If you've ever had lower back pain for any amount of time, then you're certainly not alone. Lower back pain is among the most frequent medical conditions in the globe. It's also one of the most frequently visited by physicians, affecting over 80% of all adults at some stage in their lives.
Pain in your lower back can be caused by many different physical and mental stresses that you are exposed to every day. These stresses can weaken your spinal muscles over time and can result in tightness and inflammation of these muscles. When this happens, it's much easier for things like weak vertebrae or discs to become damaged and cause pain. Sometimes these problems are more severe than others, and you may need to undergo surgery or use various therapies to correct them. For many patients suffering from mild to moderate low back pain, however, simple exercises can help to strengthen these muscles and give them some relief.
A consultation with your doctor should start with an evaluation to discover the cause of your back pain. Your doctor might ask you to perform a series of tests, including x-rays and MRI scans. X-rays will show you pictures of any damage to the bones surrounding your spinal column, while MRI scans will allow your doctor to look at how your nerves are flowing. Because your doctor will be able to see these things with better detail, he'll be better able to recommend treatments. Treatments for Low Back Pain will depend on the nature of the symptoms you are experiencing.
If you experience inflammation, disc herniation, or pinched nerves, you will need to find relief for these symptoms as soon as possible. If the inflammation is caused by a minor injury that has not resulted in major disfigurement or permanent disability, you will probably need to rest for a short time and then start promoting good healing. While resting, make sure that you do not aggravate the situation by doing anything that would aggravate the situation. This could include lifting heavy objects, moving from one side of the room to another, or worse, performing any activity that requires sudden movements.
If you have more serious pain or structural damage to your spine, your doctor will likely recommend surgery or a bone scan. In general, surgery is used to treat conditions where there is severe pain or structural damage to the spine. A bone scan, on the other hand, is used to identify where the source of the pain lies. It will then be easier to treat the pain properly. Treatments for Lower Back Pain will include chiropractic visits, massage therapy, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Although many people do not realize it, without treatment, back pain can lead to even worse conditions such as chronic pain, weakness and numbness in the arms and legs, problems with balance, and even paralysis. Unfortunately, if the condition does not get treated, the symptoms may worsen over time. It is therefore important for you to take note of all your symptoms and learn to do self-care measures that will allow you to manage and eventually overcome the pain and symptoms. Once you have the right diagnosis, your doctor and a medical professional will be able to help you find the right treatments for lower back pain and prevent further damage.
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may require several different medications. You are encouraged to consult your doctor about your condition so that you can be given the proper medication and dosage. For example, if you suffer from osteoarthritis, you might also be given pain relievers and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen sodium. Since these medications are not without side effects, it is important that you discuss them thoroughly with your doctor before you decide to use them.
If the condition of your spine is severe, your doctor might recommend spinal manipulation or chiropractic treatment. In this case, your spine will be physically manipulated to help alleviate pressure on the nerves, promote healing, and improve the function of the muscles surrounding the spine. Physical therapy is also an option if you experience back pain for long periods of time. This involves training you to move your body in ways that feel more comfortable and help to prevent future injuries to your back.
