6 Strong Lessons You Can Learn From Lower Back Pain

“Chronic lower back pain is less likely to be caused by injury to your muscles and ligaments and more probable to be as a result of issues with the lumbar disks, nerves, joints or vertebrae,” says Dr. Palmer. “There are several potential reasons for chronic pain in the lower back.” As a whole, osteoarthritis (the most common sort of arthritis) and degenerative disk disease (the natural deterioration of spinal disks) are the underlying cause of many types of chronic lower neck and back pain. However, lower pain in the back can also be caused by accident-related trauma and acute stress.

ปวดหลังส่วนล่าง and lumbar spine is comprised of about 17 bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other. Between each set of vertebrae lies a cushiony disk, which helps absorb the pressure put on these bones. Each disk is comprised of an outer rind and an inner gel. A herniated lumbar disk occurs when the inner gel of one of the 5 disks in your lumbar spine slips or squishes beyond the outer rind, allowing this inner gel to continue surrounding nerves– causing pain. This slippage can be because of trauma or gradual, age-related damage.

Your provider will inquire about your symptoms and do a physical exam. To check for broken bones or other damage, your provider may order imaging studies. These studies help your provider see clear photos of your vertebrae, disks, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Lower neck and back pain usually gets better with rest, ice and non-prescription pain relievers. After a few days off, you can start to get back to your normal activities. Staying active increases blood flow to the area and helps you heal.

Symptoms of lower pain in the back can come on suddenly or appear gradually. Sometimes, pain occurs after a specific event, such as bending to pick something up. Other times, you may not know what caused the pain. Pain may be sharp or dull and achy, and it may radiate to your bottom or down the back of your legs (sciatica). If you strain your back during an activity, you may hear a “pop” when it happened. Pain is often worse in certain positions (like bending over) and gets better when you relax.

Low back pain can arise from many different injuries, conditions or diseases– usually, an injury to muscles or tendons in the back. Pain can range from mild to severe. Sometimes, pain can make it difficult or impossible to walk, sleep, function or do everyday activities. Usually, lower pain in the back gets better with rest, painkiller and physical therapy (PT). Cortisone injections and hands-on treatments (like osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation) can relieve pain and help the healing process. Some back injuries and conditions require surgical repair service.

Lower neck and back pain can be related to cancer. As a matter of fact, it is just one of the first symptoms of prostate cancer when it metastasizes and creates lesions. Almost any cancer can spread to the back and some, like sarcoma, can originate in the back. Beware, especially if you are experiencing other symptoms besides lower back pain. Talk with your doctor if you have additional symptoms or concerns.

Lower neck and back pain is very common. It can result from a strain (injury) to muscles or tendons in the back. Other causes include arthritis, structural problems and disk injuries. Pain often improves with rest, physical therapy and medication. Reduce your risk of low neck and back pain by maintaining a healthy weight and staying active.