Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons why people need medical advice. There are many different things that can cause lower back pain, which may not involve a prior injury. It’s important to remember that lower back pain doesn’t always indicate a serious condition, which means that it might get better with time.
However, you should always speak to your healthcare provider if you are in doubt or if symptoms persist for longer than a week. Today, we will take a closer look at four possible causes of lower back pain and what you should do about them to feel better as soon as possible.
Back Strains or Sprains
Firstly, you may experience lower back pain as a result of muscle injuries or back strains and sprains, which can be caused by lifting something heavy or not using proper lifting techniques. The ligaments in your back may also stretch or tear as a result of excess activity. Also, sometimes sudden movements, such as twisting or bending over, can cause stiffness in the lower back. If you have suffered a bad fall or you have recently been in a car accident, you may experience back pain immediately, or it might take some time to develop.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a long-term health condition which affects women of all ages, including teenagers. Aside from lower back pain, you may also experience pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area, painful periods, fatigue, bleeding in between periods, and other symptoms. Find out more about endometriosis to ensure that you are familiar with the main causes and treatments, that can help you improve symptoms, such as lower back pain. Everyone reacts differently to treatment options, so it’s important to explore what works best for your body and speak to your doctor for more information about endometriosis.
Sciatica
If you feel that pain is running from your lower back to your feet, you may have sciatica, which is usually caused by an irritated nerve. Typically, it affects only one side of your body, and it spreads down one leg. Moreover, pain is often described in different ways, but most of the time people may experience shooting or stabbing jolts of pain. Also, the pain may get worse if you spend a long time sitting or standing. Other sudden body movements which may cause pain include coughing or sneezing. There are some self-care treatments, which may help you feel better sooner, such as over-the-counter medicines, applying ice and heat packs on the affected areas, and performing gentle stretches.
Herniated Disk
Finally, another common cause of back, neck, and leg pain, is a herniated disk, which is an injury to the spine. The round cushions between your vertebrae are called disks. They allow you to move and bend with ease, but when one of them slips out of place, it’s called a slipped, ruptured, or herniated disk. A herniated disk can happen anywhere along the spine, but it’s most common in the lower back. To relieve herniated disk pain, it’s advisable to rest for a few days and take over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen. It may also be a good idea to speak to a well-trained chiropractor, who can offer further support and a specialised treatment plan.
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