Types of lower back pain

There are many types of lower back pain. Find out what causes lower back pain and what you can do to get effective, long-lasting relief.

Lower back pain is very common. Three out of four people will experience it at some point in their lives. It's important to know the difference between the types of lower back pain.

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The most prevalent is simple lower back pain, also known as non-specific pain. This accounts for 95% of acute lower back pain problems. It's mechanical pain, meaning that it's exacerbated by physical activity. Simple pain isn't caused by a disease. It's usually the result of a sprained ligament or muscle. For example, if you're a dedicated gym user, chances are that some of your muscles are better trained than others. This muscle imbalance can put a strain on your ligaments and lead to lower back pain. Simple pain may also be the result of a minor problem between two vertebrae. It's often difficult for a doctor to diagnose the exact cause of pain because there are not specific tests for it.

A much less common type of lower back pain is nerve root pain. This is sometimes referred to as a trapped nerve. The nerve is irritated by an inflammation or pressed-on by a slipped disc. The pain can shoot along the course of the nerve, down your leg or up to your neck. A common cause of leg pain is a herniated disc. A spinal disc can become less elastic and rupture, forcing part of the disc to bulge outside its normal boundary. When this happens, a nerve can become pinched causing tingling, numbness, muscle weakness or pain.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction sometimes causes lower back pain in young women. The sacroiliac joint is located next to the spine and connects the sacrum to the pelvis. Pain can be caused by either too much or too little movement in the joint. The dysfunction is difficult to diagnose. It is usually done through an examination and injections.

Other causes of lower back pain include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, infections, tumours and bone disorders.

Weight and lower back pain

Being overweight can exacerbate lower back pain, as the weight puts additional pressure on all joints. People who are obese are at a greater risk for many types of pain, including back pain. Excess stomach weight pulls the pelvis forward putting a strain on the lower back. Overweight individuals are also at greater risk of having a herniated disc. People with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 have a greater chance of developing osteoarthritis.

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How to get long lasting relief from back pain

There are many different approaches to lower back pain relief. Here are four:

1. Move around and exercise: This may be hard to do when you're in pain, but it's important to get up and move around as soon as possible. You will recover more quickly if you stay active than if you lie on your back waiting for the pain to subside. Exercise will help strengthen the muscles to prevent future back problems. Be sure to consult your doctor to determine the type of exercise that will be most helpful.

2. Painkillers: There are many types of over-the-counter and prescription medication that can ease lower back pain. The most common types are anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, general painkillers like paracetamol, muscle relaxants like diazepam, and stronger drugs like codeine.

3. Physical treatments: Physical treatments include visits to a chiropractor, physiotherapist, or a osteopath for manipulation. These have varying degrees of success in the long term, but often provide some immediate pain relief.

4. Surgery: In more extreme cases, surgery may be the only answer to severe back pain. Depending on the condition, surgery can be minimally invasive. It can be used to repair a herniated disc or release a trapped nerve. Before deciding on surgery, you must weigh the risks involved in any medical procedure against the desired results.