Lower Back Pain
Lower Back Pain can occur due to general causes such as muscle strain or a specific ailment such as degenerative disc disease.The most interesting aspect of lower back pain is that the severity of the pain is often not related to physical damage. Recent studies have shown that fluid collection in the spinal joints and swelling in the interspinal ligaments also cause lower back pain.
Pressure on a spinal nerve can also cause pain. Cauda Equina syndrome is a rare but serious condition where there is significant pressure on all of the nerves within the central spinal canal. Simple low back painis the most common type of lower back pain. It is also known as 'non-specific' low back pain. Simple low back pain is any pain whose underlying cause is not attributed to any specific disease condition. Pain due to simple sprain of muscle or ligament fall under this type.
Lower Back Pain due to a Nerve root is often referred as a 'trapped nerve'. 'Sciatica' is a classic example of this kind of pain. A 'slipped disc' is another well known cause of back pain. In a slipped disc, part of the inner softer part of the disc bulges out. This is known as disc prolapse.
Lower Back Pain could be due to problems with a disc. Pain due to a disc is aggravated while bending or sitting. Problems in a disc can cause lower back pain directly or may give rise to Referred Pain. Referred Pain denotes a pain from the lumbar spine that can be felt into the pelvis, hips and other regions.
Lower back pain caused due to acute stress on the lumbar region of the spine is the most common form of back pain. Sitting and sleep positions that can stress the back and neck can cause back pain.
Treatment for low back pain is usually based on the clinical diagnosis of the underlying cause. Treatments include Analgesics such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen, Arch support , The Alexander Technique, Spinal manipulation, Muscle relaxantsAntidepressants and Behavioral therapy.
Anthropometric, Ergonomic, Bariatric techniques and ergonomically designed furniture eases lower back pain. This includes ergonomically designed chairs, tables, desks and Inflatable lumbar support devices like Portable inflatable lumbar support cushion.
A sitting position that allows the natural curves of the spine to be supported firmly is also helpful in easing back pain. The Sleeping surface is one of the causes of aggravation of lower back pain. Pain due to Spinal problems is aggravated by uneven sleep surface. Fibromyalgia pain in the back is aggravated by rough sleep surface.
Pelvic tilt exercises like Kneeling on the hands and knees with the head in line with the back, pulling in the abdomen with the spine in upward position eases back pain.
