Lower Back Pain: All You Need to Know

Lower back pain is a widespread issue that can range from a dull ache after a long day to a sharp, excruciating pain that can make you miss a breath. The good news is that lower back pain can be managed and treated. With preventive measures, simple remedies, and physiotherapy, most people can alleviate their back pain. The key lies in understanding your body, maintaining proper posture, and taking action before discomfort becomes debilitating. So, let’s dive into the core of the issue by starting with the basics.

What Is Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain refers to discomfort, stiffness, or aching in the lumbar region of the spine, which is located between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the pelvis. It can range from a dull, persistent ache to sharp, acute ache that limits movement and can be caused by various factors such as muscle strain, poor posture, herniated discs, arthritis, or injuries.

What Are the Symptoms of Lower Back Pain?

The symptoms of lower back pain can vary depending on the cause and severity, but common signs include:

• Dull, aching pain: A constant, nagging discomfort in the lower back, which may worsen with movement.
• Sharp or stabbing pain: Intense, localized ache that may occur with certain activities or movements.
• Muscle stiffness or tightness: Difficulty moving or bending due to stiff muscles in the lower back.
• Ache that radiates: Discomfort that extends from the lower back down to the buttocks, hips, or legs (often called sciatica).
• Limited range of motion: Difficulty standing up straight, bending, or moving due to ache or stiffness.
• Muscle spasms: Sudden, involuntary contractions or tightness in the back muscles.

Ache that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing: Lower back ache may increase after staying in one position for too long.

Note: If lower back pain is accompanied by symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, it could indicate a more serious issue, such as a nerve problem, and may require medical attention from a lower back pain doctor in Pune like Dr. Aniket, an experienced orthopaedic surgeon.

What are the main reasons behind lower back pain??

Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Muscle or ligament strain: Overuse, heavy lifting, or sudden awkward movements can strain muscles and ligaments in the lower back.
• Herniated or ruptured discs: The discs between the vertebrae act as cushions, but when one becomes damaged, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain.
• Degenerative disc disease: As people age, the spinal discs lose hydration and flexibility, which can lead to ache and stiffness.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility in the spine.
• Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve can cause shooting ache or numbness in the leg and buttocks.
• Poor posture: Sitting or standing with improper posture can strain the muscles and ligaments in the lower back.
• Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the nerves.
• Injuries: Trauma from accidents, falls, or sports injuries can lead to lower back ache.
• Lifestyle factors: Lack of physical activity, obesity, and poor body mechanics during daily activities can increase the risk of developing low back pain.

Lower Back Pain in Women

The cause of lower back pain in women can be hormonal changes, pregnancy, menstruation, or gynecological conditions such as endometriosis. Women may experience additional strain due to changes in posture, weight distribution, and pelvic alignment.

How Is Lower Back Pain Diagnosed?

Dr. Aniket, a lower back pain doctor in Pune, follows a thorough diagnostic process that includes:

• Medical history assessment: Understanding symptoms, lifestyle, and potential injury history.
• Physical examination: Checking posture, muscle strength, and movement limitations.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to identify structural issues.
• Neurological tests: Evaluating nerve function to detect compression or damage.

What Are the Treatments for Lower Back Ache?

Self-care and Lifestyle Changes

• Rest and activity modification: Short periods of rest, avoiding prolonged inactivity.
• Heat or ice therapy: Ice reduces inflammation; heat relaxes muscles.

Physical Therapy and Exercise

• Stretching and strengthening exercises: Improve flexibility and posture.
• Manual therapy: Techniques like massage or spinal manipulation.
• Posture training: Correcting sitting, standing, and movement habits.

Alternative Therapies

• Acupuncture, yoga, and Pilates: Relieve tension and strengthen muscles.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps manage chronic ache.

Medications

• NSAIDs or acetaminophen: Over-the-counter ache relievers.
• Muscle relaxants: To reduce spasms.
• Topical ache relievers: Gels or creams for localized relief.

Recommended Stretches and Exercises for Lower Back Ache

Stretches

• Cat-Cow Stretch: Improves spinal flexibility.
• Child’s Pose: Stretches lower back and hips.
• Knee-to-Chest Stretch: Relieves tension in the lower back.

Strengthening Exercises

• Pelvic tilts: Strengthen core muscles.
• Bridges: Engage glutes and lower back muscles.
• Bird-Dog Exercise: Enhances balance and spinal stability.

Consult Dr. Aniket – Leading Lower Back Pain Doctor in Pune

If you are struggling with lower back ache then Don’t wait until it worsens. Consult Dr. Aniket, an expert orthopedic surgeon in Pune, for a personalized treatment plan to restore mobility and reduce discomfort. Book an appointment today!

Tags: Lower Back Pain Treatment in Pune, Orthopaedic Doctor in Pune, Orthopaedic Treatment in Pune, Lower Back Pain Doctor in Pune, Lower Back Pain Doctor near Pune.