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Low back pain is pain that occurs in the lower back, which is the final part of the back, and which may or may not be accompanied by pain in the glutes or legs, which can happen due to sciatic nerve compression, poor posture, herniated disc or spinal arthrosis, for example.
Low back pain usually improves after a few days, however if it is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms it is important that the orthopedist be consulted so that it is possible to identify the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include the use of anti -inflammatory, analgesics and, in some cases, physiotherapy sessions to help relieve symptoms.
Low back pain symptoms
According to the duration of symptoms, low back pain can be classified as acute, when it appeared less than 6 weeks ago, and chronic, when it has been present for more than 12 weeks. Regardless of the duration, the main symptoms related to low back pain are:
- Pain at the end of the spine;
- Contracture and increased muscle tension in the region;
- Inability to sit or stand for a long time, making it necessary to seek new positions to sit, sleep or walk.
In addition, depending on the cause of low back pain, more specific symptoms may appear, such as pain radiating to the glutes and legs, difficulty walking and pain when breathing, for example. Thus, it is important that the person with low back pain seek the orthopedist when the symptoms take time to improve, because that way it is possible to make an assessment and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
Signs that low back pain is severe
In addition to the common symptoms of low back pain, some people may develop other signs or symptoms that indicate that the situation is more serious and needs more attention. Some of the signs and symptoms of severity that can appear are fever, weight loss without an apparent cause and changes in sensation, such as feeling of shock or numbness.
In addition, when low back pain occurs in people under the age of 20 or over 55 or after a fall or accident, it is also possible that the situation is more serious, and an evaluation by an orthopedist is important.
How the diagnosis is made
In order to diagnose low back pain, the orthopedist, rheumatologist or physiotherapist may, in addition to observing the signs of the disease, request an image exam such as x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging, to check for the existence of other diseases involved, such as herniated disc, or check if the sciatic nerve is compressed, which helps to define the most appropriate treatment for each case.
Sometimes the exams are normal despite the difficulty of moving and performing daily activities, requiring treatment. Usually, this type of back pain is more frequent in people who practice manual activities, such as weight lifting, repetitive movements or sitting or standing for a long time, always in the same position.
Main causes
Low back pain can develop due to poor posture, anatomical deformity or local trauma, but it is not always possible to discover its cause, and it can occur at all ages, affecting men and women equally. Some situations that favor pain at the end of the spine are:
- Repetitive efforts;
- Small traumas, such as falling;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Inadequate posture;
- Spinal arthrosis;
- Osteoporosis in the spine;
- Myofascial syndrome;
- Spondylolisthesis;
- Ankylosing spondylitis;
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition, being overweight can also favor the development of low back pain, since in this case there is a change in the severity point, greater flaccidity and distension of the abdomen, favoring pain.
How is the treatment
The treatment for low back pain should be guided by the orthopedist or rheumatologist according to the cause of the pain. Thus, in some cases, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, analgesics and muscle relaxants, for example, may be indicated. See other options for low back pain medications.
In cases of chronic low back pain, physical therapy may also be recommended, which can be performed with methods of superficial and / or deep heating, stretching and strengthening exercises for the back.
Check out the following video for more tips you can do to fight back pain: