Symptoms of lower back pain can be brought on by several factors. Often appearing suddenly, the pain is typically sharp or achy, leading to pain and stiffness in your back. There are many different injuries, conditions or illnesses that can result in intense lower back pain, and in this article, we take a closer look at the most common causes of lower back pain and why they occur.
Breaks or fractures of the bones in the spine, typically caused by serious accidents, collisions or falls, can all lead to lower back pain. Certain conditions such as spondylosis or osteoporosis increase the risk of fractures and are heavily related to lower back pain problems.
Your spinal discs act as rubbery pads between your vertebrates, offering a protective cushion, allowing for uninterrupted movement without pain. However, discs can bulge from their position in the spine, pressing down on the nerves and causing considerable pain. This can naturally happen with age, as discs become flat and offer less protection, (known as degenerative disc disease). Equally, your spinal discs can also tear, known as a herniated disc, which can also cause severe pain and discomfort.
One of the most common causes of back pain; sprains and strains are typically caused by lifting something too heavy or failing to lift safely. Muscles, tendons and ligaments can all be damaged by improper lifting techniques are a common workplace injury for many people across the country. Strains can also be caused by coughing, sneezing, twisting or bending over.
Structural problems with the spine, such as scoliosis, (curvature of the spine), can very quickly lead to pain, stiffness and mobility issues, whilst a condition called spinal stenosis can happen when the spinal column is too narrow for the spinal cord. In similar terms, anything pinching the spinal cord can cause severe sciatic nerve and lower back pain.
Lower back pain is regularly caused by a condition known as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, whilst in similar terns, ankylosing spondylitis can also cause inflammation and stiffness in the spine.
Many diseases can cause lower back pain; with spinal tumours, infections and several different cancers all related to this issue. Other conditions, such as kidney stones and abdominal aortic aneurysms can result in back pain too.
When a vertebra in the spine slips out of place, this is known as spondylolisthesis. This condition will likely lead to stiffness in the joints, leg pain and lower back pain.
If you’re suffering from lower back pain the team at Essex Physiotherapy Clinic are here to help you get back to full fitness. Lower back pain can be completely debilitating, so it’s essential that you address any back pain issues as soon as possible to relieve pain. Lower back pain can be treated with a range of physiotherapy, massage therapy, exercise and stress management. contact us today.
