What is lower back pain?

Pain or discomfort that occurs below the ribcage (lumbar region) is called lower back pain. It is one of the most common problems that occur mainly due to muscle or ligament injury. Acute lower back pain can often get better on its own. If the pain is persistent, there are various treatments that can relieve lower back pain.

What are the causes and risk factors of lower back pain?

Some of the common conditions that relate to lower back pain are:

• Muscle strain
• Ligament strain
• Ruptured disks
• Arthritis 
• Skeletal irregularities 
• Osteoporosis 
• Skeletal stenosis 
• Deformities 
• Trauma 
• Compression fractures
• Autoimmune disease 
• Tumors 

Factors that increase the risk of developing back pain are:

• Lack of exercise
• Overweight that puts more stress on the back
• Certain diseases such as arthritis, cancer
• Improper lifting
• Smoking

What are the symptoms of lower back pain?

Following are a few of the signs and symptoms of lower back pain:

• Shooting or stabbing type of pain
• Worsens pain with lifting, standing, bending, or walking
• Muscle ache
• Radiates pain down the leg
• Reduces pain with reclining

Who can treat lower back pain?

Well experienced and qualified Orthopedists can treat lower back pain through various medications or surgery. Physiotherapists also perform various therapies and exercises to reduce lower back pain. 

How is lower back pain diagnosed?

The following are a few of the tests that help to diagnose lower back pain. 

• Medical history and physical examination 
• X rays 
• MRI & CT scan 
• Blood tests 
• Bone scan 
• Nerve studies such as electromyography 

What are the alternative options for the treatment of lower back pain?

Alternative treatment options that might ease back pain. Discuss with the doctor about the benefits and risks of different therapies. Few of them are:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Yoga

How lower back pain can be prevented?

The following are a few of the measures to avoid or prevent the recurrence of back pain:

• Regular exercises 
• Maintain a healthy weight 
• Build muscle strength and flexibility 
• Avoid movements that twist or strain the back