What Are The Possible Causes Of Lower Back Pain & Its Remedies?

Low back pain is a common complaint among many people. It can be caused due to a variety of reasons, including injuries and medical conditions. Learning how to sit, stand, lift, and exercise correctly can help prevent low back pain. You are not alone if you have experienced lower back pain that has prevented you from doing what you want. Lower back pain is one of the most common medical issues worldwide. It may be unpreventable, especially when you age and your back loses strength and resilience. Fortunately, no matter what is causing your back pain, there are many ways to find the relief.

Symptoms

Pain may develop immediately after lifting something heavy or performing an awkward twisting movement. It can appear for no obvious cause. Some people experience low back pain suddenly. The severity of low back pain varies from person to person. It could be a dull ache or a stabbing pain. It could be acute or chronic. You may experience pain in other parts of your body besides your back.
Although nonspecific back pain is sometimes referred to as simple back pain, this does not indicate that the pain is mild. The level of pain can vary from mild to severe. It can spread to one or both buttocks or thighs if the pain is in the lower back. The pain is usually relieved by lying flat on one's back. It is frequently affected when you move your back, cough, or sneeze. So, nonspecific low back pain is mechanical in the sense that it varies with posture or exercise.
Most people who experience nonspecific low back pain recover quickly, usually within a week, though it can take a little longer sometimes. However, once the pain has subsided or disappeared, it is common to experience further bouts (recurrences) of pain in the future. It is also common to experience minor pains on and off for a long time after a bad bout of pain. Sometimes, the pain lasts for several months or longer. This is known as chronic back pain.

Causes of lower back pain

Strains and sprains

The most common cause of back pain is strains and sprains. Lifting too heavy or not lifting safely can injure muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Sneezing, coughing, twisting, or bending over can all cause back strain

Disc injury

Back discs are prone to injury. This risk increases with age. The disc's outer layer can tear or herniate.
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the disc's cartilage pushes against the spinal cord or nerve roots. The cushion that sits between the vertebrae of the spine extends beyond its normal position.
This can cause nerve root compression as it exits the spinal cord and passes through the vertebral bones. Disc injury usually occurs because of a sudden movement, such as lifting something or twisting the back. In contrast to a back strain, pain from a disc injury usually lasts longer than 72 hours.

Fractures

The bones in the spine can break in an accident, such as a car accident or a fall. Fractures are more likely in people who have certain conditions, such as spondylolysis or osteoporosis.

Spinal stenosis:

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal column narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae. As a result, bony spurs or soft tissues, such as discs, compress the nerve roots or spinal cord.

These symptoms could occur anywhere in the body. Many people who have spinal stenosis notice that their symptoms worsen when they stand or walk.

Remedies of low back pain

Depending on the cause and severity of your back pain, you may try a few home remedies for low back pain to relieve the pain until your back returns to normal

Cold and heat therapies:

It's best to use cold compresses or an ice pack, rather than heat, immediately after a back injury to relieve pain by numbing the area and avoiding unnecessary swelling. However, applying heat pads or a hot-water bottle to your back 48 hours after the onset of back pain may be helpful. Heat soothes and relaxes aching muscles even increases the blood flow, which aids in the healing process. Remember that heat therapy is only effective for the first week.

Limited bed rest:

Bed rest, which was once the mainstay of back pain treatment, has fallen out of favor. Doctors now believe that it is better to constantly move so that your muscles do not stiffen. Bed rest can still provide useful relief from low back pain, especially if your pain is so severe that sitting or standing hurts.

Physical activity:

Exercise aids in the development of strong, flexible muscles that are less prone to injury. It can also aid in the healing of back pain , prevent future problems, and improve function. Develop an exercise routine with your doctor. A good exercise program will typically include three types of exercise: aerobic activity, strength training, and flexibility exercises.

When to visit a doctor?

Lower back pain does not always have a clear cause, and it often resolves on its own. Rest, hot or cold therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers, and gentle stretching may all aid in recovery. However, if a person's lower back pain is severe, does not seem to improve, or occurs in conjunction with other troubling symptoms, like tingling or numbness down the legs, you should consult a doctor.

Consult our expert orthopedic doctors for your lower back pain. Book your appointment now.

A doctor can help in identifying possible causes of lower back pain and recommending proper treatment.