Lower Back Pain
If you are experiencing lower back pain and are not sure what you should do, then you have come to the right place. This site was designed to give you an informative look at lower back pain. Here, you will find information on the common causes ofback pain, as well as information on the more severe causes. Not only will you learn the causes of your pain in your back, but you will also learn some basic treatment methods that you can do yourself, such as stretches and exercises.
Your Questions Answered
Is surgery an option you should look into? Is your back pain the result of a kidney infection? Is your pain the result of a herniated disc? Should you use heat or ice? Should you rest after your back starts to hurt? What does it mean when the doctor says you have acute lower back pain or chronic lower back pain? Will exercise make your back pain worse or better? These are just a few of the questions you will find the answers to on this site.
Not only does this site tackle common questions you may have when you experience physical suffering, but you will find more advanced information. You will learn some information on Paget’s Disease, Scheuermann’s Disease, and Ankylosing Spondylitis, as well as other severe health issues that could be causing your back pain.
Lower Back Pain Defined
Lower back pain is described as anywhere on your back below the ribs and above your legs. It is the connection between the upper and lower body. Your lower back bears the most weight, which makes it susceptible for being injured easily when you reach, twist, or lift.
It is not a specific disease, but instead is a symptom. Back pain can occur due to a variety of underlying causes. Sometimes, these causes are never identified and your back pain will cease after a few days, weeks, or months. Dull lower back pain that stops hurting within three months is considered acute. Pain that continues past three months can be considered chronic.
Causes of Lower Back Pain
There are so many different reasons why you could be experiencing pain in your lower back. However, the majority of the time lower back pain is the result of an overuse or strain on your muscles, joints, and ligaments in your lower back. While this is the most common reason, more severe health complications could be the cause. The pain can be categorized into three categories: common, spinal conditions, and medical conditions.
Some common causes can include:
- Herniated Disc
- Osteoarthritis
- Spinal Stenosis
- Vertebrae Fractures
- Compression Fractures
- Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
Some spinal conditions can include:
- Bacterial Infection
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Paget’s Disease
- Sciatica
- Spinal Degeneration
Some medical conditions include:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Peptic Ulcers
- Kidney Stones
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Prostate Disease
The location of where your pain is matters. Pain on your lower left side could be an indication of certain health issues, while pain on your right side could indicate other reasons. You will find more detailed information on this site regarding your lower left side back pain and your lower right side back pain. Many times, pain on either side could indicate health issues that will need to be treated as soon as possible in order to prevent further complications.
Treatment
Your doctor will prescribe some form of treatment to help you relieve that pain. There are many different options available to you for taking care of your pain on your own; however, there are some instances when you will not be able to do it on your own. In these instances, you will have to rely on your doctor’s advice.
There could be some surprising information regarding how to handle your lower back pain at home. For instance, did you know that rest could be the culprit that is causing you even more pain than your original pain? You can learn how this is possible by reading the article dedicated to treatment.
In this same article, you will learn there are differences between pain medications. Learn what types of over-the-counter pain medications will work best for you. Some are anti-inflammatory, while others are simply pain medications. Many times, back pain is due to an inflammation of the joints. Therefore, NSAIDs will be the type you should try. If none of the over-the-counter medications available are working, then you can be prescribed a stronger one by your doctor.
Surgery is not generally an option that most people will have to consider. However, there are surgical procedures that can help to alleviate the cause. The problem with surgery is that it does not always work resulting in failed back surgery syndrome. While it is not common, it may be your only option to relieve severe pain. Just because it does not always work, does not mean it will not work for you. Be prepared to commit to physical therapy after your surgery.
Stretches and Exercises
Lower back pain stretches and exercises can help to alleviate pain, as well as to prevent problems in the future. Exercise is an important part of the healing process. However, it is equally important to choose exercises and stretches that will not add to your problem.
On this site, you will learn some stretches and exercises you can do for your lower back, as well as the types of exercises to stay away from. Not all exercises are suitable for a person suffering from back pain.
Conclusion
This site is dedicated to helping you learn information regarding your lower back pain. It is designed to answer questions that you could possibly have regarding pain you could be experiencing in this area.
While there is a lot of information available to you through this site, it is not designed to take the place of a medical professional. It is extremely important to contact a doctor as soon as you experience lower back pain and especially before you attempt any of the exercises or stretches on this site. We wish you the best of luck and hope the information on this site helps you to relieve your lower back pain.
Lower Back Pain
My dad is 70 years old he has very untolerable low back pain . he also has hernia surgery 1 yearback after that has lost 11 kg weight.(before hernia surgery weight was 77 kg after sugery weight is 66 kg) please suggest how can he get rid of such pain
I had back surgery in 2009, I went back for my two year checkup and the doctor said he could take the cage and screws he put in if it ever bothered me. I didn’t think I ever would have to have it taken out but now it is hurting down my legs. What would this consist of if he takes the cage and screws out.
Extended, tho short-lived, bending over or even dish washing creates an ache. Also, the pain is extreme on waking up in the morning. Arising from a sedentary position can also be painful, tho not long-lived.
Help
a’m sufferd a back pain 3 weeks ago on my left lower back it so painful mostly when i stand up a’m so worried about this it could be a kidney infection a’m sure could i see a doctor please suggest to this such pain
Have intense lower back pain when I try to sleep I go off to sleep ok but toss and turn all night with an aching lower back don’t get pain during day only if I bend over for long periods or lift anything too heavy. Please help I’m so tired!
i have lower back pain. on my left side and down my left leg to my toes. i had an exray by a chiropractor .it found mild to moderate degeneratve disc disease at l-4and l-5, l3 and l1 has no space between. i have ben treated with traction by my chiropractor it worked for a mounth no pain now the pain is back. what should i do for treetment?
