Low back pain is a universal human experience -- almost everyone has it at some point. The lower back, which starts below the ribcage, is called the lumbar region.
Pain here can be intense and is one of the top causes of missed work. Fortunately, low back pain often gets better on its own. When it doesn't, there are effective treatments.
1.Symptoms range from a dull ache to a stabbing or shooting sensation. 2.The pain may make it hard to move or stand up straight. Acute back pain comes on suddenly, often after an injury from sports or heavy lifting. 3. Pain that lasts more than three months is considered chronic. 4. The person might feel tingling or numbing sensations or muscle cramps before losing control of his or her muscles.
Strains The muscles and ligaments in the back can stretch or tear due to excess activity. Disc injuryThe discs in the back are prone to injury. This risk increases with age. The outside of the disc can tear or herniate.
It's not always possible to prevent sciatica, and the condition may recur. The following can play a key role in protecting your back: Exercise regularly : To keep your back strong, pay special attention to your core muscles — the muscles in your abdomen and lower back that are essential for proper posture and alignment. Good posture : Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Smoking : A significantly higher percentage of smokers have back pain incidences compared to non-smokers of the same age, height, and weight. Body weight : The weight people carry and where they carry it affects the risk of developing back pain. The difference in back pain risk between obese and normal-weight individuals is considerable. People who carry their weight in the abdominal area versus the buttocks and hip area are also at greater risk.
If your pain doesn't improve with self-care measures, your doctor might suggest some of the following treatments. Medication : Back pain that does not respond well to OTC painkillers may require a prescription NSAID. Codeine or hydrocodone, which are narcotics, may be prescribed for short periods. These require close monitoring by the doctor. In some cases, muscle relaxants may be used. Therapy : Physical Therapy : Applying heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation — as well as some muscle-release techniques to the back muscles and soft tissues — may help alleviate pain.