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Low back pain is the pain that is felt by the individual in the lower back region. It is felt as back stiffness, less movement within the lower back and difficulty in standing straight. The low back helps in providing structural support, movement, and protection to some of the body tissues. It occurs from different adverse events such as injuries or diseases, and, in most cases, it occurs due to injury within the muscle or tendons in the back region.
The pain in the lower region varies by showing mild symptoms to severe pain. In some of the conditions, the pain in the lower back results in causing difficulty in walking, sleeping, working, and carrying out everyday activities. The pain in the lower back can be relieved with rest, pain relievers, and physical therapy. Visit KMC Hospital to know more about the treatment for low back pain in Mangalore.
Is Lower back pain common?
Lower back pain affects the majority of the population at some point in their lives, and it is thus one of the most common reasons people visit healthcare providers so frequently. Some of the common risk factors responsible for causing low back pain include:
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Age
Individuals belonging to the age group of 30 or above are the sufferers of lower back pain. Disks, the supple, rubbery tissue that supports the spine's bones, become weak with time. Hence, it results in pain and stiffness for the individual.
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Weight
Individuals who are obsessed with acquiring extra body weight are most often known to have more back pain. The excess weight puts pressure on the joints and disks, causing pain in the lower back region.
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Overall health
People with weak abdominal muscles are not capable of supporting the spine, which results in causing strain and sprain. People who have a sedentary lifestyle are more prone to the risk of having lower back pain.
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Occupation and lifestyle
The risk of back injury increases due to daily jobs and related activities involving gym heavy lifting and bending.
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Disease
Individuals having a family history of osteoarthritis, any cancer type, and other diseases increase the risk of lower back pain.
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Structural problems
The conditions of scoliosis change the alignment of the spine, which causes severe back pain.
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Mental health
Back pain also occurs due to the prevalence of depression and anxiety, deteriorating the mental condition of individuals.
Common Symptoms of Low back pain
The following are the common symptoms of low back pain:
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A sharp or dull pain, radiating to the bottom or down the back of the legs known as Sciatica
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Stiffness
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Posture problems
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Muscle spasms
Requirement of medical attention
If the severe back pain in the lower back region is left untreated, it results in hindering the daily activities carried out by individuals. It also disrupts the sleep schedule and interferes with the social life of the individual. If the low back pain lasts for more than three months, it is considered to be a chronic condition. If the pain doesn’t go away with time, the individual is recommended to visit the doctor. The doctor will further recommend the appropriate diagnosis and treatment approach for the pain.It can also come from depression.
Diagnosis of Low back pain
Some of the common diagnostic approaches used in determining the cause of pain in the lower back region include:
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Spine x-ray
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A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan
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Computed tomography (CT) scan
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Electromyography (EMG)
Treatment and Management of Low back pain
Lower back pain can be treated effectively with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Some of the common treatments for lower back pain include:
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Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs along with other prescription drugs are recommended for pain relief, muscle relaxation, and prevention of back spasms.
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Physical therapy
Lower back pain can be treated effectively with physical therapies. Consult with our Spine Specialist in Mangalore to know more about the different types of therapies.
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Injections
Local Steroid injections are recommended for reducing pain and inflammation.
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Surgery
Minimally invasive techniques are used for surgery for low back pain.
What can be done to prevent low back pain?
The first and foremost aspect of preventing lower back pain includes carrying out daily exercises regularly along with other activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, weight training, and specific back strengthening exercises. Maintaining the right posture is also very important in preventing the problems of lower back pain. By decreasing the static and sedentary postures and positions involving the environment of the office desk by taking regular breaks and changing positions while working.
Consultant - Spine Surgery
KMC Hospital, Mangalore
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