LOW BACK PAIN

TYPES

These are the categorization for low back pains. The two common types include:

• Mechanical pain. Bones in the spine are the most common bones that give mechanical pain to the body. The pain is located nearly in the lower back, buttocks and sometimes at the top of the legs. It is affected by different ranges of motion connected to the spine.
• Radicular pain. It is basically the type of pain that is probably coming from an affected area of the body. It is usually causing so much pain and can also cause

SYMPTOMS

A variety of symptoms occur with low back pain. It is not predictable and it can be annoying, severe and debilitating. It has no time span and can be felt when it comes. However, it gets worse and worse over and over again.

It depends on the pains underlying such symptoms. It may be:

• Pain that is dull or achy contained to the low back
• Stinging, burning pain that moves from the low back to the back of the thighs, sometimes into the lower legs or feet; it can include numbness or tingling (sciatica)
• Muscle spasms and tightness in the low back, pelvis, and hips
• Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing
• Difficulty in standing up straight, walking, or going from standing to sitting

DIAGNOSIS

To examine where you’re suffering from pain, doctors conduct a physical examination. You may undergo certain observations regarding your senses. Then the doctor can determine if your low back pain affects your nerves.

Other tests are required for certain symptoms like lack of bowel control, weakness, fever, and even weight loss. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in addition to low back pain, seek medical attention immediately.

Bone problems, disc problems or problems with ligaments need imaging tests so that the doctor can properly diagnose the problem.

A bone density scan will be requested if the doctor suspects any problem. Nerve problems are identified through electromyography (EMG).

TREATMENT

Home Care

Within three days after the pain begins, self-care methods are helpful. You should visit a doctor if these don’t help.

Take a rest for a couple of days, then apply a cold and hot compress to your back. Doctors usually recommend 2 – 3 days of using ice packs then switching to a heat pack to relax muscles. This is called the RICE protocol (REST, ICE, COMPRESSION, ELEVATION) which is mostly done in the first 48 hours.

It is more uncomfortable sometimes to lie on your back. Put a pillow between your leg, and try lying on your side with your knees bent. Place a pillow beneath your thighs to reduce the pressure on your lower back if you don’t feel any discomfort.

Medical Treatment

Different conditions occur with low back pain and these include muscle strain, weakness, pinched nerves, and spinal cord misalignment. Medication, medical devices, physical therapy may be effective. The doctor can decide about the exact dosage and application of medications. The doctor may prescribe some medications including muscle relaxants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), narcotic drugs such as codeine for pain relief, steroids to reduce inflammation, and corticosteroid injections. Physical therapy including massage, stretching, strengthening exercises and back and spinal manipulation can be also prescribed by the doctor.

Surgery

This may be required in some cases. When all other treatments fail, surgery is usually the option unless there is a loss of bowel or bladder control or a progressive neurological loss that is an emergency.

A nerve root pressed by a bulging disc or bone spur is called discectomy. Removal of the bony part of the spinal canal which is a part of the lamina is done.

A procedure that opens up the foramen or the bony hole in the spinal canal where the nerve roots exist is called foraminotomy.