LOW BACK PAIN

LOW BACK PAIN - Low back pain is a universal human experience -- almost everyone has it at some point. The lower back, which starts below the ribcage, is called the lumbar region. Pain here can be intense and is one of the top causes of missed work. Fortunately, low back pain often gets better on its own. When it doesn't, there are effective treatments. In most episodes of low back pain, a specific underlying cause is not identified or even looked for, with the pain believed to be due to mechanical problems such as joint strain. If the pain does not go away with conservative treatment or if it is accompanied by "red flags" such as unexplained weight loss, fever, or significant problems with feeling or movement, further testing may be needed to look for a serious problem.

Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of problems with any parts of the complex, interconnected network of spinal muscles, nerves, bones, discs or tendons in the lumbar spine. Typical sources of low back pain include:

• The large nerve roots in the low back that go to the legs may be irritated
• The smaller nerves that supply the low back may be irritated
• The large paired lower back muscles may be strained
• The bones, ligaments or joints may be damaged
• An intervertebral disc may be degenerating

Certain causes of lower back pain have a tendency to occur more often in younger individuals versus older adults:

• Younger adults (30 to 60 year olds) are more likely to experience back pain from the disc space itself or from a back muscle strain or other soft tissue strain.
• Older adults (over 60) are more likely to suffer from pain related to joint degeneration or from a compression fracture.