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Low Back Pain: Frequently Asked Questions

What is low back pain?

Low back pain can be either an acute or chronic disabling condition. It will affect most people at some stage in their life and accounts for more sick leave taken than any other single condition. An acute lower back injury may be caused by a traumatic event, like a car accident or a fall. It occurs suddenly and its victims will usually be able to pinpoint exactly when it happened. In acute cases, the structures damaged will more than likely be soft tissue like muscles, ligaments and tendons. ...
Low back pain is a widespread condition. It can be caused by muscle problems (lumbago), arthritis, malformations of the spinal column (scoliosis, hyperlordosis, spondylolisthesis), degenerative rheumatic or inflammatory diseases, infection or bone tumors and nerve root compression (lumbosciatalgia, herniated disk).
Low back pain can have many causes. Low back pain is experienced in 80% of the population. In ninety five percent (95%) of the population, the low back pain can be attributed to a breakdown in the structural integrity of the muscles, disability and lost workdays, according to a research article in The Lancet, August 1999. Actually, the American Medical Association estimates that back injuries account for almost 20% of all injuries and illnesses in the workplace. ...

How is low back pain treated?

Low back pain can be treated in various ways. The best treatment usually depends on the cause. Conservative treatment is usually the first approach. Conservative treatment for short term pain may include participating in physical therapy, stretching and massage. Acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory drugs (such as naproxen or ibuprofen) or a muscle relaxant may be taken. Rest is recommended depending on the severity of pain; activity, if tolerated, is encouraged. ...

Why is low back pain so common?

Pain in the lower back is probably related to the remarkable stresses placed on it over a lifetime. Although the lower back may seem simple enough, it has a complex anatomy that allows it to perform many functions.

What causes low back pain?

The most common causes of low back pain are: Muscle or ligament strain - Some of the largest, hardest-working muscles in our body are in or near the lower back. Unlike muscles stressed primarily during exercise or intense movement, these muscles are also stressed with sitting, standing and walking. Degenerative joint disease - The joints in the back that allow mobility, stability and functionality are subject to wear and tear. ...
Some causes of low back pain include arthritis, ruptured intervertebral discs, and abnormal curvature. Most of the time, however, a specific cause cannot be pinpointed. Backaches from overuse or heavy lifting are probably the result of muscle spasm and inflammation of the soft tissue (ligaments and muscles) along the spine.
Low back pain can be caused by a number of factors from injuries to the effects of aging. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra are soft discs with a ligamentous outer layer. These discs function as shock absorbers to protect the vertebra and the spinal cord. Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of either a herniation or degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Degeneration is a result of wear and tear causing deterioration of the disc. ...
Low back pain can be caused by a number of factors from injuries to the effects of aging. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra are soft discs with a ligamentous outer layer. These discs function as shock absorbers to protect the vertebra and the spinal cord. Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of herniation and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Degeneration is a process where wear and tear causes deterioration of the disc. ...
Low back pain can be caused by a number of factors from injuries to the effects of aging.The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra are soft discs with a ligamentous outer layer. These discs function as shock absorbers to protect the vertebra and the spinal cord. Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of herniation and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Degeneration is a process where wear and tear causes deterioration of the disc. ...

What are the best exercises for low back pain?

According to the latest research (McGill, 2004); it is important not to “load” the lower back with stretches and exercises that may not be beneficial. It is optimum is to strengthen the deep intrinsic muscles that help stabilize the lower back and remove variables that are potentially stressing the low back. Once theses guidelines have bee established the emphasis is on increasing whole body and joint stability and increasing muscular endurance for every day

What are the common causes of low back pain?

The most common cause by far is simple strain of the back muscles and ligaments. It usually improves by itself and goes away in anything from a few days to three months. If you are concerned, finding it difficult to work or feel unwell you should consult your GP. Back pain that radiates into a limb or which persists beyond three months is often due to a herniated disc, disc degeneration and/or arthritis in the spine and should usually be investigated further.

Does medication help low back pain?

Occasionally, yes. Frequently, the relief is only temporary. Unless the cause of the injury is treated, the masking effects of the anti-inflammatory medication provide short term relief at the cost of continued tissue damage and adaptive patterns of motion.
Occasionally, yes. Frequently, the relief is only temporary. Unless the cause of the injury is treated, the masking effects of the anti-inflammatory medication provide short term relief at the cost of continued tissue damage and adaptive patterns of motion. Return to top 19.

What is the natural history of low back pain?

The natural history of low back pain is to improve over a few days to one to two weeks. In fact, 90% of patients report that the pain has subsided by two months without any intervention. However, 40% of patients develop significant recurrent symptoms within six months of the initial onset of symptoms. Fortunately, most recurrences are not disabling but may lead to chronic problems with intermittent episodes of exacerbation. ...

