Lumbar Pain is Serious, and Patients Should Know What They’re Dealing With

Though pain can develop in different parts of the body, it’s very common in the lower back. Lumbar pain or lower back pain is afflicting millions of people of all ages and from different walks of life. Since the back is used to carry out multiple tasks every day like lifting, bending, twisting, and many more, lumbar pain can be caused by a variety of things. Lower back pain comes with numerous challenges. For instance, it can reach different levels of intensity and affect a person’s quality of life to a greater or lesser degree.

What Are the Symptoms of Lumbar Pain?

Some lower back pain symptoms include:

• Muscle spasms or tightness
• A dull ache in the hip and or pelvis
• A sharp, tingling pain that begins in the lower back and travels down one leg, often referred to as sciatica
• Pain which gets worse with sitting and improves quickly as soon as you start walking
• Pain which is noticeably much worse in the morning

In most cases, one will experience a combination of all the symptoms, which can develop suddenly or over time. There are also cases where lower back pain comes and goes, and while flaring up now and then, it generally progresses and gets worse over time. Lower back pain symptoms can also vary by person but also depend on the underlying cause of the pain.

Common Causes of Lumbar Pain

Lumbar pain can develop from incorrect lifting, bending, twisting, and strain due to overuse. Sometimes, it is also a result of a bad fall, car accident, or other trauma. Other underlying health issues that can cause lower back pain include:

• Subluxation
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal stenosis
• Sciatica
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Osteoarthritis
• Lumbar radiculopathy
• Herniated disc
• Degenerative disc disease

The lower back is a complex structure that is comprised of sensitive nerves and their roots, soft tissue, muscles, tendons, complex and small joints, spinal discs, and gel-like fluids. If one of these components becomes damaged or irritated at any time, pain will follow. The level and the type of pain depend on the specific part of the back structure involved.

What Are the Risk Factors Behind Lumbar Pain?

Certain risk factors for lumbar pain include:

• Poor posture
• Obesity
• Age

It’s worth noting that a person may be able to overcome it by simply performing special exercises and making healthy lifestyle choices. If the pain is persistent and gets worse, however, it is important to get proper treatment.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Lumbar Pain

Immediate medical attention is required if pain is accompanied by symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, incontinence, leg weakness, significant weight loss, chills, and medium to high fever.

How is Lumbar Pain Diagnosed?

The first important thing to do is to visit a doctor and describe thoroughly your symptoms. Where the pain is located, the way that it hurts, and the frequency may all help your physician diagnose the right condition. Imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI Scans may be used. X-rays are mostly used to show any abnormality within the bones, and MRI Scans show if the nerves or blood vessels have been affected.

What Are the Treatment Options for Lumbar Pain?

Biofeedback, behavioral and cognitive therapy, and physical therapy are often used to reduce inflammation and pain in addition to the medication that would likely be prescribed. For a more serious condition, the treatment may involve a full-blown surgery or a minor procedure. Another highly recommended alternative is chiropractic care, which utilizes hands-on spinal adjustments to help align the body’s musculoskeletal structure and allows the body to heal on its own.

Overall, lumbar pain treatment includes:

• Medication
• Rest
• Еherapeutic and physical exercises
• Surgical procedures

It is recommended to employ the help of a physical therapist or an experienced chiropractor and/or doctor who can assist in any pain management and facilitate an effective long-term treatment plan.

How to Prevent Lumbar Pain?

Besides the treatment itself, there are numerous things that a person can also do to reduce or prevent injuries and risks that could lead to other health conditions, including:

• Exercise, particularly core and back muscle strengthening, and maintaining a healthy body weight.
• gentle massages, using oils or ointments with pain-relieving properties, like diclofenac or ibuprofen creams.
• Dietary changes, such as adopting an alkaline diet, and incorporating herbs like willow bark or devil’s claw, may help alleviate back pain.
• Special baths, like those with Epsom salt, can provide relief by easing sore muscles.
• Maintaining good posture, taking breaks during long periods of sitting or driving, and proper sleeping positions contribute to long-term pain reduction.

Contrary to common belief, excessive rest may worsen back pain. Instead, staying active with stretching and strengthening exercises is crucial for recovery.

The team of best pain specialist at New York Pain Care uses a holistic and integrative approach to back pain relief, so you don’t have to put up with it any longer! Call us at 212-604-1300. Our goal is to get you started on a personalized treatment plan and end your suffering!