3 Causes of Lower Back Pain?

Are you struggling with lower back pain? This type of back pain is quite common – more so among women than men. It is a health issue that can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life. The key to getting effective treatment for your lower back pain is to make sure you get an accurate diagnosis. The treatment for muscular pain, for example, is very different to the treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. If your condition is misdiagnosed, the treatment may not be helpful. Here, we take a look at 3 causes of lower back pain. Understanding these can help you if this is something that you suffer with.

3 causes of lower back pain?

One of the most common causes of lower back pain include pulled muscles, but when pain lasts for more than a couple of weeks, or the pain gets worse, it could be something more serious that needs investigation. Here, we take a look at 3 causes of lower back pain that you may need to see a doctor for.

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage. This then leads to pain, stiffness, and impaired mobility. It is a very common cause of pain in both genders and will usually have an impact on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips, but can also occur in the spine and hands. You may experience pain or stiffness as you’re doing some type of physical activity. Doctors will tell you that there is no cure for osteoarthritis, but rather, pain management techniques that aim to help symptoms, improve joint function, delay worsening, and improve quality of life. Some of the most common treatments for osteoarthritis include painkillers, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, lifestyle modifications like weight management and exercise. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in managing osteoarthritis and maintaining the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.

2. Ankylosing spondylitis 

Ankylosing spondylitis is a persistent inflammatory and degenerative condition impacting the lower spine and sacroiliac joints. This inflammatory condition will cause discomfort and spinal joint inflammation when you least expect it to. Ankylosing spondylitis is more common in men than women. You may also experience discomfort in the hips, shoulders, and heels, as well as breathing difficulties due to decreased chest expansion. It can make daily activities very difficult. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and biologics can help alleviate pain and inflammation, and can help improve joint function and prevent the disease from worsening.

3. Slipped discs

You have probably heard of slipped discs before – they are also commonly referred to as herniated or ruptured discs. This is a condition that happens when the soft inner core of a spinal disc protrudes through its tough outer layer, causing you ”back-stabbing pain”. This can occur due to many different factors, but most frequently due to sudden trauma or repetitive strain on the spine. Aging contributes to the gradual deterioration of the discs, making them more prone to injury. If your disc moves out of its place you will experience compression around the nerves which is what contributes to the pain. This can also cause a tingling sensation or weakness in the affected area. Your rheumatologist will likely prescribe a few days of rest, along with other effective treatments to get your lower back feeling good as new again.

How to prevent lower back pain

Generally speaking, improving physical fitness and mastering proper body care is an important plan if you wish to prevent back pain. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your gender is, here are some important tips to follow:

A) Go to the gym – explore low-impact activities and targeted strength training to focus on your core and the muscles that support the back and spine.

B) Work on those core muscles – try out a range of exercises, like the plank, that target the abdominal muscles to build core strength. The core is a large part of what supports the spine and a strong core will help to reduce the risk of back pain and injury.

C) Watch out for your weight – stay in that healthy weight range where possible and take care of your body. It’s not just your back that will benefit from maintaining a healthy weight.

D) Work on your posture – always try to maintain a neutral pelvic position to alleviate pressure on the lower back during prolonged standing. When sitting, especially for a long time (when you’re at work, for example), use chairs with adequate lower back support and armrests. You can also put a pillow or memory foam behind your back to relax the spine. If using a computer, ensure your screen is placed at the appropriate height.

Getting help for your lower back pain

If you’ve been experiencing back pain for more than two weeks, the pain has gotten worse, or if the pain is unbearable and isn’t improved by over-the-counter painkillers, it may be time to seek advice from your GP or a rheumatologist. Alongside traditional treatments, incorporating the use of the best red light therapy pads can provide additional relief and aid in the healing process.

Seeing a specialist will get you one step closer to a prompt recovery. A rheumatologist will be able to help you with lower back pain and all its causes. Need a private rheumatologist in London? A rheumatologist will look at your symptoms, medical history, family history, and test results before providing an accurate diagnosis. The great thing about going private is that there isn’t a waiting list and you can usually be seen within a week.

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