Lower back pain: causes, prevention and treatment
Lower back pain is one of the commonest reasons to visit an orthopedic clinic. Learn its usual causes, what helps at home and when to see a doctor.
Most people have lower back pain at least once, and it usually improves within a few weeks without surgery. The commonest cause is a strain of muscles and ligaments from lifting badly, sitting for long periods or lack of movement. It may also be linked to a slipped disc or wear of the small joints of the spine.
What helps in the first days?
- Stay as active as you can bear; long bed rest slows recovery.
- Use a warm or cold pack on the painful area, whichever feels better.
- A simple painkiller can be used after asking a doctor or pharmacist; do not continue for many days without follow-up.
- Change your sitting position every 30 to 45 minutes and avoid bending while lifting.
How to protect your back:
- Strengthen the abdominal and back muscles with regular exercises set by a specialist.
- Lift by bending the knees, not the back, and keep the load close to your body.
- Choose an office chair that supports the lower back, with the screen at eye level.
- Keep a healthy weight and stop smoking.
When to see a doctor:
- Pain lasting more than two to three weeks, or getting worse.
- Pain going down the leg with numbness or weakness.
- Pain that wakes you at night or does not ease with rest.
- Pain after a fall or accident, or with fever or unexplained weight loss.
Emergencies: sudden weakness in both legs, loss of control of urine or stool, or numbness around the pelvis. Go straight to the nearest emergency department.
This is general health information. It does not replace seeing a doctor and having your own condition examined.
