Lower Back Pain Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment

Lower Back Pain Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment

November 1, 2021

Lower back pain is also called lumbago and is more of a symptom rather than a disorder. Different types of medical problems can cause lower back pain. It can also happen when one or several parts of the lower back, such as ligaments, muscles, nerves, or the spine’s bony structures, are affected.

Pain ranges from mild to severe, and in some cases, it can make walking, sleeping or working difficult. The best thing is that the chiropractor for back pain orthopedic near you can expertly help you manage this issue leaving you more relieved.

Risk Factors for Lower Back Pain

Four out of five people experience lower back pain at least once in their lives. It’s one of the most popular reasons people hire health care providers. Also, some people are likely to have back pain problems more than others.

  • Age: Back pain is more prevalent among people over the age of 30 years. Spinal disks wear away as we age, and as they weaken, the back becomes more painful and stiff.
  • Weight: Obese people carry extra weight, and they are more likely to suffer backpain. More pressure on joints and discs can cause lower back pain.
  • Overall health: Frail abdominal muscles may have issues supporting the spine and cause strains and sprains in the lower back. Excessive tobacco and alcohol use can also increase the risk for back pain.
  • Occupation and Lifestyle: the lower back pain chiropractor near you often treat back pain from strenuous jobs and activities. Bending and heavy lifting increase the risk for this symptom.
  • Structural Problems: Severe back pain can be caused by conditions like scoliosis, which alter spine alignment
  • Disease: There is a high risk of back pain for people whose families have a history of osteoarthritis and some types of cancer.
  • Mental Health: You are also likely to experience back pain from depression and anxiety.

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain symptoms can appear abruptly or come gradually. Sometimes, back pain can occur amid a particular event, like bending to pick up something. Other times, you may fail to determine the cause of the pain. If it happens suddenly, immediately call the emergency back pain specialist near you.

It can be sharp or dull, and sometimes it radiates down to the back of the legs. Sometimes, you may hear a pop when you strain your back during activity.

Note that pain can worsen in specific situations, like bending over, but gets better when you straighten it, like when lying down.

Other symptoms of back pain may include:

  • Stiffness: Stiffness means it gets painful when moving or straightening your back. You may also experience difficulty getting up from a sitting position, and you may need to take a walk to stretch and loosen up. In addition, there may be a lessened range of motion.
  • Posture Problems: Many people suffering back pain may have standing difficulties. If youfind yourself standing in a crooked or bent position, there may be imminent back pain. Also, if your lower back is straight rather than curved, you may need to see an orthopedic back chiropractor near you.
  • Muscle Spasms: Lower back muscles may begin to contract uncontrollably. These spasms can cause extreme pain and can make standing, walking and moving impossible.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The orthopedic back chiropractor near you conducts a physical exam, asking you about the symptoms. They will check for any damaged or broken bones and may order imaging studies. These provide clear pictures of the vertebrae, discs and condition of muscles and ligaments.

Diagnosis may include spine x-rays to provide imaging of the bones, MRI or a CT scan to check for bone and soft tissue structure. An electromyography is also necessary to test for nerve and muscle damage which causes leg tingling and numbness.

The back pain specialist near you may also order blood orurine tests depending on the cause of your back pain, like genetics and kidney stones.

The back pain chiropractic clinic near you may order rest, ice treatment, or OTC pain relievers. A few days of rest can set your lower back to normal, so you resume your activities.

Other treatments include medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or pain relievers. Physical therapy also strengthens your muscles to support your spine. Physical therapy also improves flexibility, so you avoid other injuries. Chiropractic treatments and osteopathic manipulation are also essential for back pain relief.

The chiropractor for back pain orthopedic near you can also inject medication into the affected area causing pain.

When all doesn’t work, or your condition is very severe, your back will need surgical repair. Your provider can issue several types of surgeries, including several minimally invasive procedures.

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