Low Back Pain

Lower Back Pain Overview

Lower back pain, or lumbago, occurs as an ache or a pain anywhere below the lower ribs and above the legs, and is common in both genders and all age groups, though it’s most common in adults between the ages of 35 and 55. Over the course of a lifetime, almost 70 out of every 100 people will experience low back pain, resulting in lost work days, and limiting normal activities, exercise and recreation.

Lumbago can vary in its intensity, resulting in restricted movement, and may spread into the buttocks and upper thigh regions. Lower back pain may be either chronic or acute, sharp and sudden or dull and continuous, can be localized to the lower back itself, below the waist, or extend down through the buttocks and on down through the backs of the legs and right down to the feet. Though for many folks who experience lumbago it will only last for a period of days, it can recur. If it does, then a change in lifestyle may be necessary to lessen strain on the lower back and lessen the chance of a recurrence. In a small percentage of people who suffer lower back pain, it can be continuous and persistent and lead to a chronic disability.

Definition of lower back pain

The definition of lower back pain, or lumbago, is any back pain or ache located between the bottom of the ribcage and above the legs. Lower back pain that flares up suddenly is called acute lower back pain. If the lower back pain continues persistently, then it’s called chronic lower back pain.

Usual causes of lower back pain

Lower back pain is often caused by a physical injury, such as a car accident, a slip-and-fall, or a sports-related injury. Lower back pain can also be a consequence of strained muscles. It can also result from a more specific cause, ie a spinal injury such as a herniated disc.

Most Common Lower Back Pain Symptoms

Pain that occurs anywhere from the bottom of your rib cage to the tops of your thighs on your back, which can be local to one region or can be a broader, more widespread pain are the most common symptoms. Sometimes the pain will intensify with certain movements, sometimes it will vary over time, and sometimes it can spread outward from one region to another.

What is Back Pain?

Back pain is a symptom that can arise from many causes. It can range from a dull, annoying ache to absolute agony. Many cases of back pain are caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. Sedentary jobs and lifestyles may create a vulnerability to this type of stress or damage. Obesity, which increases both the weight on the spine and the pressure on the discs, is another factor. Strenuous sports such as football and gymnastics can also damage the back.

Definition of Low Back Pain

Pain felt in your lower back may come from the spine, muscles, nerves, or other structures in that region of your back. It may also radiate from other areas like your mid or upper back, a hernia in the groin, or a problem in the testicles or ovaries.

You may feel a variety of symptoms if you hurt your back. You may have a tingling or burning sensation, a dull aching, or sharp pain. You also may experience weakness in your legs or feet.

It won't necessarily be one event that actually causes your pain. You may have been doing many things improperly -- like standing, sitting, or lifting -- for a long time. Then suddenly, one simple movement, like reaching for something in the shower or bending from your waist, leads to the feeling of pain.

Low Back Pain Considerations

If you are like most people, you will have at least one backache in your life. While such pain or discomfort can happen anywhere in your back, the most common area affected is your low back. This is because the low back supports most of your body's weight.

Low back pain is the #2 reason that Americans see their doctor -- second only to colds and flus. Many back-related injuries happen at work. But you can change that. There are many things you can do to lower your chances of getting back pain.

Most back problems will get better on their own. The key is to know when you need to seek medical help and when self-care measures alone will allow you to get better.

Low back pain may be acute (short-term), lasting less than one month, or chronic (long-term, continuous, ongoing), lasting longer than three months. While getting acute back pain more than once is common, continuous long-term pain is not.

You are at particular risk for low back pain if you:

• Work in construction or another job requiring heavy lifting, lots of bending and twisting, or whole body vibration (like truck driving or using a sandblaster)

• Have bad posture

• Are pregnant

• Are over age 30

• Smoke, don't exercise, or are overweight

• Have arthritis or osteoporosis

• Have a low pain threshold

• Feel stressed or depressed

Avoid the following exercises if you are suffering from severe low back pain:

• Jogging

• Football

• Golf

• Ballet

• Weight lifting

• Leg lifts when lying on your stomach

• Sit-ups with straight legs (rather than bent knees)

Questions your doctor may ask you about your low back pain:

• Is your back pain on one side only or both sides?

• What does the back pain feel like? Is it dull, sharp, throbbing, or burning?

• Is this the first time you have had back pain?

• When did the back pain begin? Did it start suddenly?

• Did you have a particular injury or accident?

• What were you doing just before the back pain began? Were you lifting or bending? Sitting at your computer? Driving a long distance?

• If you have had back pain before, is this pain similar or different? In what way is it different?

• Do you know the cause of previous episodes of back pain?

• How long does each episode of back pain usually last?

• Do you feel the pain anywhere other than your back, like your hip, thigh, leg or feet?

• Do you have any numbness or tingling? Any weakness or loss of function in your leg or elsewhere?

• What makes the back pain worse? Lifting, twisting, standing, or sitting for long periods of time?

• What makes you feel better?

• Are there any other symptoms present? Weight loss? Fever? Change in urination? Change in bowel habits?