We understand how frustrating and debilitating low back pain can be. It disrupts your daily activities and can leave you feeling lost about where to turn for help. This blog post aims to shed some light on the different causes of low back pain and guide you towards the path of relief.
The Complex World of Your Lower Back
Your lower back, also known as the lumbar spine, is a wonderfully built machine. It provides support, flexibility, and transmits force as you move. Made up of vertebrae, discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves, any of these structures can be the source of your pain and diagnosing your back pain can be complex without knowing what to look for.
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Contents
Common Culprits of Low Back Pain
Many structures in your back can cause low back pain, each with its own characteristics:
- Muscle Strain/Sprain: This is the most common cause, resulting from overuse or injury. Pain worsens with movement and improves with rest.
- Disc Herniation: When the soft cushion (disc) between vertebrae bulges, it can compress nerves causing pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling that radiates down the leg (similar to Sciatica).
- Facet Arthropathy: This refers to degeneration of the joints connecting the vertebrae, leading to pain with specific movements like bending backwards.
- Osteoarthritis: “Wear and tear” arthritis can affect the joints of the spine, causing stiffness and pain.
When Urgent Care is Necessary
While most back pain isn’t life-threatening, some situations demand immediate medical attention:
- Sudden, severe pain after a fall or accident
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Fever with back pain (possible infection)
- Numbness or weakness in both legs that worsens (cauda equina syndrome)
WHAT'S YOUR NEXT MOVE?
TriLumos PT exclusively hires Doctors of Physical Therapy to take the guess work out of your recovery. Take the first step towards a pain-free life. Schedule your appointment today.
Can I Decipher Back Pain at Home?
Some people can! Unfortunately, pinpointing the exact cause of low back pain on your own can be difficult. The characteristics of pain, like location, intensity, and aggravating/easing factors, can offer clues, but a thorough evaluation is crucial. Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of relevant lower back pain:
Sciatica
Sciatica is a type of nerve pain and often presents with sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the leg, often into the foot. This pain is typically accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg.
Muscle Strain
Muscle strain typically causes localized, achy pain that worsens with movement and improves with rest. Common activities like lifting heavy objects or poor posture can lead to muscle strain.
Arthritis
Arthritis is characterized by deep, aching pain, stiffness, and tenderness over affected joints. Over time, the cartilage in the joints breaks down, leading to pain and inflammation.
Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve, similar to sciatica, can cause sharp, shooting pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. However, the pain may radiate to different areas depending on the specific nerve involved.
Joint Stiffness
Joint stiffness limits range of motion and is often worse in the morning. This can be caused by various factors, including arthritis, injury, or poor posture.
Why Physical Therapy Should Be Your Next Step
Doctors of Physical Therapy are movement experts. They can perform a detailed assessment to identify the source of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan. This might include manual therapy techniques to improve mobility, targeted exercises to strengthen core and back muscles, and education on proper posture and ergonomics. Physical therapy can:
- Accurately diagnose your back pain
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Improve flexibility and strength
- Help prevent future back problems
- Get you back to your daily activities
Don’t let back pain hold you back! Seek out a skilled physical therapist to help you diagnose the underlying cause and develop a personalized plan of care to help you. The Doctors of Physical Therapy at TriLumos Physical Therapy are available today. Let our expert team guide you towards a pain-free life.
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Trusted Care for Lasting Results
Ready to reclaim your strength and mobility? Our expert physical therapists can help. Through personalized treatment plans, we empower you to overcome pain, injury, and limitations. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, more active life.
Need Answers?
TriLumos Pysical Therapy offers a free consultation over the phone or in person. Get the answers you need from our Doctors of Physical Therapy and see how we can best help you.