Lower Back Pain

What is Lower Back Pain?
One of the most common reasons for a doctor visit is lower back pain. 80% or more of Americans report lower back pain, resulting in lower back pain being the most prominent reason for job-related disability.

Lower back pain is most common in middle-aged men, from the ages of 30 to 50. While aging is the biggest factor in lower back pain – due to the loss of muscle in the back and the spinal column becoming more vulnerable – lower back pain can also be attributed to certain diseases.

Lower Back Pain Symptoms
Symptoms of lower back pain are primarily stiffness, pain, and muscle spasms in the lower back, along the bottom of the spine. Acute lower back pain can last several days or several weeks; chronic lower back pain may last several months or up to a year.

Lower Back Pain Causes
Aside from muscle loss and aging, lower back pain can be caused or triggered by several injuries and conditions. These include:

– Disc injury
– Sciatica
– Strains
– Abnormal spinal curvatures
– Spinal stenosis
– Arthritis
– Fibromyalgia
– Spondylosis
– Spondylitis
– Kidney problems
– Pregnancy

How is Lower Back Pain treated?
It is recommended that individuals build up their back muscles as they age, to help prevent lower back pain. For cases of lower back pain in the first 72 hours, self-care treatment methods and home remedies are advised. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help relieve the pain.

If symptoms persist longer than 72 hours, a patient should call a doctor or physical therapist.