Lower Backpain

November 16, 2020Articles 2

Lower Backpain is usually defined as pain , muscle tension or stiffness localised below the costal margin and above the gluteal folds with or without legpain.

The lower back or lumber area serves a number of important functions for the human body. These functions include structural support , movement and protection of certain body tissues. When we stand ,the lower back is functioning to support the weight of the upper body. When we bend ,extend or rotate at the waist , the lower back is involved in the movement. Protecting the soft tissues of the nervous system and spinal cord as well as near by organs of the pelvis and abdomen is a critical function for the lumbar spine and adjacent muscles of the lower back.

Symptoms –

The main symptom of Backpain is pain , anywhere in the back and sometimes all the way down to the buttocks and legs.

Additional symptoms with pain in lowerback may be as follows –

• Weight loss

• Fever

• Inflammation or swelling in the back.

• Persistent backpain ,where lying down or resting doesn’t help.

• Pain down the legs.

• Pain reaches below the knees.

• Urinary incontinence

• Difficulty in urinating

• Fecal incontinence

• Numbness around buttocks , genitals or anus.

Causes –

1) Strain –

Backpain commonly starts as a result of strain , tension or injury. Frequent causes of Backpain are –

• Strained muscles or ligaments

• Muscle spasm

• Muscle tension

• Damaged discs

• Injuries , fractures or falls

2) Structural Problems –

a) Ruptured Discs – Each vertebrae in the spine is cushioned by discs. If discs ruptures due to pressure on a nerve , Backpain starts.

b) Bulging Discs – If discs get to bulge from its place , it also increase pressure on the nerve and causes pain.

c) Sciatica – It is a sharp pain travels through the buttocks and down the back of the legs ,due to pressure on sciatic nerve.

d) Arthritis – Osteoarthritis can also causes lower backpain.

e) Abnormal curvature of the spine –If spine curves in an unusual way like in scoliosis , Backpain starts certainly.

f) Osteoporosis – When bones , including the vertebrae of the spine become brittle and porous ,they compresses the nerves in the spine and becomes a cause of lower backpain.

g) Kidney problems – Kidney stones or kidney infections can cause backpain.

3) Movement & Posture – Backache can also result from some daily routine activities . Here are some examples –

• Bending awkwardly or for long periods.

• Pushing , pulling , lifting or carrying something.

• Straining the neck forward such as when driving or using computer.

• Sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t keep your spine straight.

• Over stretching.

4) Some causes especially for females Backpain –

a) Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)– It is a condition many women face 3-4 days before their periods and backache is one of the symptom in it.

b) Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD) – It is more severe form of PMS.

c) Endometriosis – Lower Backpain is the most common symptom of Endometriosis.

d) Dysmenorrhoea – It means painful periods where lower backpain also happens in it.

e) Pregnancy – Lower Backpain itself is a condition in mostly last trimester of pregnancy.

f) Pelvic Inflammatory Disease – e.g. cervicitis has lower backpain symptom.

5) Other causes –

Some medical conditions can also lead to lower backpain –

• Cauda equina syndrome

• Cancer of the spine

• Infection of the spine

Types –

There are two types of lower backpain –

1) Acute Pain –

It starts suddenly and lasts for upto 6 weeks.

2) Chronic Pain –

It develops over a longer period ,lasts for over 3 months and increasing problems.

Risk Factors –

• Occupational activities

• Pregnancy

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Poor physical fitness

• Older age

• Obesity and excess weight

• Smoking

• Sternous physical exercise or work

• Genetic factors

Diagnosis –

Various scanning techniques help in diagnosis of actual problem which are –

• X -Ray

• CT scan

• MRI imaging

Treatment –

1) Heating pad –

Heating pad applied to your back can boost circulation which in turn , allows nutrients and oxygen to get to the muscles in your back.

2) Warm Bath –

A warm bath can improve circulation and reduce pain and stiffness.

3) Painkillers –

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help ease back pain and other type of pain associated with your period.

4) Gentle Stretching –

It help to reduce lower backpain.

5) Ice pack –

It may help reduce Inflammation, pain and bruising.

Ayurvedic Perspective –

In Ayurveda it is called as Katigraha. Dosha aggravated in Katigraha is vata. To pacify Vata there are certain therapies which gives you relief certainly. These therapies are as follows –

1) Snehna ( Oleation ) –

• Sarvangabhyanga with medicated oils like Tila tail , Mahanarayan tail