An Introduction to Lower Back Pain and the Most Common Causes
Are you facing lower back pain? You are not alone. Anyone can experience lower back pain at any time in their lives, even if there have been no prior injury or risk factors. It often gets better on its own but sometimes treatment is required. In some cases, it is a body’s way of saying that something is not right.
Why is lower back pain so common?
The lower part of the back has just five vertebrae, fewer than the mid-back and the neck. The five vertebrae of the lower back do the most part of heavy lifting, also the lower back is where the spine connects with the pelvis, bearing the whole weight of the upper body. This area experiences a lot of stress and movement, leading to injuries and wear and tear.
Arthritis of the Spine
The arthritis of the spine is the slow and steady degeneration of the spinal joint and is the most common cause of lower back pain. All humans experience wear and tear as they age. With the cartilage breaking down between the joints of the spine, surrounding tissues also become inflamed. The inflammation and the thinning of cartilage increase, and the level of friction also increases, causing lower back pain.
Injuries to the back
In some cases, back injuries can be traumatic and sudden and some others happen slowly with the passage of time. It is common for people to think that active people and athletes get injured more commonly due to the ‘active lifestyle’ but that is not always the case. A non-athlete is just as likely to tweak their back while bending or while performing everyday tasks.
Herniated Discs
A bulging or a herniated disc is when the disc has spilt out of the lining. It happens most frequently in the lower back. An injured disc may not always hurt, however, even if it is painless, it can cause the irritation of the nearby nerves, leading to pain in the lower back and other areas as well.
Conclusion
Lower back pain can happen due to a number of underlying causes, other than just injury or wear and tear. Understand what is causing lower back pain in your case, followed by the right treatment for a healthier you.
