What causes lower back pain and discomfort?

The human back is a remarkable structure that supports our every move. But it is not immune to the occasional strain, sprain and pain. Since the lower back is the terminal point of the spine and spinal pressure, it is more prone to having lower back pain.

              Initially, lower back pain feels like:

• Dull lower back pain after prolonged work

• Muscle spasms or tightness

• Stiffness and limited flexibility in the back and lower back.

However, if the lower back pain is not addressed, the symptoms may become severe. The examples include:

• Difficulty standing up straight or maintaining a standing position
• Pain worsens with movement, such as bending, lifting, or twisting
• Pain that radiates to the buttocks or legs
• Tingling sensation in the lower back, buttocks, or legs
• Weakness in the legs or difficulty walking
• Pain that improves with rest or changes in body position

What causes lower back pain?

Though it’s very common nowadays, its impact is not the same for everyone. Hence it is important to be aware of the lower back pain causes so that it can be prevented and diagnosed timely. Its causes include:

• Poor posture and body mechanics

• Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise
• Excessive weight or obesity
• Ageing and degenerative changes in the spine
• Certain occupations involving heavy lifting or repetitive motions

• Psychological factors such as stress and anxiety
• Smoking, which can impair blood flow and affect spinal health.

Diseases/Injuries that might increase the risk of your lower back pain

• Strains and sprains: Common cause of back pain due to muscle, tendon, or ligament injury from lifting heavy objects or sudden movements like sneezing or bending.

• Fractures: Spinal bones can break during accidents or due to conditions like spondylolysis or osteoporosis.

• Disk problems: Bulging or herniated disks can press on nerves, causing pain, and degenerative disk disease can lead to reduced protection and discomfort.
• Structural problems: Spinal stenosis narrows the spinal column, causing sciatic nerve and lower back pain, while scoliosis results in stiffness and mobility issues.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis can cause inflammation, stiffness, and lower back pain.
• Disease: Spine tumours, infections, cancer, kidney stones, and abdominal aortic aneurysm can all contribute to back pain.
• Spondylolisthesis: Condition where vertebrae slip out of place, leading to lower back and leg pain.
  
  

When does lower back pain become serious?

Lower back pain can sometimes be more than just a passing discomfort. It’s important to recognize when it becomes serious and requires attention. If the pain persists or worsens over time, if it radiates down the legs, if it causes numbness or weakness in the legs, or if it is accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control, it may indicate a more severe underlying issue.

Diagnosing the cause

To properly diagnose the cause of lower back pain, Dr El Toukhy takes a compassionate approach. He listens attentively to your symptoms and medical history.

A physical examination may follow, assessing your range of motion, muscle strength, and reflexes. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be recommended to provide a clearer picture of the affected area.

Approaches to alleviating lower back pain: Focusing on pain management

Dr Mohamed El Toukhy, your pain management specialist, would like to discuss treatment options for your lower back pain.

If your symptoms are too mild, medication, including over-the-counter pain relievers or stronger prescriptions, can work. If back pain is excruciating steroidial injection can be given on the nerve root- causing the lower back pain. Dr El Toukhy is an expert in interventional pain medicine, focusing on neuromodulation and radio frequency denervation.

Dr El Toukhy believes in finding out the root cause for giving the aptest pain-relief treatment. Though treatments can alleviate your pain, lifestyle adjustments are non-negotiably necessary. The lifestyle changes include

• maintaining good posture

• proper lifting techniques

• regular low-impact exercise

• and weight management can make a significant difference. 

Dr El Toukhy carefully assesses your individual situation and develops a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. By combining treatment strategies, he aims to reduce your pain, enhance your mobility, and improve your overall quality of life.

Pain can be devastating! Seek lower back pain management from the topmost pain specialist Dr El Toukhy.