Introduction
Although rarely serious, back pain can be excruciating. It can also affect your ability to do physical tasks, concentrate on work and participate in recreational activities.
Lower back pain occurs below the ribs and above the legs. Because it bears most of the body's weight, the lower back can be injured when you lift, reach or twist. The pain usually goes away in a few weeks if you take care of yourself. If your pain is debilitating and/or lasts longer than two weeks, consult your doctor.
Doctors classify back pain as acute if it persists less than three months. This is the most common form and usually goes away in four to six weeks with home care. Back pain is labelled recurrent if the symptoms return, and is considered chronic if it persists longer than three months.
Symptoms
Back pain presents itself as aching or discomfort in and around the spine. This pain usually occurs in the region from the neck to the tailbone. Sometimes the pain radiates out to the arms and hands or the legs and feet. It can be dull, burning or sharp in a specific location or generalized over a wide area. The pain can develop gradually or immediately. Sometimes, it�s accompanied by muscle spasms or stiffness.
Symptoms can be felt in the legs as a pain or numbness or tingling sensation when spine problems put pressure on nerve endings. Cauda equina syndrome can occur if the nerve endings of the spinal cord are pinched. Call for immediate help if your legs feel numb or weak and you lose control of your bladder or bowels.
Causes/Risk Factors
Many back problems are related to chronic misuse and overuse of, or injury to, the back muscles and spinal column. A sedentary lifestyle, obesity, improper posture or poor physical condition and flabby stomach muscles all put undue pressure on the back muscles and increase susceptibility to injury.
Back injuries are most likely to occur from lifting heavy materials improperly.
Many women experience lower-back pain during their menstrual period, and a prolapsed uterus and pelvic inflammatory disease can also cause a nagging ache.
A kidney infection, especially if it's chronic, exhibits few symptoms other than a dull lower-back ache. For this reason, if even mild back trouble persists despite treatment, the kidneys should be checked.
Bones and muscles tend to weaken as you get older. This can increase the possibility of injury. Discs between the bones of the spinal column wear down and tear, so they don't provide enough padding between the bones. Discs can bulge or break open (herniated/slipped disc) and press on nerves, causing a pain down the legs (sciatica).
Lower back pain can also result from osteoporosis, arthritis, broken vertebrae, illness or a spine problem at birth.
What You Can Do
Gentle back stretching and muscle strengthening exercises help prevent back pain. Try to exercise your back and abdominal muscles at least three times a week.
Swimming is beneficial for your back because it gets you into shape while lending support to the entire skeletal system.
Always warm up before exercising. If you sit all day and are out of shape, jogging and racquetball are going to contribute to your back pain and, in some cases, cause injury.
Proper posture helps to reduce the risk of back pain. Sit on a chair with your back straight, and your elbows and knees bent at a 90° angle and your feet planted firmly on the floor.
Learn to use proper lifting techniques. Avoid bending at the waist with straight knees. This strains the lower-back muscles.
If you're overweight, losing pounds will take the pressure off your spine and muscles.
Avoid high heels and extensive walking on hard floors and paved streets. Use walking shoes with shock-absorbing soles. Comfortable shoes with rubber soles and low heels will put less strain on your back.
Be sure your mattress is not too soft. Lie on your back with a pillow under your knees while reading in bed. This position puts the least amount of stress on your back.
After a strenuous day, this exercise is great to relieve lower-back pain: lie on your back, draw both knees up to your chest and clasp your hands around them, pulling them to your chest. Hold for 10 seconds and relax. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
If you strain your back, relax in a comfortable position and apply ice to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at frequent intervals. Alternatively, you can apply heat in the form of moist compresses or spend time in a sauna or whirlpool. Avoid prolonged sitting or bed rest, which can actually worsen your discomfort.
In some cases, back pain can be a symptom of arthritis, osteoporosis or an intra-abdominal cause. Let your doctor know if you have loss of bowel and bladder control, difficulty standing or walking, numbness in the buttocks/rectal/genital area, severe leg pain, fever, urinary symptoms or severe back pain.
What You Can Take
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help ease back pain. You may also want to consider complementary therapies such as massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture and occupational therapy.
Further Resources
Visit the College of Family Physicians of Canada's Web page on low back pain at www.cfpc.ca/English/cfpc/programs/patient%20education/low%20back%20pain/default.asp?s=1.
