Lower Back Pain Symptoms and Treatments
If you are experiencing lower back pain, you may want to visit a spine specialist. This physician will be able to perform various tests, including imaging scans and a physical exam, to determine the exact cause of your pain. He will then develop a treatment plan to relieve your pain and keep it from affecting your daily activities.
Symptoms
Lower back pain symptoms can affect your daily activities and quality of life. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're experiencing pain in your back. Some many different treatments and solutions may help relieve your pain. These include a variety of medication options as well as exercises to help alleviate your pain.
One standard treatment is to modify your activities to decrease stress on your back. Herniated discs, or bulging discs, can cause intense pain and numbness in the affected area. If your doctor thinks a herniated disc causes your symptoms, they may recommend surgery or stronger painkillers. Fortunately, most cases of lower back pain can be treated without surgery.
Causes
There are a variety of causes of lower back pain, ranging from superficial strain injury to degenerative disc disease. Some common causes include herniated discs and osteoarthritis. Other less common causes include spine infections, spinal vertebrae compression fractures, and spine tumours.
Stress and anxiety can also contribute to back pain, and people who smoke are at greater risk. Smoking also decreases blood flow to the spine and increases the risk of osteoporosis. Physical activity and proper body mechanics can reduce back pain and prevent it from recurring. Walking, swimming, and other low-impact aerobic activities improve strength and stamina and help prevent back pain.
Treatments
Several lower back pain treatments are available, including over-the-counter pain relievers, exercises, and massage therapy. These methods help relax tight muscles and improve posture and alignment. Some people may require prescription medications to relieve pain or reduce inflammation. Surgery is a last resort, and several different types of procedures are available. Heat and cold treatments can also be adequate. It is essential to wear protective clothing while using these methods.
Symptoms of low back pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pain usually goes away within a few days, but the chronic form can last several months or even years. A thorough understanding of the lower back's anatomy and physiology can help determine the best treatment. In the back, three major structures support the body and contribute to pain: vertebrae, discs, and ligaments.
Prevention
Prevention of lower back pain starts with a balanced exercise program that incorporates a wide range of activities. Includes aerobic activity, stretching, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Avoiding repetitive activities, such as heavy lifting and twisting, is also essential to your routine. In addition, avoiding the risk of recurrent injuries is critical to avoiding back pain.
Studies have shown that lower back pain increases with age, peaking between 45 and 60. Although the pain is more common among older adults, it can also strike younger people. Young adults who engage in physically active vocations, such as teaching physical education, can be at high risk for lower back pain.
