Enjoy an Exclusive 2% Discount on Your First Purchase of Selected Medications -Shop Now!

Customer Support

+1-8775340154
Mail Us [email protected]
Cart Checkout
Understanding And Managing Lower Back Pain: Causes, Treatments, And Prevention
07 Jan

Understanding And Managing Lower Back Pain: Causes, Treatments, And Prevention

07 Jan 2025 By Kelly Walker SOMA PILLS

Lower back pain affects daily life and can result from various causes, including injuries, poor posture, and medical conditions. Effective management includes a combination of lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medications, and preventive measures like regular exercise and proper ergonomics. Understanding triggers and maintaining a tailored pain management plan can significantly improve quality of life.

Lower back pain is a common yet often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can arise from various factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, and underlying medical conditions. Understanding the causes of lower back pain is crucial for effective management and prevention. In this blog, we will explore the various reasons behind lower back pain, discuss treatment options available, and offer preventive strategies to help you maintain a healthy back. Whether you are currently experiencing pain or seeking ways to avoid it in the future, this comprehensive guide will provide valuable insights to help you navigate your journey toward relief and well-being.

Understanding Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain, often referred to as lumbago, is a common complaint that can significantly impact daily life. It is estimated that four of every five people experience body pain at some point in their lives. The Health Policy Institute identifies back pain as the sixth costliest condition in the USA, with approximately 16 million people suffering from chronic pain [2].

Lower back pain is characterized by discomfort or pain in the lumbar region of the spine, which is located between the ribcage and the pelvis. This type of pain can vary in intensity, duration, and nature, ranging from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating pain.

Prevalence

Lower back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. According to various studies, approximately 80% of individuals will experience some form of lower back pain at some point in their lives. It is particularly prevalent among adults aged 30 to 50, although it can affect individuals of all ages.

Anatomy of the Lower Back

To understand lower back pain, it is essential to know the anatomy of the area. The lower back consists of:

  • Vertebrae: The lumbar spine is made up of five vertebrae (L1-L5) that support the upper body and allow for flexibility and movement.

  • Discs: Between each vertebra are intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers, providing cushioning and facilitating movement.

  • Muscles and Ligaments: Various muscles and ligaments support the spine and maintain its stability, enabling movements like bending and lifting.

Types of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can be classified into two main categories:

  • Acute Lower Back Pain: This type of pain lasts for a few days to a few weeks and is often caused by specific events such as lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, or injuries.

  • Chronic Lower Back Pain: This pain persists for more than three months and may result from underlying medical conditions, prolonged poor posture, or degenerative changes in the spine.

Causes Of Lower Back Pain

Understanding the various causes of lower back pain can help identify appropriate treatment and prevention strategies. Some common causes include:

  • Muscle or Ligament Strain: Overexertion, heavy lifting, or awkward movements can strain the muscles and ligaments in the lower back.

  • Bulging or Ruptured Discs: Discs can become damaged and press on spinal nerves, leading to pain.

  • Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can lead to narrowing of the space around the spinal cord (spinal stenosis), causing pain and discomfort.

  • Skeletal Irregularities: Conditions like scoliosis can result in uneven pressure on the spine, leading to pain.

  • Osteoporosis: Weak and brittle bones can lead to fractures, causing severe pain.

Symptoms Of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can manifest in various ways, and the symptoms may vary from person to person. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for determining the underlying cause and seeking appropriate treatment. Here are the most common symptoms associated with lower back pain. 

Localized Pain

It is a dull, aching sensation that may be felt directly in the lower back. This pain is often constant and may worsen with certain activities, such as bending or lifting.

Radiating Pain

Radiating pain travels from the lower back into the buttocks, thighs, and sometimes down to the legs (sciatica). This can be a sharp or burning sensation, often associated with nerve irritation or compression.

Stiffness

This is a feeling of tightness in the lower back that can limit mobility.

Muscle Spasms

Sudden, involuntary contractions of the muscles in the lower back. Muscle spasms can be painful and may cause difficulty in movement, often occurring after activities that strain the back.

Weakness or Numbness

This is a sensation of weakness or numbness in the legs or feet. This may indicate nerve involvement and can significantly affect mobility and balance.

Changes in Posture

A tendency to favor one side while standing or sitting due to pain. This altered posture can lead to further discomfort and muscle imbalances.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe pain that does not improve with rest

  • Pain following a traumatic injury

  • Symptoms that persist for more than a few weeks

  • Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control. 

