According to numerous studies, low back pain is the most common musculoskeletal disorder in the world. At some point in their lives, people are likely to suffer from low back pain. That's why this article explains exactly what low back pain is , what its symptoms are and how to treat them, with particular reference to advances in physiotherapy.
Definition of low back pain
First of all, the definition of low back pain , also known as lumbago, needs to be clear. The lumbar region, or lower back, contains five lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum. The lower back supports the body's weight and makes it possible to walk or bend.
Low back pain therefore refers to swelling in this muscular area, and can be the result of injury to ligaments, discs or joints. Even minor inflammation can cause intense pain. However, lower back pain presents itself differently from one individual to another, and can manifest itself as sudden, sharp pain, or as permanent pain, better known as chronic lower back pain.
Symptoms of lumbago
The symptoms of low back pain are easy to identify, but attention is needed to ensure that you get the right medical help and avoid it developing into chronic low back pain. The symptoms of low back pain are listed below.
First of all, you'll feel pain in your lower back, i.e. between the muscles that connect your buttocks to your back. The pain may be progressive, feel like a stab wound, occur only during a specific activity, such as bending forward, or simply be permanent. On the other hand, you may find relief by lying down on a flat surface.
Secondly, and in many cases, there is a strong possibility that the pain will extend to the buttocks and legs. It's also common to have difficulty moving, caused by the same pain. In addition, you may notice a sensation of stiffness.
Another common symptom is muscle spasm, during which the patient experiences a contraction of the lower back muscles and a surge of pain.
When it comes to chronic low back pain , a common symptom is difficulty in maintaining good posture, so those affected can often be seen in a stooped position.
Causes and frequency of low back pain
As we've already established, low back pain is an extremely common condition, which anyone can suffer from at some point in their lives. However, there are a number of causes and risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of suffering from low back pain.
One of the risk factors is age. People over thirty are more likely to suffer back pain, as discs and ligaments wear out over time.
On the other hand, there's obesity, which puts greater pressure on the discs and can lead to bulging. A sedentary lifestyle, for example for people with office jobs, can also be an indicator of low back pain . However, and although it may seem contradictory, jobs that require constant heavy lifting also increase the risk of low back pain.
Finally, risk factors include certain diseases such as scoliosis, osteoarthritis and other skeletomuscular conditions, as well as stress or fatigue.
Over the years, the following causes have been identified: sprains or injuries to the muscles and ligaments of the back, generally due to improper bending or lifting of heavy objects, or even sneezing; disc disorders, for example if one of them protrudes and presses on a nerve, or due to age and wear; diseases affecting bone structure such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and, mainly, scoliosis.
Treatment of low back pain
As this is a common condition, there are several methods of treating low back pain . It all depends on the severity of the injury and its cause.
Treatment of back pain is generally straightforward and can be carried out at home. When the causes are not serious and the pain is manageable, it can improve with rest and hot and cold treatment: cold with ice to reduce swelling and heat with hot water towels to relieve pain.
Many people also take over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories. If the pain is severe, you may need to consult a healthcare professional to be prescribed a more powerful medication for back pain.
However, when pain persists and chronic low back pain is diagnosed, the most common treatment for low back pain is physiotherapy. Physiotherapy, whether through massage or physical therapy, helps to strengthen muscles, prevent wear and tear, improve flexibility and thus get to the root of the symptom. On the other hand, certain massages performed by professional physiotherapists can improve posture and relieve pain.
Finally, although surgery is available for lower back pain, these invasive procedures are only performed when the problem is structural and directly affects the spine. It can also be used to treat its causes, such as scoliosis.
If you're in Montreal, Canada, and suffer from low back pain, you can visit Clinique Physiobalance where you'll find the best professionals for consultation, physiotherapy,osteopathy or massage therapy, all treatments proven to relieve low back pain.