Types of Low Back Pain
Low back pain is a common condition that a variety of factors can cause. It's important to see a healthcare provider if you're experiencing low back pain, as there can sometimes be more serious causes behind a low back problem.
East Grinstead Osteopath, Cliff Russell has created this list of the most common types of low back pain:
Muscle strain: This occurs when the muscles in your lower back are stretched or pulled beyond their limits, leading to pain and stiffness. The recovery time for a muscle strain can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the muscle group affected. In general, a mild strain may take a few days to a week to heal, while a more severe strain may take several weeks or even months.
During the initial phase of recovery, it is important to rest the affected muscle and avoid any activities that may exacerbate the injury. Applying ice or heat to the affected area, as well as taking over-the-counter pain medication, can help manage pain and inflammation.
Once the acute phase of the injury has passed, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may be recommended to help promote healing and prevent re-injury. Physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises may also be prescribed to help restore range of motion and muscle strength.
Herniated disc: A herniated lumbar disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior. This can cause pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs and lower back.
The lumbar spine is made up of five vertebrae in the lower back, separated by discs that act as shock absorbers between the bones. A herniated disc in this region can occur due to ageing, wear and tear, or sudden injury.
Symptoms of a herniated lumbar disc may include:
Pain in the lower back, buttocks, or legs, especially on one side
Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
Weakness in the legs or feet
Difficulty standing or walking
Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases)
Diagnosis of a herniated lumbar disc may involve a physical exam, medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.
Treatment for a herniated lumbar disc typically involves conservative measures such as rest, pain medication, and physical therapy (osteopathy) to help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, epidural steroid injections may be used to help manage pain and inflammation in the affected area.
Surgery may be necessary in severe cases or if conservative measures do not provide relief. In this case, the herniated portion of the disc may be removed to relieve pressure on the affected nerve.
Prevention of herniated lumbar discs can include proper posture, regular exercise to strengthen the back muscles, and avoiding heavy lifting or repetitive bending and twisting motions.
Overall, with proper treatment and prevention measures, most people with a herniated lumbar disc can recover and return to their normal activities.
Regenerate response
Sciatica: This is a type of pain that occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through your legs, is compressed or irritated, causing pain, numbness, or tingling in your lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet.
Spinal stenosis: This is a condition that occurs when the spaces within your spinal column narrow, putting pressure on the nerves that run through it and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in your lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet.
Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition that occurs when a vertebra in your lower back slips out of place, putting pressure on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in your lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet.
Osteoarthritis: As you age it is perfectly normal for your lower back to show wear and tear and age-related change. Your intervertebral discs will lose water and your bones will get closer together as a result. This can cause the nerves to get easily irritated as they leave the spinal cord, causing local back pain and radiation of pain/pins and needles down the legs.
Over the years I have successfully helped people with all of the problems listed above.
It's important to see a healthcare provider if you're experiencing low back pain, as there can sometimes be more serious causes behind a low back problem.
Come and see me, Cliff Russell, Registered Osteopath at Osteostudio in Ashurst Wood, East Grinstead.
