Lower Back Pain – Just The Facts
More than 65 million Americans suffer from back pain every year. Back pain can develop anywhere from the neck to the lower spine. It is an all-too-familiar problem that can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that leaves you incapacitated.
Lower Back pain should not be equated with a need for bed rest. Treatment is usually only necessary for chronic back pain, which is pain that lasts for more than 3 months. It can also directly result from disease of the internal organs, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss. Back pain is extremely common in today’s society.
Lower Back Pain: Causes
As we get older, our bodies tend to lose their muscle elasticity and tone, as well as bone strength. The discs in our spine lose fluid and flexibility, and they can’t cushion the vertebrae as well anymore. Aging is one reason we get lower back pain.
Lower back pain can occur in people who are overweight, in poor physical shape, have poor posture or are compelled to sit or stand for long periods of time. It is one of the most common causes of job-related disability and why some people miss work.
If the muscles or ligaments in the back have a spasm, sprain or strain, the discs in the spine can rupture or bulge. That puts a lot of pressure on the nerves that are based in the spinal cord. When there is compression or irritation in those nerve roots, the back complains by giving us pain. What causes the back spasm, sprain or strain? Usually some form of trauma or injury, for example attempting to lift something too heavy, or overstretching.
Degenerative diseases like arthritis or osteoporosis can also cause lower back pain. Other potential factors are congenital abnormalities in the spine, viral infections and irritation to the joints and discs.
Some life conditions can also contribute to lower back pain. These include smoking, obesity, pregnancy weight gain, poor physical condition, stress, poor posture and poor sleeping position. Oftentimes, lower back and hip pain go hand in hand. If the body has scar tissue from previous injuries, buildup in the area can, over time, weaken the back and contribute to more serious injuries.
Lower Back Pain: Should You Worry
If your lower back pain in accompanied by some other symptoms, it is time to take things more seriously and consult your primary care physician. The symptoms to watch out for include fever, pain while coughing, loss of bladder control or bowel control, progressive weakness in legs. These can indicate a pinched nerve or similar situation. If a person has diabetes, back pain can be related to neuropathy.
Lower Back Pain And How To Avoid It
If you take proper care of your back in your day-to-day life, you can avoid lower back pain. If the back pain is recurring, there is a good chance it is from poor body mechanics. Be sure to have correct posture and to lift with your legs (instead of using your back), as well as strengthening your back with exercises. Be sure that your workplace follows healthy ergonomics, planning ahead by having furniture and tools and such to avoid injury, as this can protect the body from lower back pain.
Francis X Hesse
Let me help you ease your back pain. http://badbackrelief.com
Technorati Tags: back pain relief, chronic back pain, lower back pain
Related Tags: neck pain relief, pain relief, arthritis pain reliever, back pain, benefits of natural pain reliever, chronic back pain, chronic back pain relief, chronic pain, inversion table, low back pain, lower back pain, lower back pain relief, natural upper back pain relief, upper back pain relief









