You never know pain until you’ve experienced debilitating lower back pain. You could be bending down to tie your shoes and then feel a sharp pain in your lower back. The pain could be so intense you can’t move and every movement after is a struggle.
Low back pain or LBP is one of the most common health complaints around the world. Around 619 million people suffered from it in 2020. Experts say those numbers will hit 843 million by 2050. One study shows that LBP is the number one cause of disability. It affects people of all ages and lifestyles.
Many cases of low back pain are mild. They’re often resolved with rest, stretching, or over-the-counter medication. Some situations need professional medical attention though. It’s important to know how LBP happens and when it’s time to see a doctor for it.
What is the Cause of Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain can result from various factors. It could be due to something simple as muscle strain to a more serious medical condition. You need to know the common causes of low back pain if you want to avoid this discomfort. Knowing is also the first step to seeking a resolution.
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Muscle Strain and Ligament Sprain
Overuse and sudden movements can strain the muscles and ligaments of your lower back. It can also happen when you lift heavy objects in the wrong way. This type of low back pain is often temporary but can be painful enough to restrict mobility.
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Herniated or Bulging Discs
Your spine is vertebrae separated by discs that act as cushions. These discs can become damaged or slip out of place (herniation) and press on nearby nerves. You could feel pain, numbness, or tingling radiating down your legs if this happens.
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Degenerative Disc Disease
Low back pain can also be due to degenerative disc disease. This can happen as you grow older and your spine begins to wear down. The result is chronic lower back pain and stiffness. This often happens after prolonged sitting or standing.
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Sciatica
Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed. This often happens because of a bone spur or a herniated disc. Sciatic pain is sharp and can radiate down one or both legs.
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Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Conditions
Arthritis can affect your lower back. This could result in pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis could also cause LBP. So can ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory condition.
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Osteoporosis and Compression Fractures
Osteoporosis weakens bones and makes them prone to fractures. Compression fractures in the spine can cause sudden and severe low back pain. Older adults are more susceptible to this.
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Kidney Infections or Kidney Stones
You could be experiencing lower back pain because of a kidney stone or infection. A key symptom to watch for is sharp or dull pain on one side of the back. You could also have a fever, nausea, or urinary symptoms.
Signs It Is Time to See a Doctor
Low back pain happens to everyone once in a while. It’s normal to feel a twinge in your lower back. But some signs mean you should be seeing your doctor. Here’s what you should be watching out for.
- The pain is persistent and has been going on for weeks. A little rest, stretching, and OTC meds are enough to ease LBP. Back pain that doesn’t improve after two to four weeks could be an underlying condition. Chronic pain could mean degenerative disc disease or other spinal disorders.
- Rest doesn’t improve the pain. Mild back pain often improves with rest and gentle movement. But pain that remains severe or worsens despite rest could mean a more serious problem. You could have a herniated disc, nerve compression, or an inflammatory condition.
- You have a history of injury or trauma. You should see a doctor if your low back pain started after a fall, accident, or other injury. Spinal fractures, herniated discs, and other injuries don’t always show immediate symptoms. But it could lead to severe complications if left untreated.
Before You Go
Don’t let lower back pain take over your life. Get the relief you deserve at Rosenberg Wellness Center! Our expert team specializes in diagnosing and treating low back pain. We offer personalized care plans designed for you. So whether your pain is from an injury or poor posture, we’re here to help. Book your consultation today or call +1 (212) 858-0015. Take that first step to a pain-free life.
