Pain in the lumbar region (or the lower area of the spine) is a common condition that affects individuals aged 30 to 50. While usually associated with sports injury and trauma, this condition could also be influenced by several factors. Lower back pain may be due to poor posture and sleeping habits, obesity, stress, and the inevitable spinal deterioration due to aging.
While causes of simple back pains are easy to trace, the same cannot be said for persistent and continuous pain in the lumbar area. If you’re unsure of what to do, you need to see a doctor and undergo diagnosis.
There are several conditions associated with lower back pain. Bulging discs is one of the most common of these disorders. Discs that degenerate or weaken exert pressure towards the cartilages, making them bulge. These push unto the spinal cord or nerve root and thus, cause the pain. Ninety percent of bulging discs occur in the lumbar region of the back. Pain can travel down to the hips, moving downwards to the feet. While age is a primary reason for bulging discs, such a condition could also be triggered by trauma in the back. Rest and warm compress are usual home remedies for bulging discs. Having good posture and exercising regularly can help in avoiding this condition. Spinal surgery is a last resort.
Cauda equina syndrome is a rare disorder that affects the nerve roots at the lower spine. In this condition, nerves are compressed, cutting off the sensation and movement. Slipped disc, tumor, infection, and fracture are among the several causes of the said syndrome. If not treated, cauda equina may lead to impaired bladder, bowel control, and even permanent paralysis.
Another disorder linked with lumbar pain is sciatica. This is the pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, located at the back of the pelvis, reaching down to the buttocks, legs, and feet. The pain that patients feel can range from mild to extreme. Sciatica may be caused by slipped disc or spine injury. There is usually no need to treating sciatica. Patients can use painkillers or apply hot/cold packs to alleviate the discomfort. They can also undergo therapy if needed.
The gradual relapse of the spine adds stress on the lower back area and may lead to deformity. Older people are more prone to this ailment. Individuals experiencing spinal degeneration may experience weakness and mobility issues. This condition can be diagnosed through x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The narrowing of spaces in the spine caused by pressure on the cords and nerves is called spinal stenosis. Seventy-five percent of spinal stenosis cases are felt in the lower back. Stenosis may be due to aging, instability of the spine, tumor, or trauma. It may also be hereditary. Patients with spinal stenosis can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. MRI and myelogram, an x-ray performed after injecting dye into the spine, can also help detect stenosis.
Other stressors that cause pain on the lower spine are scoliosis, osteoporosis and fibromyalgia – a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain all over the body.
About the Author
Dustin Young is among Premier Sports Chiropractic’s pain specialists. Having years of experience helping people with sports injury, he is more than capable of helping you with your back troubles. To get in touch with him simply visit dustinyoungdc.com/contact-us/.
