LOW BACK ACHE – PEMS

INTRODUCTION

Low back pain can result from many different injuries, conditions or diseases — most often, an injury to muscles or tendons in the back.
Pain can range from mild to severe.
In some cases, pain can make it difficult or impossible to walk, sleep, work or do everyday activities.
Usually, lower back pain gets better with rest, pain relievers and physical therapy (PT).
Some back injuries and conditions require surgical repair.

Age: People over 30 have more back pain. Disks (soft, rubbery tissue that cushions the bones in the spine) wear away with age. As the disks weaken and wear down, pain and stiffness can result.
Weight: People who are obese or carry extra weight are more likely to have back pain. Excess weight puts pressure on joints and disks.
Overall health: Weakened abdominal muscles can’t support the spine, which can lead to back strains and sprains. People who smoke, drink alcohol excessively or live a sedentary lifestyle have a higher risk of back pain.
Occupation and lifestyle: Jobs and activities that require heavy lifting or bending can increase the risk of a back injury.
Structural problems: Severe back pain can result from conditions, such as scoliosis, that change spine alignment.
Disease: People who have a family history of osteoarthritis, certain types of cancer and other disease have a higher risk of low back pain.
Mental health: Back pain can result from depression and anxiety.

Symptoms of lower back pain can come on suddenly or appear gradually.
Pain may be sharp or dull and achy, and it may radiate to your bottom or down the back of your legs.
If you strain your back during an activity, you may hear a “pop” when it happened.
Pain is often worse in certain positions (like bending over) and gets better when you lie down.
Other symptoms of lower back pain include:
- Stiffness
- Posture problems
- Muscle spasms.

Lower back pain usually gets better with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers. After a few days of rest, you can start to get back to your normal activities. Staying active increases blood flow to the area and helps you heal.
Other treatments for lower back pain depend on the cause. They include:
Medications: Your provider may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescription drugs to relieve pain. Other medications relax muscles and prevent back spasms.
Physical therapy (PT): PT can strengthen muscles so they can support your spine. PT also improves flexibility and helps you avoid another injury.
Hands-on manipulation: Several “hands-on” treatments can relax tight muscles, reduce pain and improve posture and alignment. Depending on the cause of pain, you may need osteopathic manipulation or chiropractic adjustments. Massage therapy can also help with back pain relief and restore function.
Injections: Your provider uses a needle to inject medication into the area that’s causing pain. Steroid injections relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Surgery: Some injuries and conditions need surgical repair. There are several types of surgery for low back pain, including many minimally invasive techniques

You can’t prevent lower back pain that results from disease or structural problems in the spine.
To reduce your risk of a back injury, you should:
Maintain healthy body weight
Strengthen your abdominal muscle

Their symptoms may need surgical intervention after evaluation

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