Low Back Pain - Causes and Treatment

Suffering from low back pain? My research tells me there are a great number of you who suffer with this problem. And that includes me!

Many of my of my co-workers, friends and family complain about it as well. It is pain and stiffness in the lower back, plain and simple; and one of the most common reasons people miss work.

Low back pain can result if your job involves lifting and carrying heavy objects, or if you spend a lot of time sitting or standing in one position or bending over (sound familiar?).

It can be caused by a fall or by unusually strenuous exercise. It can be brought on by the tension and stress that cause headaches in some people and even by violent sneezing or coughing.

People who are overweight may have low back pain because of the added stress on their back. (The lower back and stomach are partners – meaning, excess tummy fat may cause lower back pain).

Arthritic disorders as well as some congenital (unusual condition that occurs at birth) and degenerative (a gradual deterioration) conditions may cause back pain.

A few years ago I asked my doctor to order a lumber spine (lower back) x-ray to get an idea about the pain. She told me it was a little degeneration in the spine. My response: “do you mean arthritis? She said, yes. I said “there’s no need to sugar-coat it; I have arthritis in every joint in my body!”

We laughed. Degenerative osteoarthritis simply means I am getting old. And to that I say, so what! I feel very fortunate because after ten years of low back pain and every other joint pain, I attain excellent pain relief with extra-strength Tylenol every day. It means I don’t need any of the prescription medications on the market today, with all of their side effects.

Another thing: there are a number of over-the-counter medications for back pain and joints.

Be careful of Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Check with your healthcare provider first. Click here for an article on these two medications. It is from the website of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Back pain along with the loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty in moving your legs, or numbness or tingling in your arms or legs may indicate an injury to your spine and nerves. This requires immediate medical treatment.

Want more info? Visit the Patient Education Institute and select the slide show presentation on back pain.

And last but not least, here's a useful website of a physiotherapist with years of experience in treating lower back pain.

Educate yourself. Knowledge is power ?

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