What are other causes of low back pain?

There are many other conditions that can cause back pain. Some of these are congenital, such as scoliosis. Most causes of back pain, however, result from an injury or trauma. Common causes of back pain include: • Muscle Strain • Bulging or herniated disc • Degenerative disc disease • Spinal stenosis • Sciatica or pinched nerve • Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation There are also many other conditions which can contribute to back pain. ...

How is discogenic low back pain?

The continuous boring pain in low back which increases on sitting and on bending forward and lifting weight. There is morning stiffness with low back pain that usually relieves with bed rest. This type of pain originates from degeneration of intervertebral disc.

What are Non-Spinal Causes of Low Back Pain?

Appendicitis, kidney disease, uterine disorders and urinary tract infections are a few examples of problems that can lead to pain in the back. Some of these disorders can be serious and fatal, therefore medical attention is a must.

How well does acupuncture work on low back pain?

There is significant research showing the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of low back pain. These promising results include acute lumbar sprain, degenerative disc disease, and lumbar disc protrusion.

Low back pain?

The space between the vertebrae filled with a flexible material, the inter vertebral disk. It does not just fills up the space between the neighboring vertebrae, but also because of its flexibility swallows hits (eg. jumping from somewhere) that is protects the vertebrae. However, if the micro architecture of the disk changes (eg. loses water), disorder will occur, in worse case the disk becomes herniated. ...

How does the Orthotrac relieve low back pain?

The main function of the Orthotrac is to reduce the compressive forces on the spine by transferring your upper body weight off the spine to your hips. MRI comparisons of a spine before and during application of an Orthotrac confirm the effect of offloading weight from the spine.

How can I prevent low back pain?

The following strategies may help prevent low back pain: Use proper lifting techniques (e.g., bend at the hips and knees to lift an object off the floor, carry objects close to your body, get help carrying heavy objects) Limit frequent bending and lifting Ensure proper workplace ergonomics (e.g., proper chair-to-desk height and keyboard height) Maintain your ideal body weight Maintain a regular exercise program, including abdominal and back strengthening exercises Do not use tobacco products

What are the features of low back pain?

Mechanical back pain occurs during physical activity and subsides with rest or when the body is in a particular position. Inflammatory pain is present also at rest. Sciatica is characterized by the contracture of the lumbar muscles. The contracture produces pain, which, in turn, causes further contracture. In osteoarthritis, pain is present with initial movements and tends to gradually diminish with exertion. ...

Can Chiropractic help low back pain?

Yes it can. Each case is different but in most cases chiropractic care can significantly reduce or eliminate back pain. Low back pain is something that millions of people experience each and every day and chiropractic care has been shown to be one of the best methods available for treating it. For more information on low back pain look here . If you are considering back surgery for disc herniation chiropractic may be an alternative. Some cases cannot be treated in any way but surgery though. ...

Does Chiropractic work for LOW BACK PAIN?

Yes! If there is one condition that chiropractic is known for treating, it is low back pain. For more information or a free brochure on chiropractic and low back pain contact our office at 516.599.3999 during regular office hours and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Is low back pain a form of arthritis?

Low back pain is not a disease but rather a symptom. In some patients, low back pain may be a sign of an underlying arthritis affecting the spine. The most frequent arthritis affecting the spine is osteoarthritis. Other common forms of arthritis affecting the spine include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and gout.

How to apply this work to low back pain?

Low back pain is complicated, and one of the most common reasons people seek medical help. Most manual therapy interventions deal with the spinal facet joints and soft tissues on the posterior body (back side) and ignore the organs, fascial structures and musculature of the anterior body (front side) and pelvic floor. ...

Is chiropractic only good for low back pain?

No! Chiropractic addresses the entire body. Wherever there are nerves, there is a spinal or cranial origin. Common conditions regularly seen in the office include: Headache Dizziness Numbness Carpal Tunnel Shoulder problems Knee disorders Hip pain Arthritis Painful feet/walking The list can go on. Wherever you have a problem, chiropractic just might have the solution without using drugs or surgery.

How can the DRS System help with my low back pain?

The Decompression Reduction Stabilization (DRS) System removes pressure from the discs and joints in your lower back, through a safe and effective distraction and decompression process.
Source: www.bhpw.com

Who is most likely to develop low back pain?

Nearly everyone has low back pain sometime. Men and women are equally affected. It occurs most often between ages 30 and 50, due in part to the aging process but also as a result of sedentary life styles with too little (sometimes punctuated by too much) exercise. The risk of experiencing low back pain from disc disease or spinal degeneration increases with age. Low back pain unrelated to injury or other known cause is unusual in pre- teen children. ...
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