Lower back pain is common among elders, people in their 30s and 40s, and sometimes even in young people. Lower back pains are a common reason to visit a doctor.
The NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) reveal that lower back pain is the common reason for job-related disability.
Sitting in front of your computer (with your glasses on) in a poor posture is a major reason for low back pains.
Usually, low back pain is due to an injury from muscle sprains or strains caused by sudden movements, poor body postures, lifting heavy objects, or sports. Some major diseases also cause low back pain, like:
- Spinal cord cancer
- Herniated disc or ruptured disc
- Sciatica
- Kidney infections
- Spinal cord infections
Acute back pains last between a few days to a few weeks, whereas chronic back pain lasts for more than 90 days. The fluid content reduction between the vertebrae in the spine causes back pains as well.
The fluid loss causes the discs to irritate easily, losing muscle tone and making your spinal cord more prone to injuries. That is why exercising to strengthen your back muscles is essential in preventing low back pain.
Causes of Low Back Pain
Strains
Strenuous activities can cause the muscles and ligaments in the back to stretch farther than they should and tear. Muscle spasms, pain and stiffness in the lower back are the common symptoms.
Disc Injury
A slipped or ruptured disc also called a herniated disc, occurs suddenly when you pick something heavy or twist your back. A disc injury pain lasts for more than 72 excruciating hours.
Sciatica
If a herniated disc presses on the sciatic nerve, sciatic pain occurs. The sciatic nerve connects the back to the legs, and the pain occurs in the legs and the feet. The sciatic pain feels like pins, needles, or burning sensations.
Abnormal Spine Curvatures
Lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis cause an abnormal curve in the spine. It causes pain and poor posture as it puts pressure on:
- Tendons
- Vertebrae
- Muscles
- Ligaments
Diagnosis
Your doctor would check your complete medical history and perform some physical examination to determine if the pain affects your motion range. They may also check your reflexes to see if the pain is impacting your nerves.
Other severe conditions require testing like:
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Lack of bowel control
- Weakness
Testing includes:
- X-rays
- MRIs
- CT scans
- ultrasounds