Back Pain Treatment

What Causes Lower Back Pain? What Relieves Lower Back Pain?

 Lower back pain is a significant health issue due to its high prevalence, leading to substantial financial, workforce, and time losses.

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 Throughout a lifetime, 75-85% of people experience severe lower back pain at least once. It is the most common reason for adults to visit primary care physicians.

The lower back is the body's center of gravity and is affected by almost all body movements. Therefore, it is an area that is constantly and repeatedly subjected to strain.

 Causes of Lower Back Pain

The causes of lower back pain can be divided into mechanical and degenerative causes and inflammatory (infectious) causes.

Mechanical and Degenerative Causes

 These account for approximately 95% of all lower back pain cases. Mechanical causes include conditions like lumbarization, sacralization, increased lumbar lordosis, disc herniation, trauma, and lower back pain due to weak muscles.

Degenerative causes involve the aging and structural deterioration of tissues and osteoarthritis.

In cases of mechanical and degenerative lower back pain, the pain generally decreases with rest, increases with movement, is often relieved by heat, worsens with cold, fluctuates with changes in position, and causes short-term stiffness in the morning. Blood tests typically do not show abnormalities.

Inflammatory Causes of Lower Back Pain

 Inflammatory causes refer to painful conditions involving inflammation. These include inflammatory rheumatism (Ankylosing Spondylitis), infections (brucellosis, tuberculosis), and cancer-related conditions.

In inflammatory lower back pain, the pain worsens with rest. Nighttime pain increases, but movement upon waking can reduce the pain. Morning stiffness lasting more than half an hour is common. Heat applications can worsen the pain. Blood tests may show abnormalities in inflammatory markers (such as sedimentation rate and CRP).

How is Lower Back Pain Treated?

 Medication and Rest

 In cases of degenerative and mechanical lower back pain, anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids may be necessary during the acute phase. Simple pain relievers may suffice in the chronic phase. Acute lower back pain may require a few days of complete bed rest. After rest, patients should gradually return to their normal daily activities.

Exercise and Physical Therapy

 Strengthening the muscles and maintaining a certain level of flexibility are crucial for supporting the loads transferred to the lumbar spine. Achieving this requires specific exercises. It is essential to remember that not all exercises are suitable for every patient. The type of exercises should be adjusted based on whether the condition is acute or chronic, the nature of the illness, the patient's physical and social needs, and age. Exercises should be prescribed by a physician.

Various physical therapy applications (superficial heating, deep heating, analgesic currents, traction methods) can be applied to patients with lower back pain. These treatments can relieve pain, relax muscles, promote tissue regeneration, and accelerate the repair process. The type and duration of physical therapy should be tailored to the patient's condition.

 Types of Lower Back Pain

 Pain can be categorized into two types:

• Acute
• Chronic

Although the symptoms of both types are similar, their treatments may differ.

What is Acute Lower Back Pain?

 Acute lower back pain is a sudden and severe onset of lower back pain. It is often caused by injury, muscle strain, or improper use of the lower back. Causes of acute lower back pain include:

• Muscle Strain or Sprain
• Disc Problems
• Trauma
• Physical Activity
• Infections
• Inflammation

What is Chronic Lower Back Pain?

 Chronic lower back pain refers to pain in the lower back that lasts longer than six weeks. Unlike acute lower back pain, it persists for an extended period and may indicate an underlying serious condition. The causes of chronic lower back pain can be complex and may not be attributed to a single factor. Common causes of chronic lower back pain include:

• Disc Problems
• Facet Joint Problems
• Spinal Stenosis
• Scoliosis
• Sacroiliac Joint Disorders
• Muscle Strain and Sprain
• Fibromyalgia
• Psychological Factors

 What Can Lower Back Pain Indicate?

• Spinal Problems
• Muscle and Ligament Issues
• Joint Problems
• Neurological Disorders
• Systemic Diseases

 When Should You See a Doctor for Lower Back Pain?

