Where Lower Back Pain Begins
Overview
Lower back pain is a common problem that can severely impact the quality of your life. Many different causes may lead to pain in your lower back and it can limit your ability to be active or even miss work.
About the Lumbar Spine
Learning about the structure of the lumbar spine will help you better understand back pain. The lumbar spine is located in the lower back and is made up of five vertebrae. Between these vertebrae are discs that cushion the bones and allow the spine to bend and twist.
Spinal Nerves
The structure of the spine protects the nerves that ravel through a space in the back called the spinal canal. These spinal nerves branch off and exit through the spaces located on both sides of the spine.
Common Causes of Pain
In many cases, muscles or ligament strains cause back pain. This can occur if you spend a day doing heavy lifting or when the spinal nerves are compressed. Herniated discs or bone growths caused by osteoarthritis can press against the nerves while fractures of the spine can reduce the amount of space around them. This type of pain may be persistent. If it lasts even after a few weeks, professional orthopedic help should be contacted.
Symptoms
Symptoms of back pain can vary depending on the exact cause and the severity of your injury. You may have trouble bending or twisting your back while feeling a dull ache or a stabbing pain. This pain may radiate down one or both legs and cause weakness, numbness or tingling sensations.
Treatment
Some types of back pain are treated with over-the-counter medications and ointments. Your healthcare provider may recommend prescription medications, cortisone injections or physical therapy. If these methods are not effective, you may benefit from surgery to correct a problem in your spine.
Back Pain Relief Near You
Chronic back pain can cause consistent irritation that may get worse over time. To avoid this experience, contact the spine and back professionals at the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute. The orthopedic services provided by IBJI ensure you’ll be moving free of pain once again.
