Lower back pain PDF Print E-mail
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There are many causes of lower back pain and the pain itself may range from mild to severe and it may be accompanied by stiffness, loss of sensation and an inability to lift one's leg. The most common cause of lower back pain is a strain or injury to the muscles or ligaments in the area. This may result from trauma (e.g. a fall) or strain (like lifting a heavy object). Muscular and ligamentous injuries should heal by themselves and the pain should ease after a week or two. If lower back pain is accompanied by a pain running from the buttocks to the thigh or calf then the condition is known as sciatica.

Severe and sudden lower back pain may be caused by a herniated disc (slipped disc). The intervertebral discs are found between each vertebra and act as shock absorbers between the bones. If one disc is moved out of position as a result of an injury or strain and a nerve becomes pinched in between the disc and the vertebra then the pain may be so severe that one cannot move at all and in this case a healthcare practitioner should be consulted as soon as possible.

Chronic lower back pain, (lower back pain that lasts for a long time and is continuous) may be caused by a degeneration of the bones and intervertebral discs due to age, osteoarthritis or other diseases such ankylosing spondylitis.

Incorrect posture and incorrect sleeping positions or mattresses may also cause back pain. Whatever the cause, lower back pain can be debilitating and tiring and it is therefore advisable to determine the cause of your discomfort and pain. Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you are still experiencing symptoms after one week.