My Back Hurts! The Basics of Low Back Pain
One of the most common reasons people come into the office. How the low back works, common symptoms, red flags, and what to expect at your visit.
Have you ever woken up one morning and felt an ache in your back, or felt a twinge in your back after a strenuous workout? One of the most common reasons individuals come into the office is BACK PAIN.
Low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability, and many individuals will experience it in their lifetime. Your spine is composed of bones, ligaments, muscles, and nerves that provide support and strength to the upper body. The lumbar section, or low back, assists with actions such as bending and rotating the hips with movement, and the nerves in the lumbar spine provide sensation to the pelvis and lower body.
Often acute low back pain is not serious and may come from an injury or strain to the vertebrae or disc, muscles, or ligaments. Most acute back pain lasts a few days and resolves on its own with time, or with rest, some medications, or physical therapy. Sometimes back pain continues for weeks or up to three months. Finally, back pain may become a more severe, chronic musculoskeletal condition lasting more than three months.
Common symptoms patients describe: a dull muscle ache, muscle spasm or contraction; burning pain radiating to the buttocks, back of the thighs, or down the calves and legs (sciatica or possible spinal nerve root inflammation); pain with twisting, lifting, bending, walking, or prolonged sitting or standing; acute shooting pain in the area; and pain that improves in certain positions, like leaning forward.
'Red flags' that need IMMEDIATE medical attention: fever; problems urinating or new bowel issues; unexplained weight loss; muscle weakness; numbness or tingling down one or both legs; localized bone pain in the back; no improvement with rest; pain at night; older age (over 50); and a history of severe trauma.
At the doctor's visit. Your physician should take a complete history, asking about trauma or falls, history of cancer, drug or alcohol use, steroid use, and autoimmune diseases (RA, lupus). They should then do a thorough exam assessing flexibility, mobility, standard functions (sitting, standing, bending, the ability to raise your legs), sensation in the legs, and muscle strength.
Dr. Maggie Cadet, MD