Low Back Pain

Low Back Pain

Lower back pain (LBP) is not a condition. Instead, it’s a symptom that indicates the presence of an underlying injury or illness. The lower back or lumbar spine is made up of five vertebrae as well as the supporting muscles and ligaments and intervertebral discs. Facet joints, or hinge-like structures, link the lumbar spine together, allowing it to bend and move.

The lower back bears most of your body’s weight. While the vertebrae in this region are larger, they endure a lot of stress, lifting and movement throughout the years. Because of this, the lumbar spine is more prone to injury than other areas of the back. As you get older, gradual wear and tear can affect the lumbar spine’s many components, especially the facet joints and the rubbery discs between the vertebrae. Injury or simply age-related or work-related degeneration can cause or contribute to low back pain.

There are several potential causes of low back pain, including:

• Muscle or Ligament Strain: This is often the result of overuse, improper lifting techniques, or sudden movements that can strain the muscles and ligaments in the lower back.
• Herniated Disc: The spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. When one of these discs ruptures or bulges, it can put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to back pain.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: As people age, the spinal discs can naturally degenerate, leading to pain and discomfort.
• Spinal Stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Osteoarthritis: Arthritis can affect the spine's facet joints, leading to pain and stiffness in the lower back.
• Sciatica: Sciatic nerve compression can cause radiating pain that starts in the lower back and travels down one or both legs.
• Spondylolisthesis: This is when one vertebra slips forward over another, causing lower back pain and sometimes nerve compression.
• Infections or Tumors: While less common, infections or tumors in the spine can lead to low back pain.

The treatment for low back pain depends on its cause and severity. In many cases, conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, pain medications, and lifestyle modifications can provide relief. For more severe or persistent cases, other interventions like epidural steroid injections or surgery may be necessary.

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can be described in many ways — sharp, dull and constant, achy, burning or shooting. It may also travel to your buttocks, legs, knees and feet.

Many of the conditions or injuries that cause low back pain are accompanied by other symptoms, including:

• Low back and buttocks muscle spasms
• Numbness or tightness in the back or legs
• Weakness in the legs, thighs, buttocks or hamstrings
• Tingling in the legs or feet
• Pain and inflammation