Management of Low Back Pain

Low Back Pain:

Low Back Pain can be caused by a variety of problems with any parts of the complex, interconnected network of spinal muscles, nerves, bones, discs or tendons in the lumbar spine

 Typical sources of low back pain include:

  •  The large nerve roots in the low back that go to the legs may be irritated

  • The smaller nerves that supply the low back may be irritated

  • The large paired lower back muscles (erector spine) may be strained

  • The bones, ligaments or joints may be damaged

  • An intervertebral disc may be degenerating

An irritation or problem with any of these structures can cause lower back pain.

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A few facts about low back pain:

  • Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide.

  • Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work.

  • One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.

  • Experts estimate that as much as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in their lives.

Causes and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain:

  • People with age, bone strength lessen, as do muscle elasticity and tone. The discs in between the vertebrae lose fluid and flexibility which decrease their ability to cushion spinal compression.

  • Physically stressful work- Back sprains, strains, spasms or disc ruptures can be caused by lifting items that are too heavy or by using improper lifting techniques.

  • Overstretching

  • Poor physical condition-Due to factors such as sedentary life style or unhealthy amounts of exercise.

Other contributing factors related to non- specific back pain include:

  • Obesity

  • Poor sleeping position

  • Weight gain during pregnancy

  • Smoking

  • Stress

  • Anxiety or depression

  • Buildup of scar tissue from repeat injuries.

Low Back Pain during Pregnancy:

  • About three-quarters of pregnant women experience back pain at some point. Most often the pain appears in the later months or becomes worse as pregnancy progresses. It may also persist after the baby arrives, but postpartum back pain usually resolves in a few months.

  • Experts describe two common patterns of low back pain in pregnancy: Lumbar pain occurs in the area of the lumbar vertebrae in your lower back, and posterior pelvic pain is felt in the back of your pelvis. Some women have symptoms of both types of low back pain.

Tips to Prevent Back Pain:

  • Maintain a healthy diet and weight.

  • Remain active—under the supervision of your doctor of chiropractic.

  • Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.

  • Warm up or stretch before exercising or physical activities, such as gardening.

  • Maintain proper posture.

  • Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.

  • Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.

  •  Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting.

  • Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.

  • Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your computer workstation is ergonomically correct.

 Treatment and Management of Low Back Pain:

The goal of treatment for low back pain is to reduce pain and restore function, strength and prevent injury re- occurrence. A combination of treatments may be recommended by your health care professional. In a few serious cases, surgery may be performed to relieve low back pain.

Some common treatments include:

  • Ice and heat

  • Physical activity,

  • Usual Medications

  • Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs

  • Opoids in acute cases

  • Muscle relaxants

  • Medications for sleep and depression

Alternative approaches include:

  • Physical therapy

  • Yoga and relaxation techniques

  • Spinal manipulation

  • Message therapy

  • Acupuncture