Lower back pain is a common reason why people go to health facilities. It can result from medical conditions or injuries to the muscles, tendons, or nerves in your back. Aging, excess weight, repetitive activities that involve bending your back, and a family history of certain diseases like osteoarthritis can increase your chances of having lower back pain. Westfield lower back pain symptoms may occur suddenly or appear gradually. In most cases, the pain worsens in certain potions like bending and gets better when you lie down. There are many causes of lower back pain, including:
1. Herniated disc
Your spine has a series of bones called discs that act as buffers between your bones and allow you to bend and move easily. When any of these discs tears or slips, it is known as a herniated disc. Herniated discs are the leading cause of neck, arm, lower back, or leg pain. You may also experience muscle weakness, tingling, or numbness in your legs or feet. Aging, excess weight, repetitive motions that involve your spine, and sudden strain from improper lifting or twisting are common causes of herniated discs.
2. Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a disorder where the spaces in your spine narrow, exacting pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. It mostly occurs when the discs between the vertebrae degenerate. Back and neck pain and numbness or weakness in your arms or legs are common symptoms of spinal stenosis. Depending on the cause and symptoms of spinal stenosis, your doctor can recommend medications, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or surgery for treatment.
3. Sciatica
Sciatica is an irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body that runs from your lower back through your buttocks and hips and down each leg. Sciatica mostly results from a herniated disc or bone overgrowth. Sciatica pain happens anywhere along the sciatic nerve pathway. The pain worsens if sitting for a prolonged period or with sudden actions like coughing or sneezing. Sciatica can cause tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in one leg or foot.
4. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones become brittle with time. It increases your risk of having sudden and unexpected bone fractures. The fractures mostly happen in the hips, wrist, and spine. Osteoporosis usually develops without symptoms and is often not discovered until the weakened bones cause painful structures. In most cases, you may not show symptoms but consult your doctor if you experience lower back pain, bone fractures, change in body posture, and loss of height.
5. Spinal tumors
Spinal tumors are abnormal growths that develop anywhere along your spinal column, including your vertebrae, spinal cord, and the tissues surrounding your spinal cord. Most spinal tumors are caused by cancer that has spread from another body area. Spinal tumors can be cancerous or non-cancerous. If they continue to grow, they can cause damage to the tissues in your spinal column. If you have a tumor in the lumbar region, you may experience lower back pain.
Lower back pain is a common condition. It can result from herniated discs, sciatica, spinal tumors, osteoporosis, and spinal stenosis. Schedule an appointment at Eric Whitehouse, D.C., for lower back treatment to regain your normal body posture.
