It's All About The Low Back Pain ! by Russel Morris

What is Low Back Pain ? 

Lower back pain is very common and can generally be classified into acute lower back pain and mild to moderate lower back pain. It is not always possible to make a precise diagnosis of a specific back injury or condition which might be causing lower back pain. However, this should not prevent the back pain from being managed or treated.

Mild or moderate low back pain

Mild or moderate lower back pain is the type of pain that would be associated with chronic or long term back problems. Longer term back pain is usually caused initially by an injury, usually to the joints in the back but over time other structures in particular soft tissue such as muscles contribute to the pain. Muscles will tighten up in response to a back injury and if left they can tighten, weaken or adaptively shorten causing changes in posture or movement which then also make the condition worse.

Acute low back pain

Severe low back pain usually comes on suddenly and caused by a minor movement such as bending over. The pain may increase over a couple of hours as inflammation develops. The pain is usually in the lumbar area of the spine but can radiate into the buttocks.

What Factor That Can Lead To Low Back Pain

•     Hyperlordosis (increased curve in the lower back)

•   Scoliosis (an S shaped spine)

• Poor posture while sitting.

• Poor posture while standing.

• Pelvic instability.

• Bad lifting techniques.

• Sleeping in a bed that offers poor support.

Symptoms of Moderate Low Back Pain

• An aching pain that may be constant or come and go.

• Pain may be on either side, both sides or in the middle. A common complaint is that the pain is in a band all the way across the lower back.

• There may be pain in the buttocks or hamstrings as well.

• A reduced range of motion.

• The 'slump test' may increase pain or show restricted movement.

• Tenderness over the spinous processes.

• Hypomobility (lower than normal mobility) in one or more of the intervertibral segments.

• Muscle spasms in the lower back and buttocks.

What can be done for acute or severe or acute lower back pain?

•         Get into a position of least pain. Suitable positions may be lying on the back (supine), on the front (prone) or on the side. Whatever the most comfortable position for the patient is best. If it hurts don’t do it. Avoid movements or positions that make the pain worse.

•         Bed rest may help but not for more than two days as resting for too long can make back injuries worse. Often movement is needed after the initial pain and inflammation has gone.

•         Taping the lower back can relieve pain and give support, as can use of a specialist back support belt or back brace.

•         The doctor may prescribe NSAID's (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) to relieve pain and muscle spasm.

•         Electrotherapy can be used to relieve pain. For example TENS (transcutaneous electrical nervous stimulation) or magnetic field therapy or ultrasound therapy may be helpful.

•         Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time.

•         Very light massage techniques may help reduce pain.

·         Use of an inversion table to apply gentle traction may also help relieve symptoms

  Credit to Mr. Mohd Adnan Abdul Hamid