What Is Causing My Lower Back Pain?

Back pain is one of the main reasons why people in the United States visiting their doctors. The lives of millions of Americans this year will be inhibited. In fact, an average of four out of five adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives. So the question, "What is the cause of my back pain?" He is not uncommon.

Back pain can be excruciating. It can be caused by a variety of injuries and conditions including:

* Lower back muscles can be stretched

* The discs between the vertebrae may be injured

* Large nerve roots that extend the arms and legs can be irritated

* The small nerves innervating the spine in the lower back can be irritated

* Joints, ligaments, bones, or may be damaged

When back pain occurs with other symptoms such as fever and chills, severe medical condition may be present. You should see a doctor immediately.

Three categories of low back pain

His fall lower back pain in one of three categories, including his doctor bases his description of the pain.

1. Axial back pain - back pain or simple mechanical

2. radicular low back pain - sciatica

3. Low back pain with referred pain

1. Axial lower back pain

Axial low back pain is the most common of the three. He felt alone in pain in the lower back that radiates to other parts of the body. Sometimes he called mechanical back pain and simple backache.

* Description: Axial back pain can vary widely. It can be sharp or dull, constant or intermittent. On a scale of 1-10, it is possible to assess its full increase intensity # 1 or # 10 can with a certain activity - playing tennis, for example. It may be worse in certain positions - such as sitting at a desk. It may or may not be relieved by rest.

* Diagnosis: Axial back pain can be diagnosed by you rather than your doctor. You know it started when you were helping a friend move a heavy sofa. Moreover, it is possible that your doctor determines that you have stretched or damaged back muscles otherwise degenerate disk, etc.

* Treatment: The cause of axial low back pain does not matter when it comes to treatment. You will need to rest for a day or two. Follow this with exercises for back pain and gentle stretches. If you have more pain after exercise, use a heating pad on low or medium setting. Take the adequate medication OTC pain. Follow your doctor's advice.

* Forecast: Symptoms of axial low back pain go away over time, and about 90% of patients recover within four to six weeks. If you do not feel better within six to eight weeks, tests and / or injections you may need to diagnose and treat the source of the additional pain.

* Note: If the pain is chronic, serious or if you wake up during the night, see your doctor.

2. radicular low back pain

Radicular low back pain is commonly known as sciatica. He felt in the lower back area, thighs and legs.

* Description: lumbar radicular pain often starts in the lower back, then follows a specific nerve pathway in the thighs and legs. Your leg pain may be worse than their pain. It is often deep and regular. It can easily be reproduced with certain activities and positions, such as sitting or walking.

* Diagnosis: radicular lower back pain is caused by compression of the lower spinal nerve. The most common cause is a herniated disc with nerve compression. Other causes include diabetes or injury to the nerve root. If you had a previous back operation, scar tissue can affect the nerve root. Older people may have a narrowing of the orifice through which the spinal nerve exits.

* Treatment: Conservative treatment is the best place to start. Rest for a few days in bed or chair. Follow that by the gradual introduction of gentle exercises specifically for the relief of back pain. Follow your workout with extra rest, applying a heating pad at low to medium setting. Soak daily in Epsom salt baths. Take the adequate medication OTC pain. Your doctor may want to use selective spinal injections.

* Forecast: Symptoms of lumbar radicular pain may decrease with conservative treatment described above. Give your back and legs six to eight weeks to improve. If after the operation usually provides relief of leg pain from 85% to 90% of patients, it is necessary. The own pain is more difficult to mitigate.

* Warning: If an MRI or CT-myelography undoubtedly confirm nerve compression, the back is unlikely to be successfully operated.

3. Low back pain with referred pain

Low back pain with referred pain is not as common as axial or radicular pain. This pain that does not radiate to the thighs and legs can be caused by the same conditions that cause pain in the lower axial back.

* Description: Typically referred feel pain in the lower back, radiating to the groin, buttocks and thighs. The pain may move, but rarely goes below the knee. It is often a dull ache pain. It tends to come and go. Sometimes it's difficult, but sometimes it is just a dull feeling. It can be caused by the same problem that causes injury or simple axial back pain. Often, there are more serious.

* Diagnosis: It is very important to have a doctor determine if your pain is back pain with radicular pain or pain in the lower back is concerned, because the treatment varies considerably.

* Treatment: Once you are sure that yours is back pain with referred pain, you can continue treatment for axial low back pain.

* Forecast: Symptoms of low back pain with referred pain disappear over time, usually within four to six weeks. If you do not feel better within six to eight weeks, see your doctor if testing is necessary and / or additional injections.

* Warning: If your pain is chronic or severe enough to wake you up at night, you should consult your doctor.

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