Dealing with low back pain?
Your low back is very much reliant on its surrounding muscles and ligaments for support. "Sprains" and "strains" are a direct result of these tissues being stretched too hard or too far, much in the same way that a rope frays when it is stretched beyond its normal capacity.
A "sprain" refers to damage to the tough, sturdy ligaments that protect bones, while a "strain" occurs when the muscles or tendons that drive the trunk are partially broken.
Lumbar sprains and strains can often result from sudden or forceful movements like a fall, twist, lift, push, pull, direct blow, or quickly straightening up from a seated, crouched, or bent position. Most commonly, sprains and strains are not the result of any single event, but rather from repeated overloading.
Small isolated stressors are easily managed by the spine, but repetitive challenges can cause injury in the same way that repeatedly bending a piece of the copper wire causes it to snap. Examples of stress that can cause lower back pain include bad postures, sedentary lifestyles, poor-fitting workstations, repetitive movements, improper lifting, or being overweight.
Symptoms can be varied from dull discomfort to surprisingly debilitating pain that becomes increasingly sharp when you move.
Always try to notify your doctor if your pain extends beyond your knee, or if you have weakness in certain cases, rest can help relieve the symptoms, but it can also cause stiffness. The pain is most often felt in your lower back, but it can also extend to your hips and thighs.s in your lower extremities or a fever.
This process can lead to an ongoing cycle of pain and even arthritis. Patients who elect to forego treatment and "just deal with it" are known to develop chronic low back pain in 60% of cases. It is important to obtain early and adequate care, such as the kind given in our office.
Bed rest is not in your best interest. You should only allow yourself to return to normal activities as your symptoms allow.
The short-term use of a lumbar support belt may help reduce your symptoms. Sitting makes your back temporarily more vulnerable to sustain a sprain or sprain from a sudden movement. It may be wise to take "micro-breaks" from workstations for 10 seconds every 20 minutes. Following acute injuries, you can apply ice for 15-20 minutes each hour. Heat may also be helpful after several days or for more chronic origins of pain. Be sure to tell your doctor about your particular situation and ask for specific ice/heat advice. Sports creams also provided partial relief for some patients.
