Lower Back Pain: Definitions & Options
The lumbar region of the back consists of the lowermost five vertebrae. Vertebrae are cushioned and separated by cartilage-coated, spinal discs that consist of a gel-like substance.
The spinal canal surrounds the spinal cord and the nerves that branch away from it. It runs the length of the spinal column. It is common to experience pain in the lower back because the lower back bears most of the weight of the torso. For this reason the muscles, nerves and spine are under a great deal of stress and subject to pain.
Doctors see patients for lower back pain quite frequently - almost as often as for the flu! Back pain can be caused by a lot of things, and in fact, it can have multiple causes in one patient. Injury and trauma are the most common causes of back pain. Here are a few examples:
Strain: Injury to a muscle.
Sprains are caused by ligament injury.
Sciatica: Pinched nerve.
Sacroiliitis: Inflamed hip joint.
Disc degeneration caused by disease.
Pressure can cause a herniated disc.
Sprains and strains may be caused by single or multiple events. Improper lifting may causes a sprain or strain as a single event or cumulatively over a period of time. Obesity and poor posture can cause back pain due to constant pressure and stress.
Click here for more on reconstruction of torn ACL.
There are a number of ways to treat a sprain or strain. They include: hot and/or cold packs, ultrasound, massage therapy, electrical stimulation, traction and reduction in which the bones are maneuvered physically, and/or anesthetic or corticosteroid injections. It is very important to gently resume normal activity after a couple of days rest to avoid stiffness.
Conditioning and strengthening of the lower back muscles can help to avoid and treat lower back pain. This can be achieved through a combination of general aerobic exercise and specific strengthening exercises.
Back surgery knows as spinal fusion is a last resort when all non-surgical options have been tried. This surgery works by limiting the movement in the most painful part of the back.
If your pain is reduced, your surgery is successful. Keep in mind, however, that it may take more than a year to experience full recovery. Additionally, it is quite unusual for a person to truly have complete relief of pain. Discuss all of the options with your doctor. You may find that surgery is not the right treatment for your situation.
Click here for more on orthopedic surgery and surgeons. - 17273
The spinal canal surrounds the spinal cord and the nerves that branch away from it. It runs the length of the spinal column. It is common to experience pain in the lower back because the lower back bears most of the weight of the torso. For this reason the muscles, nerves and spine are under a great deal of stress and subject to pain.
Doctors see patients for lower back pain quite frequently - almost as often as for the flu! Back pain can be caused by a lot of things, and in fact, it can have multiple causes in one patient. Injury and trauma are the most common causes of back pain. Here are a few examples:
Strain: Injury to a muscle.
Sprains are caused by ligament injury.
Sciatica: Pinched nerve.
Sacroiliitis: Inflamed hip joint.
Disc degeneration caused by disease.
Pressure can cause a herniated disc.
Sprains and strains may be caused by single or multiple events. Improper lifting may causes a sprain or strain as a single event or cumulatively over a period of time. Obesity and poor posture can cause back pain due to constant pressure and stress.
Click here for more on reconstruction of torn ACL.
There are a number of ways to treat a sprain or strain. They include: hot and/or cold packs, ultrasound, massage therapy, electrical stimulation, traction and reduction in which the bones are maneuvered physically, and/or anesthetic or corticosteroid injections. It is very important to gently resume normal activity after a couple of days rest to avoid stiffness.
Conditioning and strengthening of the lower back muscles can help to avoid and treat lower back pain. This can be achieved through a combination of general aerobic exercise and specific strengthening exercises.
Back surgery knows as spinal fusion is a last resort when all non-surgical options have been tried. This surgery works by limiting the movement in the most painful part of the back.
If your pain is reduced, your surgery is successful. Keep in mind, however, that it may take more than a year to experience full recovery. Additionally, it is quite unusual for a person to truly have complete relief of pain. Discuss all of the options with your doctor. You may find that surgery is not the right treatment for your situation.
Click here for more on orthopedic surgery and surgeons. - 17273
About the Author:
Dr. Tarlow is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 20 years specializing in knee surgery. He opened his own clinic, Advanced Knee Care, with a focus on specialty patient care. Click here to learn more about Dr. Tarlow, knee surgery and Phoenix and Mesa Knee Arthroscopy.
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