Lower Back Pain

Causes

• Muscle or ligament strain - Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. If you're in poor physical condition, constant strain on your back can cause painful muscle spasms.
• Bulging or ruptured disks - Disks act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve.
• Arthritis - Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
• Osteoporosis - Your spine's vertebrae can develop painful fractures if your bones become porous and brittle.
• Skeletal irregularities - A condition in which your spine curves to the side (scoliosis) can lead to back pain, usually not until middle age.
• Spinal stenosis - A narrowing of the spinal column that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Sciatica - Compression of the sciatic nerve, often caused by a herniated disk or bone spur.
• Poor posture - Improper alignment of your body when sitting or standing puts strain on the back.
• Psychological stress - Emotional stress can cause muscle tension, which may lead to back pain or make existing pain worse.
• Occupational activities - Jobs that require heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or twisting can lead to back injury and pain.

Signs and Symptoms

• Muscle ache - Dull, aching pain in the lower back.
• Shooting or stabbing pain - Sharp, localized pain that may radiate down your leg.
• Pain that radiates down your leg - Often described as sciatica, this is pain that extends from your buttock down the back of your leg.
• Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, standing or walking - Activities that put strain on your back can increase pain.
• Pain that improves with reclining - Lying down often relieves pressure on the spine and can temporarily reduce pain.
• Muscle stiffness - Difficulty moving or bending due to tightness in the lower back.
• Reduced range of motion - Difficulty bending, twisting, or straightening your back.
• Numbness or tingling - Sensations that may indicate nerve compression or damage.
• Weakness - Difficulty standing or walking, or leg weakness, which could indicate nerve damage.
• Pain that persists for weeks - Chronic pain that doesn't resolve with rest or self-care measures.

Diagnosis

Treatment Options

Home Remedies

Preventive Care

• Exercise regularly to build strength and flexibility in your back muscles.
• Maintain proper posture when sitting, standing, and lifting objects.
• Lift with your legs, not your back, and avoid twisting while lifting.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your back muscles.
• Quit smoking, as it reduces blood flow to the lower spine and promotes disc degeneration.
• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing in one position; take frequent breaks to move around.
• Use chairs with good lower back support and armrests.
• Place a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back for lumbar support when sitting.
• Sleep on a medium-firm mattress to minimize curve in your spine.
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes to reduce strain on your back.

Surgical Options