Diagnosis Of Lower Back Pain

Diagnosing lower back pain involves a comprehensive evaluation that combines a medical history, physical examination, and, when necessary, diagnostic imaging. The goal is to identify the underlying cause of the pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Here are the key steps involved in the diagnosis process. 

Medical History

  • The healthcare provider will ask questions about the patient's symptoms, including the onset, duration, and intensity of the pain. They will also inquire about any previous back injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions.

  • They will also ask questions about additional symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, or bowel and bladder changes, which are crucial for understanding the severity of the condition.

Physical Examination

The provider will examine the posture and alignment of the spine, looking for signs of deformities or abnormalities.

Diagnostic Imaging

If the initial evaluation suggests that further investigation is needed, the following imaging tests may be ordered: X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans.

Differential Diagnosis

The healthcare provider will consider other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as kidney stones, infections, or abdominal issues. A thorough evaluation helps ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Options For Lower Back Pain

Treating lower back pain effectively requires a tailored approach based on the underlying cause, the severity of the pain, and individual patient needs. A combination of conservative treatments, medications, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgical interventions can provide relief. 

Conservative Treatments

  • Short periods of rest may help alleviate pain, but prolonged inactivity is generally discouraged as it can lead to stiffness and weakening of back muscles.

  • Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain, especially in the first 48 hours after an injury.

  • Using heat therapy (heating pads or warm baths) can help relax tense muscles and improve blood flow to the area after the initial swelling has gone down.

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain and inflammation. In cases of more severe pain, a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or corticosteroids.

One can also choose pain medication such as Tapentadol. It is a prescription pain medication often used for managing moderate to severe lower back pain when other treatments are insufficient. It combines opioid pain relief with anti-inflammatory properties, providing effective relief for acute and chronic conditions. Always use under medical supervision to minimize risks and ensure safe usage.

buy-aspadol-online

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can design a customized exercise program focusing on strengthening the back muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing posture.

Alternative Therapies

Spinal manipulation performed by a chiropractor may help alleviate pain and improve function for some patients. Also, trying acupuncture is recommended.  This traditional Chinese medicine technique may provide pain relief through the insertion of thin needles at specific points in the body.

Lifestyle Modifications

  • Weight Management- Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce strain on the lower back.

  • Exercise- Regular low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can help strengthen back muscles and improve overall fitness.

  • Posture Awareness- Practicing good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting can prevent further strain on the back.

Preventive Strategies

Preventing lower back pain involves adopting healthy habits and lifestyle choices that support spinal health and overall well-being. Here are effective preventive strategies to reduce the risk of developing lower back pain:

Maintain Proper Posture

  •  Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically designed. Use chairs with good lumbar support, and keep your computer monitor at eye level.

  • Practice standing and sitting up straight, keeping your shoulders back and your feet flat on the ground.

Engage in Regular Exercise

  • Focus on exercises that strengthen the core muscles, including the abdominal, back, and pelvic muscles. A strong core supports the spine and reduces the risk of injury.

  • Incorporate stretching exercises to improve flexibility in the back, hips, and legs. This can enhance the range of motion and reduce muscle tension.

  • Engage in low-impact aerobic activities, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, to promote cardiovascular health without straining the back.

Stay Hydrated

Staying well-hydrated helps maintain the elasticity of spinal discs and prevents stiffness in the back muscles.

Invest in Quality Sleep

Ensure that your mattress provides adequate support for your spine. Consider using pillows that maintain proper neck alignment. 

Living With Lower Back Pain

Living with lower back pain can be challenging, affecting daily activities, work, and overall quality of life. However, with the right strategies and coping mechanisms, individuals can manage their pain effectively and maintain an active lifestyle. Here are key considerations and tips for managing life with lower back pain. 

Understanding Your Pain

  • Identify activities or movements that exacerbate your pain, allowing you to modify or avoid them as necessary.

  • Keep a pain diary to note when your pain occurs, its intensity, and any related factors. This information can help you and your healthcare provider develop a tailored management plan.

Adopt a Positive Mindset

Educate yourself about lower back pain to understand its causes and treatment options. Knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions about your health.

Implement a Pain Management Plan

Adhere to any prescribed medications, physical therapy, or other treatments recommended by your healthcare provider. Incorporate methods such as heat/ice therapy, massage, or relaxation exercises to manage pain on a daily basis.

