Low Back Pain
Causes and Treatment for Lower Back Pain
Low back pain is one of the most common problems in U.S. today. It is estimated that up to 80% of the population will suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives. Although low back pain is fairly universal, the symptoms and level of pain can vary immensely from person to person.
Low Back Pain Symptoms
There are a variety of symptoms you may experience with low back pain. If, for example, you are suffering from a muscle strain, the pain is likely to stay localized in the lower back and not radiate down your legs.
Other symptoms associated with a back sprain or strain include:
➟ Muscle spasms
➟ Increased pain with certain activities
➟ Difficulty walking or standing
➟ Soreness upon touch
In most cases, these symptoms will improve within a few days. Chronic low back pain symptoms, however, will linger for months or even years, and often include:
➟ Morning stiffness
➟ Problems sleeping due to pain
➟ Depression
➟ Inability to sit or stand for long periods
What Causes Back Pain?
There are many reasons why you might suffer from low back pain, most of which are mechanical in nature. Simple movements, such as lifting groceries, twisting to reach something behind your car seat, or turning too quickly can aggravate your lumbar region. Chronic low back pain (pain lasting more than three months), which affects up to 10% of the population, can be caused by herniated or ruptured discs, degenerative changes, sciatica or even poor posture. In some cases, your career choice may also be the culprit. Construction workers, nurses, postal employees, and others whose jobs require them to stand or sit for extended hours, have a higher risk of developing low back pain.
Other causes of low back pain include:
➟ Obesity
➟ Sedentary lifestyle (little to no exercise)
➟ Pregnancy
➟ Age (30 or older)
➟ Smoking
➟ Stress
Low Back Pain Treatment
At Jacksonville Sport and Spine, we utilize the latest techniques and therapies that have had the most success with low back pain. Depending on the cause of your pain, these may include physical therapy, spinal manipulation, massage and other techniques specific to your condition. If you’re interested in learning how our back pain specialists can help you, contact our office and schedule an evaluation today!
