Lower back pain or discomfort is experienced by most adults. It is among the most common problems and/or complaints of adults as they progress in life. Ironically, the severity of the pain does not equate to the physical damage of the disability.
For example, muscle spasms from a simple back strain can cause intolerable pain that a patient may not be able to stand or move, whereas a large herniated disc or completely degenerated disc can be completely painless.
The causes of lower back pains are often complex and difficult to determine. Nevertheless, lower back pain symptoms can be generally categorized as a back sprain or strain, nerve-root pressure, arthritis of the spine, and diseases that affect the spine. Back sprain or strain is the most common symptom experienced by adults with pain in their lower back. Adult patients would experience stiffness, spasm, or cramping as signs and symptoms of their lower back pain.
The pain can be very excruciating that patients are unable to move and work effectively and properly. Moreover, the pain in the lower back is most felt when a patient twists or bends over. Inactivity often over time cause these symptoms and pain in the lower back. Nonetheless, a patient need not worry as the body heals from this injury in a few days to a few weeks. To avoid further re-injury, patients should undergo a regular exercise regimen with strength training focusing on the muscles in the lower back. This prevents symptoms of lower back pain such as stiffness in the lower back recurring as well as improves the overall mobility of ligaments.
An injury can also cause a back sprain or strain. In general, very strenuous physical activity such as lifting heavy materials and overstretching may apply too much stress or may overextend muscles in the lower back that causes pain and discomfort. Lower back pain symptoms such as strained muscle can be medicated with anti-inflammatory medicine to relieve patients of soreness and pain. In time, the muscles in the lower back will also heal. Similarly, athletes/patients are advised to undergo rehabilitation or strength training programs to avoid further injury.
On the other hand, lower back pain symptoms of nerve-root pressure generally include leg pain and nerve-related problems such as tingling, numbness, and weakness in one leg or the foot, lower leg or both legs. Lower back pain symptoms are the outcome of pressure on a nerve than on a muscle.
Most commonly, lower back pain symptoms start from the buttocks and extend to the back of the leg until the ankle or foot. Depending on the cause of the lower back pain, symptoms may be better or worse in various positions such as bending forward or backward or standing or sitting down. Symptoms can come suddenly or gradually. Lower back pain symptoms may vary in its severity. If such symptoms persist, it is often best to consult a physician to seek advice.
Patients experiencing the symptoms of arthritis feel stiffness and pain in the lower back. Generally, pain is felt in the lower back and hip region. Arthritis starts gradually and gets worse over time. It is generally worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity. Nevertheless, arthritis relief is felt when the patient moves around.
There are also symptoms of other illnesses which cause pain in the lower back. It is always advisable to consult a physician when in doubt about the cause of the pains in the lower back.
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