Stay Engaged in Activities

  • Engage in activities that you find enjoyable and fulfilling, even if they require modification. This can help improve your mood and distract you from the pain.

  • Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, potentially alleviating pain.

FAQ's

Lower back pain can be categorized into 3 categories concerning the persisting time. However, the periods might differ from person to person.

  • Acute:  Acute back pain persists for a few days to 4 weeks.

  • Moderate or sub-acute: Moderate or sub-acute back pains are in-between acute and chronic pain that usually lasts for 4 to 12 weeks.

  • Chronic: This category of back pain lasts for a longer period of 12 weeks or more.

If the back pain does not alleviate within 72 hours[11] and tends to be more severe followed by other symptoms then it can be a matter of concern. Seek medical help when you experience the following symptoms:

  • Pain persists for over a week

  • Constant high fever

  • Bowels or urination problem, painful and often contains blood

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Weakness in the lower body or limbs (numbness or tingling)

  • Pain radiates to other parts of the body

Sudden lower back pain should be treated as early as possible to avoid major health risks. Some methods to treat common lower back pains are mentioned below:

  • Stay hydrated

  • Move your muscles by doing light exercises and stretches 

  • Maintain a good or correct posture

  • Maintain a healthy weight 

  • Apply hot or cold compression

  • Take food rich in mineral and vitamin supplements

  • OTC medications and spray or ointments can help to relieve the pain

  • One can also use Carisoprodol (Soma pills) and Tapentadol. These prescribed medications help to provide relief from the excruciating pain within 30 minutes of ingesting the pills.

According to research conducted in 2020, it has been reported that back pain is the most common early symptom of Covid. The report shows that 69.3 percent of 210 people diagnosed with COVID, reported pain as their symptom. Of which 46.6 percent of the total percent reported pain as the major symptom and 43.6 percent reported back pain. Other reports also show that 10 percent of the people diagnosed with COVID had back pain as one of the symptoms.[10]
However, suffering from lower back pain does not always confirm that you have COVID. It can be the result of injury, posture, or other underlying health issues.

We often feel a sudden and sharp lower back pain. This can be due to several reasons such as injury of the muscles or ligaments, muscle spasms, or strain or tear in the muscle or ligaments of the body. If the pain lasts for a longer period, do not panic and do consult a health expert.

Lower back pain can be due to muscle sprain or strain. Such pain as a sign of cancer is rare but we cannot deny that it can also be a possible reason indicating cancer. Cancers related to spinal cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, or tumor in the surrounding area of the back can result in lower back pain.
Some symptoms of lower back pain that could indicate cancer are mentioned below:

  • Back pain is not sensitive or related to movement

  • Back pain that occurs at night time or morning hour and alleviates during the daytime

  • Pain that lasts even after taking medical treatments or therapies

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Tiredness or fatigue

  • Bowel and urination issues that cause pain or contain blood

  • Weakness or numbness of the limbs 

One can know if the back pain is kidney-related by closely monitoring the exact location of the pain. Back pain usually occurs in the lower part of the back whereas kidney-related pain occurs in the higher up part of the back under the ribs. Back pain can be the most common symptom of muscle sprain or spams which is different from kidney-related back pain which occurs due to infection of the kidneys or pyelonephritis or other kidney-related problems. Moreover, the symptoms related to both the pain are different. Some kidney-related pain symptoms are:

  • High fever

  • Frequent need to urinate

  • Pain or burning sensation while urinating

  • Chills or trembling

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Change in the smell or color than regular urine

Organs that are present near the lower back area are kidneys, pancreas, colons, and uterus. However, the back pain caused due to these organs is experienced near the area where the organ is present. Therefore we cannot confirm that organs are the sole reason for lower back pain. Taking a note of the exact location of the pain can indicate the reason or the cause of the back pain which will in turn help in getting the right treatment.

A herniated disc is a condition related to the protective cushion that lies between the vertebrae and that prevents the spinal bones from colliding or coming together. It can occur in any part of the spine but usually occurs in the lower back. When bulging and herniated disc occurs it can cause excruciating pain. However, a person can also be asymptotic to this condition showing no signs of pain in the back or leg.

