Lower back pain is not a challenge exclusive to athletes. Rather, it is a common condition that affects individuals of all age groups, and may affect a person even while resting in bed.

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Lower back pain is a common condition that affects a large portion of the population, as an estimated 80% of the world's population suffers from this condition at least once in their lives.

Low back pain can be defined as pain and discomfort localized in the lower spine or so-called lumbar region with or without leg pain.

 It is classified into three subtypes  based on the duration of pain, which are:

• Acute low back painIt lasts for less than 4 weeks.
• Sub-acute back painIt lasts from 4 to 12 weeks.
• Chronic low back painIt lasts for 12 weeks or more.

 While an acute lower back tear is often caused by a stretched muscle, persistent pain is an indicator of a more serious condition.

What are the causes of lower back pain?

One study showed that up to 12% of the population suffers from decreased ability to perform tasks due to lower back pain, which is a significant percentage, so knowledge and good understanding of the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment.

There are various causes of lower back pain, here are some: 

• Muscle or tendon strainThese injuries occur when the muscles or ligaments in the back are stretched or torn as a result of lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, or an incorrect sitting position, which appears in the form of local pain and stiffness.
•  الانزلاق الغضروفيProlapsed disc: A herniated lumbar disc occurs when the inner gel of the intervertebral disc - the gelatinous cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine - bulges and leaks beyond its normal position, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves and causing pain.
• Herniated discIt occurs when the annulus fibrosus (the outer part of the disc supporting the back vertebrae) ruptures, causing the nucleus (the inner gelatinous part) to push out.
• Degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by deterioration of the function of cartilage in the joints or spinal stenosis, which may lead to inflammation and pressure on the nerves, including lower back pain.
• Sitting positions and inactive lifestyleBending or sitting for long periods of time increases effort and pressure on the muscles and ligaments in the back, causing discomfort and pain. 

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Other causes of lower back pain include:

• الإصابات: Accidents, falls, and sports injuries can damage the area, causing sudden pain.
• Sciatica (inflammation of the sciatic nerve): It is defined as pain that extends along the sciatic nerves, which extend from the lower back and pass through the buttocks, heading down into the legs, until they reach the area just below the knee.
• العدوى: In rare cases, lower back pain is caused by infection, such as inflammation in the back vertebrae or kidney disease.
• Structural anomaliesSuch as lateral scoliosis or spondylolisthesis, may put pressure on the lower back vertebrae and cause pain.

We point out that the causes are diverse and vary from one individual to another, and in some cases, several factors can overlap to form a comprehensive picture of the causes of chronic pain. 

In this context, our next article provides you with a detailed explanation of the causes of back pain. We invite you to follow our website to obtain more detailed information.

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Treatment of lower back pain

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• Rest and activity modificationRest and avoiding activities that increase pain help relieve pain tolerably. However, it is not recommended to stay in bed for long periods, as this can weaken the muscles and delay recovery.
• physical therapy, Which includes stretching and strengthening exercises, as physical therapy sessions support muscle strength and flexibility based on individual needs.
• العلاج الدوائي: Over-the-counter medications, such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

You must confirm the dosage and duration from your doctor or pharmacist before starting use, and inform your health care provider of any chronic diseases so that they can give you the appropriate medication.

• Epidural steroid injections (the area surrounding the spinal cord) are among the common treatment options for lower back pain, especially those resulting from sciatica.  
• العلاج بالحرارة والبرودة: The doctor may advise applying a heat pad or a warm bath, to help relax the muscles and improve flow, and in some cases it may be recommended to apply an ice pack to reduce inflammation, numb the area, and relieve pain.

Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or massage therapy, as well as wearing back belts, may be helpful in relieving lower back pain by reducing muscle tension, promoting relaxation, and improving the ability to perform daily activities.

Low back pain surgery

In cases that do not respond to conventional treatment options, surgical intervention may be an option. 

It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgery with your healthcare professional to make an informed decision.

When is back pain serious?

Back pain varies in severity and causes, but some signs indicate that it is a condition that requires immediate medical attention.

• A sudden increase in pain or discomfort.
• Numbness or tingling in the back or legs, especially if related to weakness. 

• Weakness and loss of bladder function, which is primarily manifested by urinary incontinence, as this sometimes indicates serious problems resulting from pressure on the nerves, such as cauda equina syndrome (CES).
• A high temperature, which indicates an underlying infection or inflammatory condition that needs immediate medical attention.
• Severe stomach pain.
• The spread or transmission of pain to the legs and other areas.
• Sudden weakness in the legs.

If you notice any of these symptoms along with your back pain, it is essential to seek medical help immediately to determine the underlying cause and get appropriate treatment.

Low back pain is a common condition that can significantly affect daily life.

Frequently asked questions

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To get rid of lower back pain quickly, it is best to rest for a short time without staying in bed for long periods, then practice light stretching exercises to reduce stiffness and stimulate blood circulation. Warm or cold compresses can be applied to the area to relieve pain and inflammation, in addition to using simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. It is recommended to sit and stand in a correct position, avoiding sudden movements, and also avoiding carrying heavy objects. It should be noted that if the pain persists or the pain is severe, it is best to consult a doctor.

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To identify the type of lower back pain, focus on the nature, duration, and location of the pain. If the pain is severe and sudden after lifting something heavy or as a result of a wrong movement, the pain may be the result of muscle tension or a minor tear. If the pain extends to the leg, or is accompanied by numbness or tingling, it is an indication of a herniated disc or pressure on a nerve. If the pain is chronic and increases with sitting or early in the morning, it may be related to a problem with the vertebrae or inflammation, so it is best to see a doctor if

What does lower back pain indicate?

The presence of lower back pain may be the result of many causes, ranging from simple and temporary, such as muscle strain or sitting for long periods in the wrong position, to more complex causes such as arthritis, a herniated disc, or even kidney problems, in addition to the nature of the pain and the extent of its persistence, and whether the pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness or pain extending to the leg, and it can help determine the cause, and for this it can help determine the cause, and for this reason it is important not to ignore the pain when it persists or recurs, with the necessity of seeing a doctor to accurately diagnose the condition and receive appropriate treatment.

Sources and references 

Lower Back Pain – clevelandclinic