Some examples of mechanical causes of low back pain include:. Age: The first attack of low back pain typically occurs between the ages of 30 and 50, and back pain becomes more common with advancing age.
Loss of bone strength from osteoporosis can lead to fractures, and at the same time, muscle elasticity and tone decrease. The intervertebral discs begin to lose fluid and flexibility with age, which decreases their ability to cushion the vertebrae.
The risk of spinal stenosis also increases with age. Fitness level: Back pain is more common among people who are not physically fit.
Weak back and abdominal muscles may not properly support the spine. Studies show that low-impact aerobic exercise can help maintain the integrity of intervertebral discs. Weight gain: Being overweight, obese, or quickly gaining significant amounts of weight can put stress on the back and lead to low back pain. Genetics: Some causes of back pain, such as ankylosing spondylitis a form of arthritis that involves fusion of the spinal joints leading to some immobility of the spine , have a genetic component.
Job-related factors: Having a job that requires heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling, particularly when it involves twisting or vibrating the spine, can lead to injury and back pain. Working at a desk all day can contribute to pain, especially from poor posture or sitting in a chair with not enough back support. Mental health: Anxiety and depression can influence how closely one focuses on their pain as well as their perception of its severity.
Pain that becomes chronic also can contribute to the development of such psychological factors. Stress can affect the body in numerous ways, including causing muscle tension. Smoking: It can restrict blood flow and oxygen to the discs, causing them to degenerate faster. Backpack overload in children: A backpack overloaded with schoolbooks and supplies can strain the back and cause muscle fatigue.
Psychological factors: Mood and depression, stress, and psychological well-being also can influence the likelihood of experiencing back pain. A complete medical history and physical exam can usually identify any serious conditions that may be causing the pain. Neurologic tests can help determine the cause of pain and appropriate treatment. Imaging tests are not needed in most cases but may be ordered to rule out specific causes of pain, including tumors and spinal stenosis. Occasionally the cause of chronic lower back pain is difficult to determine even after a thorough examination.
Bone scans can detect and monitor an infection, fracture, or bone disorder. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream and collects in the bones, particularly in areas with some abnormality.
Scanner-generated images can identify specific areas of irregular bone metabolism or abnormal blood flow, as well as to measure levels of joint disease.
Discography involves injecting a contrast dye into a spinal disc thought to be causing low back pain. The dye helps to show the damaged areas on CT scans taken following the injection.
Electrodiagnostics can identify problems related to the nerves in the back and legs. The procedures include:. Diagnostic imaging tests allow specialists to see into the body without having to perform exploratory surgery. Myofascial release therapy: Can it relieve back pain?
Acupuncture Chiropractic adjustment Diskectomy Functional electrical stimulation for spinal cord injury Laminectomy Radiofrequency neurotomy Spinal fusion Ultrasound Show more related information. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Acupuncture for back pain? Inversion therapy: Can it relieve back pain? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Back pain: In depth. Accessed June 22, Low back pain: Fact sheet.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Chou R, et al. Nonpharmacologic therapies for low back pain: A systematic review for an American College of Physicians clinical practice guideline. Annals of Internal Medicine. Kellerman RD, et al. Spine pain. In: Conn's Current Therapy Elsevier; Low back pain. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Walls RM, et al. Back pain. Foster NE, et al. Prevention and treatment of low back pain: Evidence, challenges and promising directions.
Learn more about how to use them and how they work. Strained muscles often cause back pain. Strain commonly occurs with incorrect lifting of heavy objects and sudden awkward movements. Strain can also result from over-activity.
An example is the sore feeling and stiffness that occurs after a few hours of yard work or playing a sport. Vertebrae are the interlocking bones stacked on top of one another that make up the spine.
Disks are areas of tissue that cushion the space between each vertebra. Disk injuries are a fairly common cause of back pain. Sometimes these disks can bulge, herniate, or rupture. Nerves can get compressed when this happens. Herniated disks can be very painful.
A bulging disk pressing on the nerve that travels from your back down your leg can cause sciatica or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can be experienced in your leg as:. Spinal osteoarthritis is also a potential cause for back pain. Over time, this condition can lead to narrowing of the spinal column, or spinal stenosis. Loss of bone density and thinning of the bone, called osteoporosis , can lead to small fractures in your vertebrae.
These fractures can cause serious pain and are referred to as compression fractures. There are many other potential causes of back pain, but most of these are rare. Be sure to see your doctor if you experience regular back pain that does not go away. After ruling out the more common causes of back pain, your doctor will perform tests to determine if you have a rarer cause. These can include:. The symptoms of back pain, if due to strain or misuse, are usually short-lived but can last for days or weeks.
There are times when back pain can be a symptom of a serious medical problem. During the physical exam, your doctor may test your:. These tips can help ease back pain when it happens.
They can also help you prevent back pain in the first place. Heavy briefcases, laptop bags, suitcases, and purses can add unnecessary stress and strain to your neck and spine. Try to reduce what you need to carry, and use bags that distribute the weight more evenly, such as a backpack. If you can, use a bag with wheels to keep weight off your back entirely. The muscles in and around your abdomen and back help keep you upright and carry you through your physical activities.
Strengthening them can also reduce the chances of pain, strain, or damage to your back. Plug strength-training workouts with a core focus into your regular fitness routine at least twice a week. Poor posture can put unnecessary pressure and strain on your spine. Over time, this can lead to pain and damage.
High-heeled shoes are likely to cause damage to your back if you wear them frequently. Pick comfortable, low-heeled shoes when you can. One inch is a maximum heel height suggestion. Doing the same thing every day can leave your muscles fatigued and more apt to strain.
Stretch regularly to help improve circulation in those muscles and lower the risk of back pain and damage. If you think these five tips are helpful for preventing back pain, read five more ways to help reduce your chances of hurting your back. Your mental health also has an effect on your risk for back pain. You may be at a higher risk for back pain if you have a stressful job or have depression and anxiety. Your spine and back arch to make up for the change in balance.
This put extra stress on the lower lumbar spine. As your body prepares to deliver the baby, it releases hormones that loosen the ligaments that stabilize your pelvis and lumbar spine. These same hormones can cause the bones in your spine to shift, too, which may lead to discomfort and pain. Here are two exercises you can try. These moves require no special equipment and can be performed anywhere you can access an area of open floor. A yoga mat is recommended but not necessary.
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