Also called the lumbar region, the low back is an area of your back, starting below the ribcage. The lumbar region has various structures, including the vertebrae, discs, ligaments, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, and internal organs. For instance, the lumbar vertebrae are essential for providing stability for your spinal column and back and enabling attachment of muscles and ligaments. Because of the importance of your lumbar region, it is often susceptible to injury or certain medical conditions that cause back pain Great Neck. Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability and work absence. You are often at risk of lower back pain when aged 30 to 50.
That is because the body usually changes and becomes weaker as you age. For instance, the spinal vertebrae get less fluid between them, thus irritating the spinal discs much easier.
If you experience severe lower back pain symptoms lasting more than three days, you should immediately consult a back pain specialist. Other symptoms of lower back pain that may indicate you require treatment include unintentional weight loss, bowel incontinence, tingling sensations in the legs, and painful legs or feet.
Subsequently, below are the common causes of lower back pain.
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Lumbar strain
If an injury affects your lower back, you may have damaged muscles and tendons, causing involuntary contractions and soreness. Your lower back injury may be due to trauma, inappropriate use, or overuse.
You can get pain relief from lumbar strain by relying on pain relief medications, massage, strength and conditioning exercises, spinal manipulation, and avoiding activities that may aggravate or trigger your condition.
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Nerve irritation
A pinched or compressed nerve in your lower back may occur because of excessive pressure on the nerves adjacent to the last five vertebrae in the lumbar spine. Viral infections and nerve diseases may also cause nerve irritation and inflammation.
The condition is often medically referred to as lumbar radiculopathy if you have a nerve irritation caused by damaged discs between your vertebrae. The discs usually become damaged due to the normal mechanism of wear and tear or a traumatic injury.
You may need surgery to remove a damaged or herniated disc.
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Abnormal spinal curvature
A normal spine assumes an S-shaped curve when you view it from the side. The shape of a healthy spine allows for an even distribution of weight and the promotion of flexible movement.
However, sometimes the spinal curvature may be unusual. For instance, you may have a condition called hyperlordosis. Hyperlordosis is characterized by an excessive curvature of the lower spine, causing lower back pain and numbness.
Moreover, you may also be affected by scoliosis, which involves the sideways curvature of your spine.
There are also movement and posture issues that may cause your lower back pain. Poor posture and routine activities that may cause lower back pain include sitting or standing for an extended period, straining your neck forward, bending in an awkward position, and sleeping on a bad mattress.
The health problems and conditions that may also trigger your lower back pain are pregnancy, endometriosis, spinal cord cancer, and uterine fibroids.
Contact AABP Integrative Pain Care today to schedule an appointment with a back pain specialist.
