Lower back pain can be debilitating and needs expert assistance. It is one of the most common ailments that happens because of various reasons, such as sudden injury, a fall, or lifting objects that are too heavy.
For some people, it is also caused by degenerative changes that happen due to ageing. Some medical conditions, like arthritis, may also lead to lower back pain.
Mild pain often gets better with time, but persistent or severe pain may signal a bigger problem and needs expert care.
In this blog, we’ll share with you the professional insights, causes and types of lower back pain so you can better understand what’s behind your discomfort.
Additionally, you’ll also get details about the reliable and professional Ringwood Physiotherapy team that offers hands-on care and tailored treatments to relieve your pain.
Causes Of Lower Back Pain
Arthritis:
Osteoarthritis is one of the major and most prominent causes of lower back pain. In some cases, lower back pain is accompanied by stiffness and inflammation in the spine. This is ankylosing spondylitis. Additionally, there is rheumatoid arthritis that not only affects your spine but also other joints.
Strain and Sprain:
Lifting too much or not in the correct posture can lead to pain in the lower back muscles and ligaments. In people with poor physical condition, strain can even be caused by coughing, sneezing, bending, or twisting and lead to unbearable muscle spasms.
Disc Issues:
Spinal discs are cushions between the vertebrae. Sometimes the material blows from its mean position or presses a nerve. It may not cause severe back pain, but with age, it gets worse. They are mainly found when an MRI or CT scan is done for other complications.
Chronic Conditions:
Lastly, some other causes of lower back pain include stones in the kidneys, abdominal aortic aneurysms, certain types of cancers, and fibromyalgia.
Temporary Pains:
There are some temporary causes of lower back pain as well, such as menstrual cramps. Some women may feel pain in the second or third trimester of pregnancy due to hormonal changes. In some people, extensive back labour also leads to lower back pain.
Types Of Lower Back Pain
Sciatica Or Radicular Back Pain
Radicular Back Pain happens when a nerve root in your spine gets pinched or irritated, due to nerve root injuries, diabetes and foraminal stenosis. It can cause shooting pain or tingling down one leg.
You may also feel other symptoms, including muscle weakness or numbness.
Mechanical Or Axial Pain
Axial pain stays in one spot in your lower back. It doesn’t move to your legs or other parts of your body. It often feels like a constant ache or sharp pain in one area.
However, this type of pain is not chronic and sometimes resolves by itself without any medical intervention.
Non-surgical treatments such as applying ice packs in the affected areas, physiotherapy or other medications can do wonders.
Referred Pain
Sometimes pain in your lower back starts elsewhere. For example, hip problems can make you feel pain in your back.
Lower back pain mainly initiates in the back and spreads to other parts like the upper thigh, buttocks and groin.
This type of pain can easily be treated by non-surgical options, such as physical therapy at iMotion Physiotherapy.
Acute Lower Back
Acute lower back pain is less severe and lasts a few days to weeks. It usually requires fewer or no medical interventions and gets better on its own.
However, applying non-surgical techniques like physical therapy, ice pads, and OTC medications can give relief from the pain in the meantime.
Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is more serious than acute pain, lasts for three months or longer, and may need medical care.
This type of pain is highly exhausting if left untreated. Many surgical and nonsurgical treatments are available, including physical therapy and nerve ablation, to reduce chronic pain and suffering.
iMotion Physiotherapy: Your First Step Towards A Pain-Free Life
Lower back pain can be frustrating, but understanding its causes and types is the first step to relief. Small changes to your posture and daily habits can make a big difference.
If your lower back pain isn’t improving or keeps coming back, working with a professional physiotherapist can be key. At iMotion Physiotherapy, we offer tailored treatment plans and hands-on care to address the root of your pain.
Whether it’s back pain in Ringwood or other mobility concerns, you’ll get ongoing support and guidance, empowering you to maintain the progress achieved during your journey.
Visit iMotionPhysiotherapy to book your appointment today and take the first step toward a pain-free life!