The low back, also aknown as lumbar region, is the area of the back that starts below the ribcage. Almost everbody has low back pain at some point in their life. It’s one of the top causes of missed work in the United States. Fortunately, it often gets better on its own. When it doesn’t, your medical doctor may be able to assist with several effective treatments.
Lower back pain is very general. It can result from a strain (injury) to muscles or tendons in the back. Other causes include arthritis, structural issues and disk injuries. Pain often gets better with rest, physical therapy and medication. Minimize your risk of low back pain by keeping at a healthy weight and staying active.
The most frequent causes of lower back pain are a sprain or strain. Whether you notice it or not, your lumbar spine gets put to work throughout the entire day.
Amid all of this motion and work, a lower back sprain or strain can result from an acute injury, such as one experienced while falling, lifting something too heavy or playing sports. A sprain or strain can also growth over time due to repetitive movements or poor posture.
Straining a muscle or spraining a ligament are the most frequent causes of lower back pain. While they can be serious, these common causes of lower back pain aren’t long-lasting , taking anywhere from a few days to recover or, at most, a few months.
Your medical doctor can assist you indicate the particular course of self-care that can help heal your lower back pain.
The therapy for a pulled back muscle or strained back ligament is quite simple and can include pain and anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers, ice to assist minimize inflammation, heat to promote healing, and avoiding strenuous activity until the pain recedes. The best course of care will depend on the severity of your injury as well as your overall core and lower body strength.
If your lower back pain persists despite treatment, it may be the time to consider, the other causes of lower back pain. You can’t prevent lower back pain that results from structural problems or disease in the spine. But you can keep away from injuries that cause back pain.
To decrease your risk of a back injury, you should:
- Strengthen the abdominal muscles: Pilates and other several exercise programs strengthen core muscles that support the spine.
- Keep a healthy weight: Overweight puts pressure on disks and vertebrae.
- Lift the right way: To avoid injuries, lift with your legs (not your back). Hold heavy items close to your body. Try not to twist your torso while you’re lifting.
If you’re experiencing lower back pain that’s not responding to rest and self-care, it’s time to consider seeing a spine specialist.
“A spine specialist will likely perform a physical exam as well as one or more imaging scans to diagnose the root cause of your lower back pain. Depending on your diagnosis, he or she will then design a treatment plan aimed at alleviating your pain and preventing it from disrupting the everyday activities you enjoy.
