- By Priyanka Munshi
- Tue, 13 Feb 2024 01:47 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A huge number of people have lower back pain globally. It can be brought on by so many reasons, like muscle strain, bad posture, trauma, or underlying medical disorders like arthritis or ruptured discs. Lower back pain can cause a wide variety of symptoms, from little discomfort to severe, incapacitating pain that can interfere with daily tasks and limit movement.
However, there are some choices for treating lower back pain, such as rest, painkillers, applying heat or cold, and performing mild stretching exercises. Sometimes the only ways to find relief are through physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, or even surgery.
Lower back pain is caused by muscle strain, posture or underlying medical disorders. (Image Credit: Canva)
Also, several preventive actions can help lessen the likelihood of developing lower back discomfort, such as maintaining the right posture, exercising frequently to strengthen the core muscles, and using safe lifting techniques.
Dr. Arun Bhanot, who is the Director of Spine Surgery at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, exclusively told Jagran English about the causes and reasons of lower back pain.
As per Dr. Arun, "lower back pain is incredibly common, affecting many people at some point in their lives. While it can be distressing, it's important to remember that understanding the cause is the first step to finding relief."
Common Reasons For Lower Back Pain
Strains And Sprains: These are the most frequent contributors, often caused by overuse, awkward movements, or lifting heavy objects incorrectly.
Arthritis: Wear and tear on the spinal joints, particularly osteoarthritis, can lead to pain and inflammation.
Disc problems: Herniated discs, where the inner gel material pushes out, can irritate nearby nerves and cause pain radiating down the leg (sciatica).
Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness.
Scoliosis: An abnormal curvature of the spine can cause uneven pressure on the discs and joints, leading to pain, especially when scoliosis is due to degenerative reasons.
Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, causing pain and instability in the spine.
Trauma Or Injury: Falls, car accidents, or other injuries can damage the structures of the lower back and cause pain.
Sometimes the only ways to find relief from lower back pain is through physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, or even surgery. (Image Credit: Canva)
Poor Posture: Sitting or standing with poor posture over time can strain the muscles and ligaments in the lower back, leading to pain.
Obesity: Excess weight can put strain on the lower back, leading to poor posture and increasing the risk of developing conditions like osteoarthritis or herniated discs.
Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the legs, can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the lower back and legs.
At last, Dr. Arun said that most back pains are usually self-limiting and can be managed by simple measures like correcting posture, physical therapy, and regular exercises. But if back pain persists beyond a few days, a consultation with a spine specialist should be sought to distinguish the more serious causes from regular and innocuous ones so as to get the timely and correct treatment."