Causes And Treatment Of Lower Back Pain

There are many reasons as to why you, and others, may have lower back pains. Most of these back pains can be caused by muscle sprains or strains due to sudden movements.

These pains can last from a few days to a few weeks and are minor. However, chronic back pains that last longer are a sign of bigger problems. There are three different types of lower back pain — acute pain, subacute low back pain and chronic back pain.

Common Causes Of Lower Back Pain

There are multiple reasons that cause lower back pains. Depending on the cause, these pains may be acute, subacute or chronic.

Strains

Excess activity may lead to your muscles and ligaments stretching and tearing. This may occur when moving heavy items (when exercising for example) and sudden movements. These strains can result in pain and stiffness in the lower back. If you have a lower back strain, it is important to rest. You can also apply heat on your lower back such as a hot compress to reduce the pain. To avoid strains, remember to stretch before exercising.

Disc Injury

There are multiple disc injuries that may cause your lower back pain. One of which is degenerative disc disease. This means that as your discs in your spine get thinner due to wear and tear, they might tear and cause pain.

Another disc injury is herniated disc. This means that when the protection of your intervertebral discs tear, the soft inner disc tissue will push through the outer layer causing pain. Symptoms of herniated disc is pain, tingling and numbness.

Abnormal Spine Curvatures

Abnormal curvatures such as scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis can also cause lower back pain. These conditions are typically first diagnosed during childhood. These curvatures may cause pain and poor posture as it places pressure on muscles and your vertebrae.

How To Diagnose Lower Back Pain

If you have lower back pain in Singapore, you should visit your local doctor to get a proper diagnosis. Your doctor may do a physical examination to determine where the pain is and what is its cause.

Before sending you for testing, your doctor may monitor your condition for a few weeks. This is as most lower back pain can be reduced through simple treatments. There may be additional tests if the pain persists.

There are multiple treatments for lower back pain, both home and medical treatments. Home treatments are good for the first 72 hours once the pain starts. you can use an ice or heat pack to help reduce the pain. You can also try taking muscle relaxants to help reduce the lower back pain.

There are different ways to help prevent lower back pain, including:

• Exercising lower back muscles
• Losing weight
• Maintain proper posture
• Sit on a chair with proper back support
• Avoid high heeled shoes

Overall Thoughts

Lower back pain is a common occurrence, however, should not be overlooked. There are multiple home remedies that can be done to help reduce your lower back pain. If your lower back pain persists, you should consult a doctor at your local pain care clinic to help create a treatment plan that works for you.