Call Us JOI-2000
Lower Back Pain ImageThe quick answer is that lower back pain refers to any pain or discomfort experienced in the lower region of the spine, which is also known as the lumbar spine. This area supports most of the upper body’s weight. Usually, this specific type of back pain is extremely common and affects about 80 percent of adults around the world. Luckily for us, there are many lower back pain remedies effective treatments to alleviate or eliminate lower back pain.
The lower back contains numerous structures including ligaments, bones, tendons, and nerves. These structures all contain pain receptors which can cause various symptoms. Some examples of lower back pain symptoms include:
If you continue to struggle with lower back pain and have any of the symptoms listed above, it probably needs to be addressed before it gets worst. The most frequent factors contributing to lower back pain are:
This happens when you improperly lift heavy objects, twist your back or overstretch. The ligaments in the spine provide support to the bony structures of the spine. The muscles and tendons of the spine provide dynamic movement. When injured the muscles and tendons can spasm to protect the spine.
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal column narrows, placing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This issue can lead to pain, numbness, leg weakness and sensory loss due to a pinched nerve in your lower back.
Congenital anomalies of the spine can cause lower back pain as they upset weight distribution and strain tissues, ligaments, and nerves. Scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, and lordosis, an abnormally accentuated arch in the lower back
When a disc in the lumbar region becomes herniated, its inner layer comes through its hard casing by way of an infirmity or break. As this extra matter leaks into the affected area, nerves are pinched and pain occurs. When a disc is ruptured it is no longer able to properly cushion and stabilize the spine.
Image of Different Types of Disc Degeneration
Disc degeneration increased your chances of having spinal problems and can lead to distressing lower back pain. Discs begin to change due to many factors such as age, smoking and previous injuries.
Radiculopathy describes the pain that results when when irritation in the low back cause pain to travel down the buttocks, hip and leg. The goal in therapy is to decrease this pain or symptom first. Centralized low back pain is better than having radiculopathy.
A common form of radiculopathy is sciatica. This causes sharp and burning lower back pain, accompanied by pain through the buttocks and down one leg. Occasionally even reaching the bottom of the foot.
Image of Sciatica in the body.ArthritisInflammatory diseases like arthritis cause an irritation of the joints of the low back pain. There are different forms of arthritis which can affect the spine.
The joints where the spine attach to the pelvis are called the Sacroiliac joints. Dysfunction of the SI joints can cause pain in the Lower back and legs.
Depending on your symptoms, medical history, physical state, your MD may recommend several nonsurgical treatment options to treat lower back pain.
First, your MD may recommend having x-rays, MRI or CT Scans to help pinpoint the actual reason for your lower back pain. Sometimes your condition can be easily managed by over-the-counter medication, ice packs and heating pads. Also, your MD may recommend a course of physical therapy.
Physical therapy will often work with patients to strengthen their core muscles in order to alleviate back pain. Lower back stretches, as well as lower extremity stretches, may help relieve your lower back pain.
If you want to learn more about low back pain, go to: https://www.joionline.net/trending/content/low-back-pain.
If you are interested in receiving physical therapy, visit us at one of our 11 rehab physical therapy centers or three spine centers.
All JOI and JOI Rehab patients now have the option to do telehealth appointments from home.
JOI MD's are offering ASAP Fracture care. Make an appointment by calling (904)JOI-2000 or click the link below.
