Be cautious, especially if you are experiencing other symptoms besides lower back pain. Talk to your doctor if you have additional symptoms or concerns. If your lower back pain has just started, the best thing you can do is start a log. Record your symptoms, times, dates and which activities trigger the pain or make it worse or better.
It will make diagnosing the cause much easier. Once you know which motion or position causes your lower back pain, try to avoid it and see if you get better. Icing the painful spot can also help.
And so can over-the-counter pain relievers that help reduce inflammation. Just remember that pain killers treat only the symptom — pain — and not its cause. In many cases lower back pain stops on its own. Your primary care physician knows you best and should be your first contact for lower back pain. If he or she is unable to diagnose or treat the issue, you may get referred to a specialist, such as a rehabilitation physician physiatrist.
These specialists practice a comprehensive approach to lower back pain , and can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions that have lower back pain as a symptom. Later, you may get referred to a physical therapist, a chiropractor or another practitioner depending on the nature of your back pain. The good news is that surgery is rarely needed for lower back pain. Why is lower back pain such a common problem?
What are some common causes of lower back pain? Arthritis of the Spine Arthritis of the spine — the slow degeneration of the spinal joints — is the most frequent cause of lower back pain.
Back Injuries A bad fall or a car accident can cause a lower back injury. Which lifestyle factors contribute to lower back pain? There are three major lifestyle factors that may affect your chances of developing lower back pain: Multiple studies have established a link between smoking and lower back pain. Smoking raises inflammation inside the body and hinders the body from healing itself.
Lifting : When lifting things, use your legs to do the lifting, rather than your back. Keep your back as straight as you can, keeping your feet apart with one leg slightly forward so you can maintain balance. Bend only at the knees, hold the weight close to your body, and straighten the legs while changing the position of your back as little as possible.
Bending your back initially is unavoidable, but when you bend your back try not to stoop, and be sure to tighten your stomach muscles so that your pelvis is pulled in. Most important, do not straighten your legs before lifting, or you will be using your back for most of the work. Do not lift and twist at the same time: If something is particularly heavy, see if you can lift it with someone else.
While you are lifting keep looking straight ahead, not up or down, so that the back of your neck is like a continuous straight line from your spine. Moving things: It is better for your back to push things across the floor, using your leg strength, rather than pulling them. Driving : It is important to have proper support for your back. Make sure the wing mirrors are properly positioned so you do not need to twist. The pedals should be squarely in front of your feet.
If you are on a long journey, have plenty of breaks. Get out of the car and walk around. Bed: You should have a mattress that keeps your spine straight, while at the same time supporting the weight of your shoulders and buttocks. Use a pillow, but not one that forces your neck into a steep angle.
Read the article in Spanish. Anyone can experience back pain at any time. There are several causes and treatments for back pain. Learn more. There are many possible causes of sharp lower back pain. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and when to contact a doctor here. A recent study found that people with low-to-moderate chronic back pain who received pain-reprocessing therapy experienced significant reductions in…. Cushion seaters for office chairs can offer lumbar support and improve posture.
Read on to learn about how to pick a cushion seater and where to buy…. A posture-correcting bra may help prevent or ease back pain, although the research is limited. Learn about some of the best products available here. What is causing this pain in my back? Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M.
Causes Risk factors Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Back pain is a common reason for absence from work and for seeking medical treatment. Risk factors. Share on Pinterest. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.
Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What is causing my back pain, and how can I remedy it? Medically reviewed by Angela M. Causes of sharp lower back pain and how to remedy it. Chronic back pain: Can psychological therapy be an effective treatment? A recent study found that people with low-to-moderate chronic back pain who received pain-reprocessing therapy experienced significant reductions in… READ MORE. This content does not have an English version.
This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work, and it is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Tarlov cysts: A cause of low back pain? Infographic: Back Pain. Back on Her Feet and Pain-Free Doris Jessesski tried a host of treatments to ease her chronic back pain, but nothing worked.
Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Back pain: In depth. Accessed June 22, Low back pain: Fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Chou R, et al. Nonpharmacologic therapies for low back pain: A systematic review for an American College of Physicians clinical practice guideline.
Annals of Internal Medicine. Kellerman RD, et al. Spine pain. In: Conn's Current Therapy Elsevier; Low back pain. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Walls RM, et al. Back pain.
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