Shooting Lower Back Pain: What Could Be The Reason?

Lower back pain, anatomically speaking, is described as a pain between lower edge of the ribs and buttock. It can last for a short time, longer and even chronic periods.

Regardless of age or gender, lower back pain can affect anyone. Severe back pain can affect quality of life and limit work activities.

In this blog, we will build more on this medical condition, its symptoms and treatment options.

How Common Is This Lower Back Pain? People At Risk

Lower back pain is a relatively common condition. It can occur to 4 out of 5 people at some point in their lives. Some of the risk factors include:

People over the age of 30 can develop a higher risk of lower back pain.
People who are categorized as obese or overweight are more likely to have lower back pain.
Overall weakened abdominal muscles can also be a leading cause of back strains and pain.
People who consume alcohol or smoke are more at risk.
Physically strenuous jobs which require heavy lifting can increase the risk of lower back pain.
Conditions known as scoliosis can also cause this issue.
People who have a history of osteoarthritis or cancer are at a higher risk of developing lower back pain.
Back pain may also be a result of depression and anxiety.

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

As the name holds it, sudden, sharp pain is the first apparent symptom. Pain can be sharp, dull or achy. It may travel from the lower back to bottom, or the back of your legs. Other symptoms may include:

Stiffness
Posture issues
Muscle spasm

Causes of Lower Back Pain

There are many possible causes of lower back pain, including:

The most common is strains and sprains. This includes muscle, ligament or tendon injury by lifting something heavy, incorrect posture, sneezing or twisting.
Accidents which may cause a spine fracture.
Disk problems can also cause lower back pain.
Spinal stenosis can cause severe sciatic or back pain.
Osteoarthritis can also cause lower back pain, inflammation and stiffness.
Spine tumors, infections and certain cancers can cause back pain.
A condition known as Spondylolisthesis leads to lower back pain.

Diagnosis of Lower Back Pain

In order to diagnose the exact cause of lower back pain, your healthcare provider may run some tests, including:

X-ray
MRI
CT scan
EMG
Blood or urine test

When Should You See A Doctor?

In some cases, back pain goes away on its own. Of-course with adequate rest and pain relievers.

Some signs which may require you to go see a doctor, are:

Pain that does not go away for a week.
Tingling, numbness, weakness or pain traveling to your buttocks or legs.
Severe pain or muscle spasm
Fever
Unexplained weight loss
Bowel and bladder problems

Treatments of Lower Back Pain

Once your doctor has gotten to the root cause of pain, there can be many treatment options that you could take.

Mild back pain should get better with ice and over the counter pain relievers.
Physical therapy may be recommended to support your spine.
Injections may be administered to relieve pain.
Some injuries or conditions may need surgery.

Final Words

Lower back pain is a common condition. It does resolve on its own given rest and pain relievers. However, in some cases, you may require immediate medical diagnosis and care. Reach out to us at Rheumatology Care of North Houston. Book your appointment by calling (832) 532-9779.