Facts And Truths About Lower Back Pain

Pain can involve either lower or upper back with variable intensity and prognosis. Any pain in the lower back region can stem from several causes depending on the age and the gender of the patient. Moreover, not every pain in the back is localised to this pain area. Pathological conditions involving certain visceral organs can also manifest in the lower back and these are referred to as referred pain.

The causes of this condition can be divided into several categories. These are organic, musculoskeletal, referred and traumatic. The investigative methods available for the diagnosis of back pain can help distinguish these different causes. These include radiological imaging, laboratory tests as well as physical examination of the patient. Therefore, the exact causes can be elucidated to rule out the myths associated with back pain.

Since it is such a common complaint among many adults, some people may believe the myths leading to missed potentially lifesaving interventions. For this reason, it is of utmost importance to review some facts and truths about associated with this common problem.

The risk of developing this symptoms rises with age: As one approaches middle age (that is 30 to 40 years) back pain sets in. This can be explained by senescence which leads to degeneration of the intervertebral discs and so compression of the vertebral bodies. The pain involves this region because this is the weight bearing part of the vertebral column.

Contribution of physical inactivity: Toning is important for the integrity and performance of the muscles. This can only be achieved by regular physical exercises such as jogging, running, walking and jumping. Laxity leads to inability of the muscles of the lower back to bear the weight of the upper body leading to pain.

Systemic diseases can also cause pain in the lower back: Pathological conditions involving either muscles or bones also cause back pain. These include certain types of cancer, inflammatory disorders and disorders of the spine. Few primary cancers involve the lower back, most are metastatic from prostate and lungs. The culprit inflammatory disorders include arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Role of genetics: First degree relatives of patients with back pain also develop the condition. This proves that there is a genetic component to the causation of the pain in these patients. These genetic diseases include some forms of arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Obesity and overweight are risk factors: Body mass index (BMI) the single most important measure of body weight. A BMI of 25 and above is detrimental because it exerts a lot of weight on the lower back leading to pain.

Lifestyle and job are significant: Excessive smoking is associated with back pain. This is because smoking denies the body some important nutrients necessary to maintain the integrity of bones and muscles of the back. In addition, some jobs involving pushing, lifting or pulling can twist the vertebral column and spine leading to pain.

Certain physiological conditions such as pregnancy, menstruation and ovulation cause visceral pain which can be referred to lower back in women of reproductive age.