Lower back pain is one of the most common injuries. Recent research found that around 80% of adults suffer from lower back pain at some point in their life, and this can be caused by an injury or an underlying health condition.
Back pain can appear in an instant, or it can gradually build up to cause chronic pain. This can be painful and debilitating, but thankfully there are treatment options for most lower back pain problems.
Are you suffering from back pain? Or would you like to know as much as possible so that you can avoid this? If so, here are some of the main causes of lower back pain that you should be aware of.
Back Strain/Sprain
One of the main causes of back pain is a strain or a sprain. This occurs when someone tears or stretches a ligament in their back. These injuries can be caused by sports, heavy lifting, overuse, or simply turning awkwardly, and symptoms include swelling, soreness, and muscle spasms.
It is possible to treat a back strain or sprain with ice packs, rest, and anti-inflammatory medication. Gentle stretching can also help, but it is important to ask your doctor for their opinion before you start exercising.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a very common back problem, with around 3 million new cases every year in the USA. Scoliosis occurs when the spine is bent, as this causes uneven hips and shoulders. This issue is more likely to affect children and teenagers who are growing, but it can also be an issue for adults.
Treatment for scoliosis varies; if it isn’t too severe, physiotherapy from an Atlanta chiropractor at AICA Atlanta may be enough, but surgery is required in severe cases. It is also possible to wear a back brace to prevent further bending of the spine.
Back Injury
A forceful impact to the back can cause spinal damage, including ruptured disks, herniated disks, or vertebral fractures). This normally occurs after a fall or car accident, and you will normally feel intense pain immediately after the accident. It is also possible that you will feel numbness and tingling in your legs and spine.
Treatment for a back injury normally depends on the type of injury. Minor injuries can heal at home with rest and ice, while more intense injuries may require physiotherapy, surgery, or prescription medication.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease happens when the discs in your spine begin to wear down. This causes the vertebrae to rub against each other, which can cause inflammation and back pain. Normally this pain is worsened if you bend over or twist around, but it can normally be treated with pain medication and gentle exercise.
Sciatica
Sciatica affects around 40% of people at some point in their lives, making it perhaps the most common lower back issue. Sciatica occurs if the sciatic nerve is pressed, and it causes a spare pain that runs through the back, the buttocks, and the legs. Treatment includes surgery and steroid injections.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal starts to thin, which puts pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. This tends to occur in people over 50, and symptoms include lower back pain, numbness, sciatica, and problems walking. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen) and exercises to strengthen the canal narrow.
