What is Causing your Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain is a common but painful condition that affects the lower portion of the spine. Low back pain can result from injuries, conditions or diseases. Most common lower back pain is caused by an injury to a muscle, ligament, joint or disc. Lower back pain can range from mild to severe.
Common causes of lower back pain:
- Improper lifting
- Lack of stretching or exercising
- Poor posture
- Ruptured disc
- Arthritis
- Sprains
- Strains
- Fractures
Symptoms of lower back pain:
- Stiffness
- Muscle spasms
- Posture problems
- Sharp pain
- Dull & achy pain
Your doctor may diagnose lower back pain through a physical exam and imaging. Some imaging may include spine x-ray, MRI, CT scan, or electromyography (EMG). Lower back pain gets better with rest, pain relievers and physical therapy (PT). Physical therapy strengthens muscles and improves flexibility to help support the spine and prevent another injury. Physical therapy treatment plans may include electrical stimulation, manual therapy, low-impact aerobics, stretching exercises, strengthening, swelling management, balance and gait training, and heat and ice application.
You can’t avoid lower back pain caused by a disease but you can avoid injuries that cause back pain. You should maintain a healthy weight and diet, stand and sit up straight, lift heavy items the right way, strengthen your abdominal muscles and do back strengthening and stretching exercises.
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Sources: Cleveland Clinic , SpineHealth
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Written by:
Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT
President
Reddy Care Physical Therapy
Reddy Care Occupational Therapy
Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy