WHAT ACTUALLY CAUSES LOWER BACK PAIN?
It is believed that spinal structure imbalances are frequently caused by prolonged muscle strain, causing constant tension on the discs, ligaments, muscles, and bones. This tension is dangerous because it makes the back more prone to injury or re-injury. In general, any injuries to the discs, ligaments, and muscles that support the spine can result in various lower back pain symptoms.
WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE LOW BACK?
The low back, also known as the lumbar area, serves several important functions in the human body.
Among these functions are:
- Movement
- Protection of specific body tissues
Structural Support and Movement: When we stand, our lower back supports the weight of our upper body. The lower back is involved in the movement when we bend, extend, or rotate at the waist. As a result, injury to weight-bearing structures such as the bony spine, muscles, tendons, and ligaments is frequently detected when the body is standing erect or performing various movements.
Body Tissue Protection: The lumbar spine and its surrounding muscles play an important role in protecting the nervous system and spinal cord's soft tissues and nearby organs of the pelvis and abdomen.
The causes of pain in the low back, or lumbosacral region, frequently overlap. For example, after straining muscles, you may walk or move in different ways to avoid pain or use muscles that aren't sore. Other muscles that do not normally move in this manner may be strained as a result.
THESE ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF LOW BACK PAIN:
STRAINS
Back pain is frequently caused by strain, tension, or injury. The following are some of the most common causes of back pain:
- strained muscles or ligaments;
- damaged disks
- muscle spasms;
- muscle tension
- injuries, fractures, or falls
Activities that can cause strains or spasms include: lifting something incorrectly, lifting something too heavy, and making an abrupt and awkward movement.
STRUCTURE PROBLEMS
A variety of structural problems can also cause back pain.
- Ruptured disks: Disks cushion each vertebra in the spine. If the disk ruptures, more pressure will be placed on a nerve, resulting in back pain.
- Bulging disks: A bulging disk can put more pressure on a nerve than ruptured disks.
- Sciatica: A bulging or herniated disk presses on a nerve, causing a sharp and shooting pain to travel through the buttock and down the back of the leg.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can cause joint problems in the hips, lower back, and other areas. In some cases, the space around the spinal cord becomes smaller. This is referred to as spinal stenosis.
- Abnormal spine curvature: Back pain can occur if the spine curves abnormally. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves to the side.
- Osteoporosis: The vertebrae of the spine, in particular, become brittle and porous, increasing the risk of compression fractures.
- Kidney problems: Back pain can be caused by kidney stones or an infection of the kidneys.
MOVEMENT AND POSTURE
Adopting a hunched sitting position can lead to increased back and shoulder problems over time when using computers.
Back pain can also be caused by certain everyday activities or poor posture.
- coughing or sneezing
- twisting
- muscle tension
- bending awkwardly or for long periods
- over-stretching
- pulling, pushing, lifting, or carrying something
- straining the neck forward, such as when driving or using a computer
- standing or sitting for long periods
- long driving sessions without a break, even when not hunched
OTHER CAUSES
A variety of medical conditions can cause back pain.
- Cauda equina syndrome: The cauda equine is a grouping of spinal nerve roots that emerge from the lower end of the spinal cord. Dull pain in the lower back and upper buttocks and numbness in the buttocks, genitalia, and thighs are common symptoms. Problems with bowel and bladder function occur from time to time.
- Spinal cancer: A tumor on the spine may press against a nerve, causing back pain.
- Spinal infection: A fever and a tender, warm area on the back, could indicate a spinal infection.
- Other infections: Back pain can be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, bladder infections, or kidney infections.
- Sleep disorders: People who have sleep disorders are more likely to have back pain than others.
- Shingles: This is an infection that can affect the nerves and cause back pain. This is determined by which nerves are affected.
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING LOWER BACK PAIN?
Because approximately 80% of people have experienced back pain at some point in their lives, it is considered the second most common reason people visit the doctor's office. The lower back is more prone to injury and pain because it is such an unstable part of the spine. Ruptured disks, sprained ligaments, strained muscles, poor posture, stress, and obesity can all cause lower back pain. Chiropractors may simply adjust your lower lumbar vertebrae and pelvis to properly heal your back. Other treatments (muscle relaxants, pain relievers, etc.) only treat the symptoms of your problems, whereas Chiropractic treats the cause! Chiropractic care has even been shown in studies to be more effective and much less expensive! If you have been searching for "chiropractor Omaha " then make sure to check out the link for the best chiropractors in town!
