Low Back Pain – Causes and Treatment
February 8, 2010
At some point in our lives, most of us have experienced some degree of lower back pain. Low back pain is not a disease, but it might be the symptom of an underlying illness. However, in overwhelming majority of low back pain cases, no specific reason for this condition could be found.
Causes of low back pain
Although nearly 85 percent of people with low back pain do not have any underlying health problem responsible for the intense pain, certain diseases are often associated with this condition. Diseases that compress the nerve roots cause low back pain. Herniated discs, spondylosis and degeneration of the spinal disc are common problems that exert pressure on the nerve roots, causing a sharp pain in the lower back. Viral infections that cause inflammation of the nerves in the lumber area causes lower back pain. You can experience pain in the lower back due to musculoskeletal pains such as fibromyalgia or myofascial pain. Tumors present in the lumber region can cause pain. In a recent study, researchers in Finland found that smoking could increase the risk of low back pain. Smokers have 31 percent more chance of developing low back pain than non-smokers. People who are obese or overweight are susceptible to low back pain. Increase in body weight during pregnancy causes low back pain in pregnant women. Inappropriate posture, poor sleeping posture, sedentary lifestyle and stress are common causes of lower back pain that develops in the absence of any underlying disease.
Low back pain treatment
It is advisable to rest for a day or two when you experience intense pain in the lower back. However, bed rest beyond two days could worsen your pain. While resting or sleeping in the night, you should lie on your side and place a pillow between your legs. Taking hot and cold compresses could help to provide relief from the pain. You should take alternating ice and heat compresses for about 20 minutes, at least once a day. Warm baths could help to relax your muscles. You can even add Epsom salt or table salt to the warm bath water. Mild to moderate exercises could help to reduce the pain.
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