If you have ever experienced low back pain, you are not alone. Low back pain is a condition that affects us regardless of age, occupation, and lifestyle. It is one of the most common ailments affecting people across America and can range from a mild ache to unbearable pain that limits daily activities. Let us look at some key causes and how you can find long-term relief for chronic low back pain.
Causes of Low Back Pain
The lumbar region is made up of muscles, bones, joints, and ligaments that support much of the body’s weight, making it particularly susceptible to injury.
Muscle Strain and Sprain
Overexertion, sudden movements, or lifting heavy objects wrongly can lead to muscle strain or ligament sprain. This is one of the leading causes of low back pain, especially in individuals that engage in physically demanding activities.
Poor Posture
Spending extended hours sitting with poor posture, especially at a desk, can place excessive stress on the low back muscles. The lack of support to the spine in these positions often leads to chronic discomfort or pain.
Multifidus Muscle Dysfunction
The multifidus muscle is crucial for maintaining spinal stability. When this muscle becomes weak or dysfunctional, it can cause the vertebrae to move improperly or become misaligned, leading to increased strain and back pain.
Herniated Discs
Intervertebral discs, which act as pads between the bones in the spine, can become herniated or ruptured, leading to pressure on nearby nerves. This can cause sharp, radiating pain that may shoot down the legs.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, the discs between our vertebrae lose moisture and flexibility, which can result in disc degeneration. This natural aging process can contribute to chronic low back pain over time.
Skeletal Irregularities
Conditions like scoliosis (where the spine curves abnormally) can put pressure on various parts of the back, leading to pain. Structural issues like spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) can also contribute to discomfort.
What is Chronic Low Back Pain?
Chronic low back pain differs from other types of low back pain primarily in terms of duration and underlying causes. Acute low back pain typically lasts for a short period. It arises suddenly, usually due to an injury, strain, or overuse of the muscles in the low back. Once the injury heals, the pain typically subsides.
In contrast, chronic low back pain, which lasts for more than twelve weeks, may not be linked to a particular injury or event. Instead, it is often associated with long-term conditions such as muscle dysfunction, degenerative disc disease, or nerve damage. Sometimes, the cause of chronic pain is difficult to pinpoint, and the pain may persist even after the initial issue has been resolved.
The symptoms also differ between these types of pain. Acute pain tends to be sharp and localized. On the other hand, chronic pain is often more persistent and is typically described as a dull, aching sensation, though it can include sharp episodes. Additionally, chronic pain tends to fluctuate, worsening with certain activities or prolonged sitting or standing.
Treatment for Low Back Pain
Professional medical interventions are invaluable for treating low back pain, especially when the pain is severe or chronic. Below are some of the treatments available for addressing low back pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a typical treatment for low back pain. A physical therapist will assess the specific cause of the pain and develop a personalized treatment plan that includes exercises to strengthen the core muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture. These exercises are designed to alleviate pressure on the spine and prevent future injuries.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is another widely used method for treating low back pain, especially when the pain is related to spinal misalignment. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation and adjustments to realign the spine, ease pressure on nerves, and improve overall spinal function. This type of treatment can provide immediate pain relief for some individuals with mechanical low back pain.
Neurostimulation Therapy
Restorative neurostimulation therapy is designed to treat chronic mechanical low back pain. It targets dysfunction in the multifidus muscle, a key muscle responsible for spinal stability. The therapy involves a small device implanted under the skin, which delivers electrical stimulation to the nerves controlling the multifidus, helping to restore muscle function and reduce pain.
Steroid Injections
For individuals experiencing more severe or persistent low back pain—when there is nerve involvement, such as in cases of sciatica—steroid injections may be recommended. These injections deliver corticosteroids directly into the area surrounding the affected nerve roots, reducing inflammation and providing significant pain relief.
Surgery
Surgery is largely considered a last resort for low back pain. It is used only when other treatments have failed or where there is a clear structural issue that requires intervention. Some surgical procedures for low back pain include discectomy, where part of a herniated disc is removed, and spinal fusion, which involves fusing two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
Conclusion
Low back pain can range from a mere annoyance to a severe condition that limits daily life. Understanding its causes and treatment strategies can help us to take proactive steps toward finding permanent relief. Whether it is through physical therapy or neurostimulation, addressing low back pain as soon as possible can allow you to lead to a healthier and happier life.