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Lower Back Pain Problems

Eighty percent of adults experience some back pain in their life; and a large percentage of their problems are in the lower back. Lower back pain can be caused by many things--both muscular and structural. People can injure their lower back during physical activity, by falling or simply lifting objects in an awkward manner. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to treat lower back pain.

  1. Significance of Lower Back Pain Problems

    • According to an article by Jennifer Thomas in U.S. News & World Report, "lower back pain represents between 20 percent and 25 percent of medical claims and exceeds $34 billion in annual direct medical costs." This figure is expected to grow as the median age of the population increases. Lower back pain problems can limit your ability to function. It can also cause you to miss work for extended periods of time.

    Types of Lower Back Pain Problems

    • The most common type of lower back pain is a muscle strain. People are active today and avidly engaged in sports and physical fitness. They can strain their back at any time. People who work in construction or laborers can strain their back working. As you age, your muscles get tighter. This can cause you to have lower back aches. You can also potentially strain ligaments or aggravate nerve endings in your lower back. All of these conditions can cause mild to severe lower back pain.

    Other Types of Lower Back Pain Problems

    • People can have pain in the lumbar region of their lower back. These are the five largest and strongest vertebrae in the spinal column, yet they are vulnerable to injuries. Lumbar pain can be caused by herniated disks, an erosion of cartilage between the disks, pinched nerves and even fractures. Chronic lower back pain problems may be caused by fibromyalgia, a painful autoimmune disease. It is also possible to have pain in the lower back because of cancer.

    Types of Treatment

    • Most strained muscles in the lower back should be treated with ice the first 48 hours. This causes vasoconstriction which reduces inflammation by limiting blood flow to the area. Chronic pain caused by structural damage to the lumbar region can be treated with heating pads and hot baths. Once the swelling has gone down, healing properties in the blood can foster recovery. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen may be prescribed for lower back pain. And cortisone may be necessary for severe pain. People often go to chiropracters or physical therapists to recover from lower back injuries. Surgery may be required in some cases.

    Prevention/Solution

    • A lot of lower back pain problems can be prevented by stretching or strengthening the muscles in that area. Simply lying on your back (with your knees up) and pressing your back to the floor can strengthen your lower back. Pulling one or both knees to your chest while extending your other one are a couple of effective stretching exercises. You should also strengthen adjacent muscles such as your abdominal and buttock muscles. These muscles will help support your lower back during physical activity.

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