The Lowdown on Low Back Pain

Do you ever feel an ache in your lower back that just won’t go away? You’re not alone. Low back pain is a common and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can range from a mild ache to a severe, unbearable pain that makes even the simplest everyday activities difficult. In fact, a study done in 2020 found that low back pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide.

Low back pain can have a variety of causes, some can happen from a sudden movement like bending to pick up something off the floor, or from repetitive motions over time, like doing manual labor or playing sports. Other causes include degenerative conditions (comes with age or “wear-and-tear” in the body), infections, and too much lesser extent, tumors. Other factors also cause to low back pain like weight, and having a sedentary lifestyle (not getting enough exercise).

Symptoms of low back pain can include muscle ache, stiffness, and soreness in the lower back, buttocks, or legs. The pain can range from mild to severe and in some cases, you may also experience symptoms like tingling or numbness in the legs. Symptoms may also vary depending on the cause of the low back pain.

Feeling pain in your lower back?

It might be time to get it checked out. The process usually starts with a visit to the doctor, where they’ll take a look at your medical history and give you a physical exam. They might also want to take some X-rays or MRI’s to figure out what’s causing the pain.

So, what can you do once you know what’s going on?

The treatment plan will depend on the cause and how severe your pain is. Some common options include physical therapy to build up strength and flexibility, taking pain medication like ibuprofen, or making lifestyle changes. In more severe cases, the doctor may suggest procedures like epidural injections or nerve blocks. Surgery is typically a last resort and only considered in extreme cases.

Want to avoid getting low back pain?

It starts with keeping a healthy lifestyle and proper body mechanics. Doing regular exercise and keeping good posture will keep your back muscles strong and flexible. And don’t forget about making healthy changes like quitting smoking and managing stress. This can help to reduce your risk of developing low back pain.

It’s no secret that low back pain can be a real pain, literally. It’s something a lot of people deal with. But the good news is that you don’t have to just put up with the pain. Seeing a doctor and creating a plan for treatment can help you manage the pain. And remember, preventing low back pain is key to avoiding it in the future. With the right combination of treatment and preventative measures, you can live a life without back pain.

Interested in learning more? Check out the Body Pain School here.