Low back pain is the most common cause of job-related disability according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). In Americans, 80 percent will experience low back pain in their lifetime at least. Lifting heavy objects result in low back pain. Due to sudden movements or poor body mechanics, injuries such as strains or sprains happens. These certain diseases can also be the result in low back pain:
- A herniated or ruptured disc
- Cancer of the spinal cord
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Infections of the spine
- Infections in the kidney
Chronic back pain is pain that lasts longer than three months while acute back pain can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. In individuals between the ages of 30 and 50, low back pain is more likely to occur. With aging certain changes occur in the body this is why it happens sometimes. There’s a reduction in the fluid content between the vertebrae in the spine as you grow older.
More easily discs in the spine experience irritation. The loss of some muscle tone makes the back more prone to injury. Using good body mechanics and strengthening your back muscles are helpful in preventing low back pain.
How is low back pain diagnosed?
To determine where you’re feeling the pain, your back pain doctor will likely begin by requesting a complete medical history and conducting a thorough physical examination. If the pain is affecting your range of motion, a physical exam can also determine. Your responses to certain sensations, your doctor may also check your reflexes. This will determine if your low back pain is affecting your nerves.
Your pain clinic will probably monitor your condition for a few weeks before sending you for testing unless you have concerning or debilitating symptoms or neurologic loss. Using simple self-care treatments most low back pain resolves.
More testing is required by certain symptoms that include:
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Lack of bowel control
- Fever
Your pain center may want to order additional tests if your low back pain continues after home treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms in addition to low back pain seek medical attention immediately. CT scans, X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds may be necessary so your doctor can check for:
- Disc problems
- Bone problems
- Problems with the tendons and ligaments in your back.
In your back, if your doctor suspects a problem with the strength of the bones, they may order a bone scan or bone density test. In identifying any problems with your nerves, Electromyography(EMG) or nerve conduction tests can help.
How you can prevent low back pain?
- Low back pain treatment has many ways. If you have a lower back injury, practicing prevention techniques may also help lessen the severity of your symptoms. This prevention involves:
- In your abdomen and back exercising the muscles.
- By lifting with the legs and bending at the knees, lifting items properly
- If you’re overweight then you have to lose weight.
- You have to maintain proper posture.
