Back Pain Education

Why do I have lower back pain?

If you have lower back pain, you are not alone. Nearly everyone at some point has back pain that interferes with work, routine daily activities, or recreation.  As people age, bone strength, muscle elasticity and tone tend to decrease as the spine is subjected to stress and minor injuries.  The discs begin to lose fluid and flexibility, which decreases their ability to cushion the vertebrae.  The result is the degeneration of the nerves, ligaments, facet joints and muscles causing the potential for chronic back pain, arthritis, disc disease, osteoporosis, viral infections, and irritation to joints, discs or congenital abnormalities in the spine. 

Lower back pain may reflect nerve or muscle irritation or bone lesions and occasionally, lower back pain may indicate a more serious medical problem. Pain accompanied by fever or loss of bowel or bladder control, pain when coughing, and progressive weakness in the legs may indicate a pinched nerve or other serious condition. People with diabetes may have severe back pain or pain radiating down the leg related to neuropathy. People with these symptoms should contact a doctor immediately to help prevent permanent damage.

How do I self-diagnose my back pain?

Acute or short-term lower back pain generally lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Most acute back pain is mechanical in nature — the result of trauma to the lower back or a disorder such as arthritis. Pain from trauma may be caused by a sports injury, work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident or other stress on spinal bones and tissues. Symptoms may range from muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain, limited flexibility and/or range of motion, or an inability to stand straight. Occasionally, pain felt in one part of the body may “radiate” from a disorder or injury elsewhere in the body. Some acute pain syndromes can become more serious if left untreated.

Chronic back pain is measured by duration — pain that persists for more than 3 months is considered chronic. It is often progressive and the cause can be difficult to determine. 

Lower back pain can be treated without surgery. Treatment involves using analgesics, reducing inflammation, restoring proper function and strength to the back, and preventing recurrence of the injury. Most patients with back pain recover without residual functional loss. Patients should contact a doctor if there is not a noticeable reduction in pain and inflammation after 72 hours of self-care. Lumbar supports are often prescribed for lower back pain and spinal instability as an effective, non-invasive way to relieve pain and assist healing.