Sometimes low back pain comes out of nowhere, but that sudden twinge in the lower back does have a cause. With some cases, there’s a trigger, like picking up a heavy object/furniture from an awkward position. But sometimes it can be a mystery and a challenge to diagnose.
It is important to know the cause of lower back pain to figure out the proper treatment plan.
Otherwise, one could receive treatment for the wrong diagnosis and possibly exacerbate the existing injury.
Why do I need to know what triggers my back pain
Knowing what triggers back pain is the first step toward prevention and how to treat it.Muscle spasms can stop you cold, and so I'm sure you don’t want another one.
Acute Back Pain
Acute low back pain typically comes on suddenly and lasts for a short time.It often resolves on its own with self-care and a little time.
Back pain that lasts longer than three months, is considered chronic.
Chronic back pain can be more complex and require doctor/spine specialist-directed treatment, like physical therapy.Lower Back Pain Is Common
Over 90 percent of adults will have some type of low back pain during their life.It happens to be the number one cause of job disability globally and the leading contributor to missed work.
Lower back pain happens more often, compared to mid or upper back pain because of the location and all of the movement.
The lower back supports the upper body's weight.
The low back known as the (lumbar spine) absorbs and distributes all of the forces and stress when we move:
- Walking
- Standing
- Rest
- Sitting
- Sleeping
These factors combined make the lower back vulnerable to painful spinal conditions.
Common Triggers
When the lumbar spine:- Muscles
- Tendons
- Ligaments
And other connective tissues get:
- Pulled
- Strained
- Sprained
Small tears in the disc can also contribute to back pain.
Basically, any number of activity and non-activity can cause damage to the spinal discs depending on the movement.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research saw 999 people from 300 clinics in Australia, to examine their pain triggers.
The most common triggers include:
Manual tasks performed in an awkward postureThis includes:
- Lifting boxes with the back and not bending the knees
- Lifting something too heavy
- Moderate physical activity
- Vigorous physical activity
Other triggers include:
- Overstretching
- Twisting
- And Trauma
From:
- Falls
- Vehicle accidents
- Sports
Triggers You Might Not Know About
Although we don't think about it being Distracted can increase the odds of low back pain.When we're not paying attention, we are more likely to lift and carry something too far from our body or distribute the weight unevenly.
Feeling tired and Fatigued is associated with lower back pain.
Getting the proper amount of sleep is vital to restore our bodies to optimal performance.
When we don't sleep the right amount of hours we make our bodies more susceptible to injury.
Treatment
Thankfully most cases are not serious and typically resolve within a few days to, four weeks healing on its own.But if not, then there are these conservative treatments that can help you feel better and speed up healing.
Continue to Move Around
Depending on how much pain your body will allow, keep doing regular activities and exercise, as best as you can.Activity increases blood flow, that moves oxygen and minerals/nutrients through the body.
Activity and movement help reduce muscle tension and inflammation.
Heat/Ice
This will not cure a strain or sprain, but they do help in pain reduction.Heat helps loosen tight muscles.
This can be done by making warm compresses by soaking a towel in hot water.
Fold it to the size you need and wrap it around your lower back up to 20 minutes. Then rest, massage and re-apply.
Therapy
Physical and manual therapies like:- Chiropractic care
- Therapeutic UltraSound
- Massage can bring temporary relief from short-term back pain.
If the pain is intense and interferes with daily activities, a chiropractor/physical therapist can offer exercises and stretches to:
- Improve posture
- Increase mobility
- Correct muscle imbalances
Understanding triggers can take steps to maintain a healthy spine and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Medication
Both acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain.These need to be taken, specifically as directed by your doctor. We've seen the opioid crisis going on and now this type of treatment is now a last resort. Various medical associations are now pushing towards natural and alternative therapies before turning to medication.
Prolonged use of NSAIDs (Aleve, Advil) can be associated with an upset stomach, kidney damage and gastrointestinal conditions and bleeding, among other conditions.
*BACK PAIN* Rehabilitation | El Paso, Tx (2019)
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