If you suffer from lower back pain, you are certainly not alone. Back pain tends to be most prevalent in the lumbar spine, corresponding to the lower region of the back.
Lower back pain itself is classed as a musculoskeletal disorder and as such is one of the major reasons for absenteeism from work.
A musculoskeletal disorder may affect your:
- Lower limbs (legs)
- Upper limbs (arms)
- Neck and
- Back
In the UK, musculoskeletal disorders tend to affect the most people who work in one of the following sectors:
- Construction.
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing.
- Transportation and storage.
- Human health and social work.
What these industries share in common is that people who work in these sectors tend to perform work that requires repetitive and frequent bending movements of the back, as well as lifting heavy objects, or even people. These motions can strain the back, and affect mostly the lower back region, as the lumbar spine is the one to carry most of the weight for the upper body.
Considering that such activities are part of these people’s daily lives, it can seem like the back pain is persistent and doesn’t go away. That is because in many instances, there are no adjustments or changes made to facilitate healing of the spine.
Other industries also report problems regarding back pain among their workers, but the above account for the most workers reporting such problems.
For example, back pain that is persistent can also occur due to the opposite effect, where a person who works in an office job spends several hours every day sitting down in a chair. After a while, this can have negative effects on one’s posture, and lead to compression of the spine, or even nerve compression, giving the sensation of lower back pain that is persistent and doesn’t go away.
What other factors cause lower back pain?
Apart from musculoskeletal disorders, other factors that may trigger the onset of lower back pain (including chronic lower back pain) include:
- Nerve pinching, where spinal nerve roots that branch out from the lower portion of the back become irritated or trapped. One of the nerves that most often causes pain in the lower back is the sciatic nerve.
- A herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Herniated disks can press against the nerve roots and trigger pain.
- Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints of your spine.
- Spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal becomes obstructed and narrows down.
- Back injury, including a sprain or strain, which can occur either due to occupational reasons where a person performs heavy lifting, or due to lifting heavy weights as part of a workout regime, for example.
How to treat persistent lower back pain
In many instances, back pain, whether it is persistent or not, can go away on its own with a short period of rest. However, there are other methods to address it, and make it go away faster, even from home. Some of these methods include lifestyle adjustments or non-invasive treatment methods.
When it comes to lifestyle adjustments, some things to consider include:
- Adjusting your chair at work so that you sit in a comfortable position that doesn’t strain your back or neck.
- Taking frequent breaks from your desk in order to walk around and stretch your back.
- Wearing a lumbar support belt if you have to move or lift heavy objects or people.
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Carrying additional weight can strain your back and press down on nerve roots, which then trigger pain sensations.
Lifestyle adjustments can sometimes help in alleviating pain in the lower back, but in some cases, additional non-invasive treatments may be necessary to make the pain go away and prevent it from getting worse over time or even returning. Some options to consider include:
- Working with a qualified chiropractor or osteopath can be helpful, but one should exercise caution when it comes to spinal manipulation.
- Engaging in physical therapy.
- Using a spinal decompression device, such as the Backrack, to decompress your spine and relieve any pain or stiffness you may be suffering from.
Get the Backrack Spinal Decompression Device To Relieve Back Pain at Home
Back pain that occurs on its own is usually nothing to worry about. There are instances when it can be accompanied by other symptoms such as muscle spasms, weakness in the back or legs, pins and needles, numbness, stiffness, walking difficulties, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
If any of these symptoms are present (especially the last one), or if your pain gets worse and doesn’t improve even with treatment, it may be beneficial to seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional.
Author: Spinal Backrack
