (osteoarthritis), spinal infection (osteomyelitis), benign or malignant growth in the spine, spondylolisthesis, and vertebral fractures (e.g. burst fracture) are the some of the conditions that may also cause lower back pain.
Low back pain may be acute or chronic. Acute low back pain starts with sudden and intense pain that last for nearly 3 months. Whereas chronic low back pain persists for a long time and even lasts allthrough life.
How does Lower Back Pain occur?
Lower back pain usually occurs with the straining of a ligament or muscle holding vertebra in its proper position.
Vertebrae comprises segments of bone forming spinal column which is the passage of the spinal cord. Lower back pain may also occur with disorder in immune system or infection that results in the inflammation of muscles, joints, bones and connective tissues of the lower back. With the weakening of the muscles or ligaments the spine loses its stability resulting in pain and stiffness. People having overweight also suffer low back pain because their back has to bear additional stress of their body weight.
Symptoms of Lower Back Pain:
- A sudden and sharp pain occurs in the back.
- Swelling or bruising may occur over the area of the rupture.
- Person with lower back pain may have problem in moving or bending forwards.
- The pain may either be constant or occur with the change in body position. The pain may increase with coughing, sneezing, bending, twisting, or straining during a bowel movement.
- The pain may either be confined to one spot or spread to other areas, such as in the buttocks and into the back of the thigh.
- Neurologic symptoms like numbness, tingling or weakness may also accompany pain.
First aid for Lower Back Pain:
- Apply ice on the affected area in a circular motion for five to seven minutes. Don't apply ice directly on the skin as it may cause cold burn. Rather place a piece of cloth between the ice and skin. Ice massage is especially effective in healing lower back pain caused by spasm.
- In case ice message does not work in the next two or three days or stiffness is felt, apply heat with the help of electric heating pad or hot water bottle.
- Take some anti-inflammatory meditation or painkillers as recommended by your doctor.
- Take as much rest as possible because muscle tension is not good for back pain. You can also take a long bath or listen to soothing music which can be relaxing for you.
- Support your back by wearing a belt or corset.
- Go for a short walk for about three to five minutes in every three hours. The short walk helps strengthen muscles.
How to prevent Lower Back Pain?
- Avoid lifting by bending over. Bend your hips and knees and keep your back straight when you pick up or lift a heavy objects. Don't twist your body at the time of lifting objects.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects higher than your waist.
- Instead of pulling you should push while moving heavy objects.
- While carrying packages, you must hold them close to your body by keeping your arms bent.
- Whenever you are required to sit on one spot for long hours you would better use a footrest for one foot. This will help you straighten your back.
- It is better to sit in a straight-backed chair and hold your spine against the back of the chair.
- Avoid wearing ill-fitting shoes. Choose flat shoes or shoes with low heels (1 inch or lower).
- While driving, you should sit close to the pedals and use seat belt and a hard backrest.
- Keep exercising because sedentary lifestyle contributes to lower back pain.
- While sleeping on your back you should put a pillow under your knees.
When to See a Doctor?
- See a doctor if you feel pain after receiving injury.
- See a doctor when pain spreads to your leg below your knee.
- See a doctor when you feel numbness on your leg, foot, groin or rectal area.
- See a doctor if you have complaints of fever, nausea or vomiting, stomachache, weakness or sweating.
- See a doctor if you can's move around due to pain even after self-care treatment.