lower back pain (LBP) or Lumbago It is a very common health condition. It affects 80% of people at some point in their lives. In today’s fast paced life, we don’t have time to relax.
So, if you want to avoid a painful condition that causes you countless visits to pain specialists or if you already suffer from low back pain back Pain This article is for you.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of LBP and the lifestyle changes that can help prevent this condition.
So, if you want to avoid a painful condition that causes you countless visits to pain specialists or if you already suffer from low back pain back Pain This article is for you.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of LBP and the lifestyle changes that can help prevent this condition.
What exactly is low back pain?
Lumbar Pain – Pain in the lower part of the back, between the hips and the base of the ribs, is called low back pain. The main cause of pain is muscle tension, which limits range of motion. One may find it difficult to sit for long hours. The pain may worsen while sleeping. You may experience sharp pains, numbness, tingling sensations, and difficulty lifting heavy objects. The pain sensation may spread (radiation) to one or both legs.
What causes lower back pain?
There are many underlying causes of back pain. Some of the reasons are mentioned below:-
- You may suffer from LBP due to any injury or surgery.
- Posture associated with improper bending, standing or sitting
- Sprain, sprain
- Disk related problems
- Arthritis of the small joints of the back (facial joints)
- Kidney stones, bladder infection, kidney or ureter or pelvic inflammatory disease
- Sleep disorders
People at risk of LBP.
People with sedentary lifestyle, poor physical activity, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption and pregnant women.
Tips to prevent LBP-
Aging is inevitable, but we can adapt lifestyle changes to help prevent and manage back pain.
- Improve your physical fitness – This will improve your muscle strength. Regular exercise like yoga, walking, and swimming are great ways to prevent back pain.
- Maintain a proper weight
- Proper and healthy eating habits
- Use proper lifting and moving techniques
- Make your workplace as ergonomic as possible.
- Manage your mental health – People who suffer from anxiety, depression, or excessive stress are more likely to experience back pain over time.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
Red flags when experiencing back pain:
- Night pain
- Associated with fever
- Lower limb(s) heaviness/weakness – difficulty walking
- Numbness in private parts
- Loss of bladder/bowel control.
When should you see a pain specialist?
Avoid self-medication and physiotherapy when severe pain occurs
- Pain that does not improve with rest and pain relievers.
- Tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in your buttocks and legs.
- Severe pain or muscle spasms that interfere with your normal activities.
- If the pain persists for more than 2-3 weeks.
Additional Director and Head, Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram. Written by Megha Pruti