Before knowing the symptoms of pain in the lower back it is very important to know the types of pain related to the lower back. Lower back pain is usually of two types:

  • Mechanical pain and

  • Radicular pain 

Mechanical pain is the common cause of lower back pain. It is related to muscles, ligaments, joints, or bones near the spine. Such type of pain is usually experienced in the lower back part, buttocks area, and occasionally on the upper part of the legs. Radicular pain occurs due to inflammation of the spinal nerve which causes sharp and radiating pain.
Some symptoms of lower back pain are

  • Dull or sore pain persistent in the lower back

  • Muscle spasms or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or the pelvis

  • Adverse pain resulting from constant sitting or standing

  • Sharp sciatica

  • Exceedingly onerous in walking or stanging or changing positions from standing to sitting or vice versa 

Lower back pain is a very common medical issue. It occurs in the lower back part of the body called the lumbar region. The lumbar region is the area of the lumbar spine that starts from beneath the ribcage. The lumbar spine interconnects the muscles, nerves, bones, joints, and ligaments. It is responsible for providing strength, support, and flexibility to the body.

es, lower back pain can also cause other symptoms. The pain caused due to lower back can radiate to the other parts of the body resulting in “referred pain”. Referred pain is a term that is used when the pain originates in some other part and the threshold of the pain is felt at another part of the body. Lower back pain can cause disability or difficulty in motor coordination and other related health conditions.

UTI or Urinary Tract Infection is an infection related to the urinary system which comprises the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. It causes symptoms like pain during urination, frequent urination, or pain in the lower abdomen. When an upper UTI occurs that reaches the kidneys it can cause excruciating lower back pain followed by high fever and vomiting.

Lower back pain differs from person to person concerning the intensity and nature of the pain. Some might experience dull and fluctuating pain others might experience severe and persistent sharp pain. When the lower back pain gets severe and constant medical help and treatment should be sought as early as possible to avoid major health issues and life-threatening risks.

The twist and turn while you sleep can add up to your misery. So, if you are having issues with settling your score with body pain and discomfort it is important to consider a pain-free sleeping position.  Lower back pain can be very excruciating and can be bothersome, especially during the nighttime. Back pain and sleeping issues are interrelated. It can make you uncomfortable and interfere with your sleep pattern resulting in sleep disorders. Some favorable sleeping positions for lower back pain are mentioned below:

  • If you want to lay on your back, lay down in a reclined position

  • Consider using a firm mattress. 

  • Lying on your back by placing a pillow underneath your legs, knees, and lower back can help maintain the natural spinal curve.

  • If you like lying on your stomach place a pillow under the hips and abdomen

  • Lying on the side in a fetal position can help with lower back pain and herniated disc

  • Lay down on your side by placing a pillow between the knees this removes the pressure from the lower back muscles

Lower back pains usually get better on their own. Reports show that about 90 percent of the total people suffering from back pain recover within 4 to 6 weeks[12]. However, this period might be different from person to person depending on the cause and the threshold or severity of the pain. However, if the pain persists for more than 6 to 8 weeks then consult a health expert. Health experts might run a series of tests to know the root cause of the pain thereby suggesting and prescribing treatments and diagnoses accordingly.

Related Blogs-

 
 
 

References-

  1. Management of low back pain, BMJ medical journal. 

  2. Chronic Back Pain, georgetown.edu

  3. Back and Neck Pain: Is It a Normal Part of Getting Older?, Pennmedicine

  4. Do Women Feel More Pain More Intensely than Men?, Riverside pain physicians. 

  5. Chronic Pain and High-impact Chronic Pain Among U.S. Adults, 2019, CDC

  6. 7 Lower Back Pain Causes That Affect Women, Spineuniverse

  7. Low back pain in older adults: risk factors, management options, and future directions, National Library of Medicine, NCBI, published April 18, 2017

  8. Herniated disk, Mayoclinic

  9. Why COVID-19 Can Sometimes Cause Back Pain, According to Doctors, prevention. 

  10. Can COVID-19 Cause Back Pain?, Healthline. 

  11. 5 signs your back pain might be an emergency, UT Southwestern, Medical center

  12. What Are The Chances My Back Pain Will Get Better On Its Own Without Treatment?, ABC NEWS

Website Information Dislaimer

Disclaimer: We do not provide any medical advice.

The content available on HealthNaturo.com, including text, graphics, images, and other materials, is provided solely for informational purposes. It should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. It is essential to consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice.