Lower back pain is a common human experience—almost everyone has experienced it at some point. The lower back, starting below the chest, is called the lumbar region. Pain here can be severe and is one of the main reasons for missing work. Fortunately, lower back pain usually resolves on its own. If not, there are effective treatments.
Symptoms of lower back pain range from dull ache to stabbing or shooting pains. Pain can make it difficult to move or stand upright. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and often occurs after a sports or weightlifting injury. Pain that lasts longer than three months is considered chronic. If your pain does not improve within 72 hours, you should consult a doctor.
Culprits behind back pain
Your bag. While you can carry your wallet, backpack, or briefcase on your shoulder, it is your lower back that supports your upper body—including any extra weight you carry. Therefore, overstuffing your bag can strain your lower back, especially if you carry it day after day. If you must carry heavy items, consider using a wheeled briefcase instead.
Your exercise. Overexertion at the gym or golf course is one of the most common causes of lower back pain due to muscle overstretching. You are particularly vulnerable if you tend to be inactive during the work week and then spend hours at the gym or softball field on the weekend.
Your posture. Mom was right: “Stand up straight!” Your back best supports your weight when you are not hunching over. This means that when sitting, you have good lumbar support, your shoulders back, and your feet on a low stool. When standing, you maintain a balanced weight on both feet.
Herniated disc. The vertebrae of the spine are cushioned by gelatinous intervertebral discs, which are prone to wear and tear and tearing due to aging or injury. A weakened disc may rupture or bulge, putting pressure on the spinal nerve roots. This is called a herniated disc, which can cause severe pain.
Diagnosing Lower Back Pain
To help your doctor diagnose the root cause of your lower back pain, describe the type of pain, when it started, related symptoms, and any history of chronic illnesses. Your doctor may order an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to look for damaged bones or discs, or other spinal injuries. You can also use a 3D-NLS, which can quickly and accurately detect your lower back.
How to Treat Lower Back Pain
Home Care for Lower Back Pain. Back pain caused by a muscle strain often resolves on its own, but there are steps you can take to make yourself more comfortable. A heating pad or warm bath can provide temporary relief.
Yoga If. If back pain doesn't go away within three months, there is evidence that yoga can help. In a recent study, people who attended a 12-week yoga course experienced lower back pain symptoms less often than those who had read books on back pain care. These benefits lasted for several months after the course ended. The study also showed that traditional stretching is equally effective. Make sure your instructor is experienced in teaching back pain patients and will modify your postures as needed.
Spinal Manipulation. Chiropractors and some osteopaths use spinal manipulation to treat lower back pain by applying pressure to the bones and surrounding tissues with their hands. This treatment isn't suitable for everyone.
Massage therapy. A government-funded study suggests that massage may help relieve chronic lower back pain. After 10 weeks, people who received weekly massages had less pain and were better able to perform daily activities than those who received conventional care. This was true regardless of the type of massage they received, and the effects lasted for at least six months. You can try using a ten-point acupuncture machine to perform massage therapy.
Acupuncture. Can acupuncture treat lower back pain? The evidence is mixed. A 2009 study of hundreds of people with chronic back pain found surprising results. Those who received simulated acupuncture (including tapping the skin with a toothpick) experienced the same benefits as those who received actual acupuncture with needles. After eight weeks, both groups showed greater relief than those who did not receive acupuncture. An acupuncture pen is a more convenient acupuncture tool.
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