Lower back pain is common due to the area’s responsibility for supporting most of a person’s weight and being used for lifting, reaching, and twisting. Symptoms vary and can be caused by straining, injuries, aging, or medical conditions. Most cases go away within a few weeks, but some develop chronic pain.
Lower back pain is described as discomfort that occurs anywhere between a person’s upper legs and lower ribs in the back of the body. The lower back is a frequent site of pain, as it is responsible for supporting most of a person’s weight. Also, the lower back is used when lifting, reaching, and twisting, and many people don’t practice good body mechanics when doing these things. As such, this area is often injured. Fortunately, most cases of back pain go away within a few weeks, but some people develop chronic back pain.
Symptoms of lower back pain can vary widely, depending on both the cause of the discomfort and the individual’s sensitivity to it. Some people feel it as a dull ache, while others may feel burning or sharp pangs of discomfort. Back pain can be felt in a centralized location or it can be spread over a large area. Pain can strike a person suddenly or it can become noticeable gradually. Sometimes back pain is accompanied by stiffness and a limited range of motion; it can also cause symptoms in other parts of the body, such as pain or tingling in the legs.
Common causes of back pain include straining and overuse. Injuries are also responsible in some cases. For example, a person may experience this type of pain after shoveling snow or engaging in other physical activity that strains the back. Similarly, a person may be jolted in an accident and experience lower back pain afterwards. Things like lifting heavy objects can also cause back pain.
Unfortunately, aging often leads to back pain as well. Over time, a person’s bones lose strength, as do their muscles; this leads to an increased risk of injury. Additionally, the discs in the vertebrae, which sit between the bones of the spine, often wear out or become damaged as we age. When this occurs, the bones may not have an adequate level of cushioning and pain results. Some people even have lumbar discs that swell or even rupture. When this happens, the discs can press on nerves in a person’s back and cause chronic pain.
Sometimes lower back pain occurs due to osteoporosis or arthritis. Muscle spasms can cause pain, and an illness can also cause discomfort. Some people are even born with spinal conditions that lead to discomfort in this area. Unfortunately, some suffer from back pain for which doctors are unable to determine a cause.
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