Lower Back Pain – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Lower back pain is one of the most common health complaints worldwide. It affects the lumbar spine and can occur as an acute or chronic condition.
Wissenswertes über "lower back pain"
Lower back pain is one of the most common health complaints worldwide. It affects the lumbar spine and can occur as an acute or chronic condition.
What is Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain (medically referred to as lumbar pain or lumbago) describes pain occurring in the region of the lumbar spine – the area between the lower rib cage and the buttocks. It is one of the leading causes of disability and work absence globally, affecting people of all ages.
Lower back pain is classified as acute (lasting less than 6 weeks), subacute (6–12 weeks), or chronic (more than 12 weeks). The majority of cases are classified as non-specific low back pain, meaning no clear structural cause can be identified.
Causes
The causes of lower back pain are wide-ranging. In most cases, the pain is muscular or functional in nature, without a serious underlying pathology.
Common Causes
- Muscle strains and tension: Overexertion, poor posture, or prolonged sitting can lead to muscle tension and strain in the lower back.
- Herniated disc (disc prolapse): The inner core of a spinal disc pushes through its outer ring and may press on nearby nerves, causing radiating pain into the leg.
- Degenerative changes: Age-related wear of the intervertebral discs (osteochondrosis) or the facet joints (spondylarthrosis).
- Acute lumbago: Sudden, severe pain triggered by an abrupt or awkward movement.
- Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, more common in older adults.
- Sedentary lifestyle and poor posture: Long-term physical inactivity and poor ergonomics contribute significantly to lumbar discomfort.
Less Common, Serious Causes
- Vertebral fractures (e.g., due to osteoporosis)
- Inflammatory conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis)
- Spinal tumors or metastases
- Kidney or urinary tract conditions that radiate to the back
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause and may include:
- Dull, aching, or sharp pain in the lumbar region
- Pain radiating into the buttock, thigh, lower leg, or foot (sciatica)
- Morning stiffness or pain after prolonged sitting or standing
- Reduced range of motion of the spine
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs (if nerves are involved)
Warning signs (red flags) that require immediate medical attention include: loss of bladder or bowel control, severe pain following trauma, unexplained weight loss, fever, or pain that worsens at night.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. The doctor will assess reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation.
- Imaging: X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or CT (computed tomography) scans are used when a structural cause is suspected.
- Blood tests: To rule out inflammatory or systemic conditions.
- Neurological tests: For example, the straight leg raise test (Lasegue sign) to detect nerve root irritation.
Treatment
Most acute episodes of lower back pain resolve on their own within a few weeks. Early, active management is important to prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
Non-Pharmacological Approaches
- Staying active: Bed rest should be avoided. Gentle activities such as walking, swimming, or targeted back exercises are recommended.
- Physiotherapy: Exercises to strengthen the core and back muscles, as well as manual therapy techniques.
- Heat therapy: Applying heat (e.g., a heating pad or hot water bottle) can help relieve muscle tension.
- Psychological support: For chronic back pain, a multimodal approach including cognitive behavioral therapy is often beneficial.
Pharmacological Treatment
- Pain relievers (analgesics): Such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or diclofenac.
- Muscle relaxants: May be used short-term for severe muscle spasms.
- Corticosteroid injections: For radiating nerve pain, such as epidural steroid injections.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is only necessary in a small proportion of cases, such as a severe herniated disc with persistent neurological deficits or symptomatic spinal stenosis that does not respond to conservative treatment.
Prevention
- Regular physical activity and core muscle strengthening
- Ergonomic workplace setup with back-supportive seating
- Proper lifting technique (using the legs, not the back)
- Maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce spinal load
- Stress management, as psychological stress is a known risk factor for back pain
References
- Maher C, Underwood M, Buchbinder R: Non-specific low back pain. In: The Lancet, 389(10070):736–747, 2017.
- World Health Organization (WHO): Musculoskeletal health. Available at: www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/musculoskeletal-conditions (2023)
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE): Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management. NICE guideline NG59, 2016 (updated 2020).
Verwandte Produkte
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, probiotic lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.
Best-selling products
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, probiotic lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®The latest entries
3 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryEstimated Glomerular Filtration Rate
Ligamentum hepatogastricum
Macrolide Antibiotic
Most read entries
3 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryMagnesiumcarbonat
Cologne list
Calorie content
Related search terms: lower back pain + low back pain + lumbar back pain + lumbago