 Although lower back pain is a common condition that often resolves on its own within a few days, there are certain situations where immediate medical attention is necessary. These include:

• Severe Pain
• Injury or Accident
• Pain Accompanied by Numbness or Weakness
• Urinary or Bowel Problems
• Fever and Signs of Infection
• Presence of Chronic Diseases
• Unexplained Lower Back Pain
• Lower Back Pain Interfering with Daily Activities

You should seek help from a specialist immediately in these situations.

 How is Lower Back Pain Diagnosed?

 Lower back pain can arise from various causes. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. If you have questions about how lower back pain is correctly diagnosed, here's some brief information:

• Medical History and Physical Examination
• Imaging Tests
• Blood Tests
• Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Tests
• Lumbar Puncture (Occasionally)

Your doctor will diagnose your lower back pain based on your symptoms, medical history, and test results. Identifying the underlying cause of lower back pain is essential for treatment, as it can result from various conditions, and treatment options may vary. Therefore, if you experience lower back pain, you should consult a healthcare professional without delay.

 What Are the Treatment Methods for Lower Back Pain?

 The treatment for lower back pain varies depending on the underlying causes. Some common treatment methods used to relieve or treat lower back pain include:

- Rest: When lower back pain first begins, it's important to avoid putting weight on the affected area and to rest for a few days.

- Physical Therapy and Exercise: Physical therapists recommend specific exercises and physical therapy techniques to relieve lower back pain and prevent its recurrence. These exercises are designed to strengthen the lower back muscles, increase flexibility, and correct posture.

- Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants can be used to alleviate lower back pain. However, long-term use of these medications should be avoided due to potential side effects and the risk of dependence.

- Hot and Cold Therapy: Cold compresses or hot water bottles, such as hot and cold therapy methods, can relieve lower back pain. Cold compresses can reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected area, while hot applications can relax muscles and increase blood flow.

- Massage and Acupuncture: Manual therapies like massage and acupuncture can help relax muscles and alleviate pain.

- Yoga and Pilates: These exercise methods can be recommended for coping with lower back pain as they can improve posture and flexibility.

- Ergonomic Adjustments: Reviewing your sitting posture, adjusting your desk and chair, ensuring the quality of your bed, and choosing appropriate footwear can help relieve lower back pain.

- Preventive Measures: Regular exercise, maintaining proper posture, lifting heavy objects correctly, and taking regular breaks are important to prevent lower back pain.

- Surgical Intervention: If there is a serious underlying problem with the lower back, surgical intervention may be necessary. This is generally considered when there is a significant problem with the spinal discs, nerve compression, or another serious condition of the spine.

The best treatment option for lower back pain depends on the specific condition diagnosed. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

 Is Surgical Intervention Necessary for Lower Back Pain?

 Surgical treatment is necessary in cases where multiple nerve roots are affected simultaneously, including those affecting the bladder, known as cauda equina syndrome, or in cases with progressive muscle weakness in the foot or leg. For surgeries performed solely to relieve pain, the situation must be carefully evaluated.

Various complementary medicine treatment methods can also be utilized to alleviate lower back pain. These include acupuncture, spinal manipulation, mesotherapy, prolotherapy, and ozone therapy.

 Rules to Follow for Protecting Lower Back Health

 - Position your body facing directly toward the object or person you are handling.

- Avoid staying in the same position for an extended period. Sitting or standing should not exceed 45 minutes at a time.

- Use a pillow to support your lower back when sitting.

- Squat down when working on tasks close to the ground.

- Protect your lower back from getting cold or staying sweaty.

- Use an orthopedic mattress for sleeping.

- Sleeping in a side position with the legs pulled up toward the abdomen is the most suitable position.

Conclusion

 Lower back pain is a symptom that can be managed. The key is receiving an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Romatem's experts are here to find solutions to your health problems.