The lower back supports the upper body’s weight and allows for common activities like bending and twisting. Low back muscles are in charge of flexing and turning the hips while walking, as well as supporting the spine. The muscles in the pelvis, legs, and feet are supplied with feeling and power via nerves in the low back.
Low back pain affects almost everyone at some point in their lives.
Individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 are more prone to experience low back discomfort. This is due in part to the changes that occur in the body as people age. The fluid content between the vertebrae in your spine decreases as you become older. This means that discs in the spine are more likely to be irritated. You also lose muscular tone, making your back more vulnerable to injury. This is why maintaining proper body mechanics and strengthening your back muscles can help you avoid low back pain.
What can go Wrong?
The most common cause of acute low back pain is injury to the muscles, ligaments, joints, or discs. The body also mobilizes an inflammatory healing response in reaction to injury. While inflammation may appear to be small, it can cause excruciating discomfort.
Because the nerve supply to many of the discs, muscles, ligaments, and other spinal structures overlaps, it might be difficult for the brain to determine which part is causing the pain. A deteriorated or ruptured lumbar disc, for example, can feel similar to a pulled muscle, causing inflammation and severe muscular spasm in the same place. Muscles and ligaments mend quickly, however a ruptured disc may take longer to repair. The duration of pain aids in determining the source.
Symptoms of Low Back Pain
It could be anything from a faint discomfort to a searing or shooting pain. It may be difficult to move or stand up straight due to the pain. Acute pain is defined as pain that occurs suddenly. It could arise as a result of sports or hard lifting. Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than three months. If your discomfort persists beyond 72 hours, you should see a doctor.
If you suffer back discomfort after a fall or accident, you should see a doctor. If you have back discomfort, bowel or bladder control issues, leg weakness, fever, or pain when coughing or peeing, you should see a doctor.
Causes of Low Back Pain
- Strain or Sciatica
- Injury
- Spine stenosis
- Abnormal spinal curvature
Other causes:
- Arthritis
- Spondylosis
- Fibromyalgia