I have been having pain in my hip/joint area, I broke my pelvic bone about 25 yrs ago in a car accident. Now the pain is in my lower left side of my back and travels down to my feet, My ankle gives out on me when i am going down stairs. Today I have noticed a lump where my pain is, Also, my left side of my shoulder/neck has gotten so bad in the past week i can hardly move it. I noticed today, I have a lump where the pain is in my back. I am not sure what it is but I did make an appt. for 3 weeks from today. Not sure if i can handle it for that long, Any suggestions. I also broke every rib in my body during the car accident. Need some advise,
I am 24 years old and my lower back has been hurting for
the past week. I work in retail, so I’m standing and walking
8 hours a day. When I rest at night it goes away but during the
day is comes back and its an extreme pain. Constant throbbing
where I am hunch over and Sharp pains. It’s on both sides
sometimes it stops when I sit down. But bending over and
Standing it horrible. What should I do to ease this pain??
Have you tried Aleve? When ever I hurt my back Aleve works much better than Ibuprofen. Aleve reduces the swelling.
I recommend bromelain for fast, natural pain relief.
Hi I hav had server lower back pain on my left side for 3 months now and its getting worse I have also descoverd a lump near my spine left side that hurts pain killers and rest donot take away the pain lease helpp its worse at night and is also getting worse in rthwe0 day
Have you talked to your doctor about this? I would highly recommend you see a specialist ASAP.
I am 29 years old and have 4 boys. From the bottom of my ribs to my tale bone hurt so bad and this has been going on for about 6 years now and it keeps getting worse. The pain is so bad I can hardley walk sit stand or anything. I can’t get comfortable on anything I do. When I sit down there is so much pressure in my back I have to stand up but when I stand up it shoots pain to my tale bone and my hips. My spine looks like it is caving in. Like I don’t have any bones there. My spine looked normal Friday and today its caved in. I can’t sleep walk sit or anything. I have no insurance to go to the Dr but I have to do something really quick cause the pain is so bad. Put it to you this way I would rather be in labor than this. Someone please help me I have 4 babys to take care of and I can’t right now. Please someone HELP me.
There must be some free clinics in your area? Most cities/towns have them. For the condition as serious as yours sounds I would strongly urge you to seek out a doctor asap.
I have tried several medications for my lower back pain but I only find relief when I lie flat on the floor. What significance can you deduct from this fact?
I am an 20yrs old black girl . I am 4”7 height and my weight is 186 .. I am really think out thought my body …. I do have an medical problem but its only a insomnia … I work at a ware house lifting box and putting them together and organized … One thing is that have had an back injury before but it was two years ago … should I just try water everyday ,than exercise and than a back brace …Would the things help me .. My back i hurting all day specialty at work so what do I do .
I have a lump/ mass in my lower back but not near spine. I can no loner sleep on my back or stomach. It hurts to pick anything up basically the bending motion seems to irritate the most. Very hard to exercise. I can no longer scrub tub, sweep and those type of motions. My doctor told me it was a generic word loki “lympoma”?? Not sure spelling but was not concerned about cancer. I went into Boston to pain specialist And confirmed it was was this mass giving me such pain and not the bulging disk I have had for many years. He also suggested a general surgeon to remove. I am willing to do this if the percentage is high for relief as it had caused me so much pain ( no doctors will give pain meds) I have tried ma y meds including muscle relaxers that DON’T HELP. I have bad anxiety about traveling so I’m trying to find a very good doctor not far from Norton, MA. I am afraid and I know I can’t go on living like this anymore. The lump moves around freely when pressure is put on it and appears to become larger and inflamed. All I can do is ice every 20 min then rest when I have irritated it. Many people warn me not to let a surgeon work on my back and give me horror stories. I am on disability due to other issues and this added over the years is just awful and makes my depression worse. Can someone help me have some hope? Not one do tot has xray’d or had MRI or cat scan…???
Signed; scared and in pain in massachusetts.
Hi I am 24 years old and have been having problems in my lower back for 2 days now but today my right hip joint is give me sharp pains. Whenever I try to stand up my right leg gives way as it can’t hold my weight. I try very hard to lift myself up with my arms but because my back hurts really bad whenever I straighten my back it is taking longer or I have times where I feel like not getting up is easier!! Can you help? I went to see the nurse yesterday n she prescribed me a ibruprofen gel I don’t feel any differnce as it has not improved!! Help me please? Thank you
I am feeling lower back pain since 2 days. My uterus stands removed since 10 years. I observe some gland on right side of vigina. Kindly advise how to go for it.
I have had lower back pain for some years now and seems to get worse. Years ago I was lifting something about 50lbs and felt like something pulled in the lower part of my back. I couldn’t walk when this happened for about 2 days. Everyone once in a while it affects me so bad that its hard to walk. When I sit for a while pain gets a little worse and sometimes feel pain in my testicles from my back pain.What could possibly cause pain from your back to your testicles?
I have been having pain in rigt lower back which moves into right leg. I am 51 years old
I went to the beach with a friend and we were having fun and the next day my back started to hurt just in the lower part and I have rested it and it still hurts. What should I do?
I had a spinal fusion surgery 7 months ago after the surgery . I still have pain on my right side only in my lower lumbar. and numbness and weakness going down my right leg and 3,4,and 5th toe. I am expierencing severe neck pain and numbness and weakness down the right arm and cannot hold anything in my right hand. the hand and wrist are swollen and painful. I did have an MRI done in the cervix. What can cause this? and what can be done to relieve the pain, numbness and weakness?