Low Back Pain
The lower back region starts from the rib cage with interconnected bones, joints, and ligaments. Its integral function is to provide stability and structural support to the human body. This region is also termed as the lumbar region.
Low back pain is a common experience usually faced by many people in the course of their life. Pain in the lower back region can be severe or chronic and may take time to recover and need effective treatment options if it doesn’t heal independently.

Source of Back Pain
Pain can be categorized into different types depending upon the severity and duration of the pain. For instance, acute pain can occur suddenly as a result of tissue damage or a sudden injury. It usually heals on its own. Whereas the pain that may reside for more than a few months usually occurs in response to a lumbar region’s severe condition. It is termed chronic pain. This kind of problem requires proper medical treatments and follow-up sessions to manage it.
Other conditions associated with lower back pain may include:

• Spinal stenosis.
• Deformity.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Dislocation of the spine as a result of trauma.
• Neuropathic pain
• Myelopathic pain.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain
The symptoms of lumbar pain may vary from mild to severe, depending upon the condition. The most common symptoms associated with lower back pain may include:

• Dull or sharp pain around the lower back region.
• A burning sensation around the lower back region, thighs, or buttock area.
• Tightness in the lower back, pelvic, or hip region.
• Muscle strain or muscle spasms.
• Inability to walk, sit, or stand for a longer duration.

 

Types of Lower Back Pain
Depending upon the pain’s level of severity, the following are some of its most common types:

• Mechanical Pain.
• Radicular Pain.

 

Mechanical Pain
Mechanical pain in the lower back region occurs mostly in the ligament, muscle, or joint area surrounding the spine. This pain usually occurs around the buttock, thighs, or lower leg region. The severity of the pain may vary based on the type of movement and different activities.
Radicular Pain
Radicular pain is a type of pain that occurs in response to impingement or inflammation of a nerve. Usually, it follows a specific pattern; for instance, it may move from the lower back to the leg region.

Home Treatment Options to Cure Your Low Back Pain

• Taking Rest at Regular Intervals

Often pain occurs as a result of continuously indulging yourself in strenuous activities. It is highly advised to take rest after regular intervals but makes sure to not remain inactive for a longer duration.

• Application of Heat or Cold Therapy

Applying heat can increase your blood flow, thus ultimately helping in relaxing your tensed muscles. Ice or heat therapy is also effective in reducing inflammation.

• Use of Pain Medications

Ask your neuro spine specialist to prescribe pain medications if you are suffering from severe pain and are not recovering. Anti-inflammatory pain medications help relieve low back pain

Most Common Non-Surgical Options to Cure Low Back Pain
Your neuro spine specialist may offer a customized plan to alleviate your back pain symptoms. Depending upon your condition, he may suggest an integrated treatment plan to cure your back pain. The most common non-surgical options offered by him may include:

• Use of antidepressants or muscle relaxants to manage chronic pain.
• Use of opioids or pain-killers to treat chronic or intense low back pain.
• Attending regular physical therapy sessions to enhance mobility.
• Use of epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation of the lumbar region.

 

Surgical Options to Alleviate Lower Back Pain
Spine surgery can be a complicated procedure, and it is usually not recommended if you have mild to intermediate lumbar pain symptoms. Your neuro spine surgeon may recommend surgery in case if the pain is worsening over time, and you are not getting recovered after completion of a customized non-surgical plan. In case of a pressed nerve root, you may be asked to undergo decompression surgery, which may involve microdiscectomy or laminectomy.

When to Seek Medical Emergency?
Low back pain can be a consequence of an underlying cause that needs to be diagnosed. You must seek medical attention at your earliest if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Loss of bladder control or bowel dysfunction.
• Sudden weight loss.
• Abrupt temperature changes.
• Severe pain in the abdominal region.