Low Back Pain
Your "lumbar spine", or lower back, is built from five bones stacked on top of each other with a shock-absorbing disc between every level. Your low back depends on muscles as well as ligaments for support. "Sprains" and "strains" happen when these tissues are being stretched too hard or too far, similar to a rope that frays when it is stretched beyond its normal capacity. The medical term "sprain" means that the tough, durable ligaments that keep your bones stable have been damaged, while "strain" means that your muscles or tendons that move your trunk have been partially torn.
Back Pain Is Extremly Common
Many people will experience low back pain at some point in their life, and 70% of these patients can connect their symptoms to sprain/strain injuries. Lumbar sprains and strains can be caused 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 caused by any single event, but rather from constant and repeated overloading. The spine can typically manage small isolated stressors relatively well, but repetitive challenges often lead to injuries in much the same way that constantly bending a piece of copper wire will eventually cause it to break. Examples of these stressors can include the following: bad postures, sedentary lifestyles, poor fitting workstations, repetitive movements, improper lifting, or being overweight.
Common Symptoms Of Back Pain
Symptoms from a sprains or a strain can begin very suddenly, but more often will develop gradually. Symptoms may range from a slight discomfort to a surprisingly debilitating pain that becomes increasingly sharper when you move. Rest may relieve your symptoms to some extent, but unfortunately will often leads to stiffness. The pain and discomfrot is typically centered in your lower back but can also be found to cause discomfort in your hips or thighs. Be sure to notify your doctor if you are finding that your pain is extending beyond your knee, or if you have weakness in your lower extremities or a fever.
Seeking Early Treatment
Injuries from sprains and strains can cause your normal healthy elastic tissue to be replaced with significantly less elastic "scar tissue." This process can at times lead to ongoing pain and even arthritis. Patients who elect to recieve treatment for their symptoms and "just deal with it" develop chronic low back pain more than 60% of the time. Seeking treatement early on can have a significant impact on how effective treatments are for your pain.
Seeking Early Treatment
Depending on the sever your injury is, you may potentially need to limit your activity for a period of time, especially bending, twisting, and lifting, or movements that cause pain. Bed rest is typically not in your best interest. You should remain as active you feel possible and return to normal activities as your symptoms allow. In the short-term the use of a lumbar support belt may be helpful. Sitting makes your back temporarily more susceptible to sprains and strains from quick or unexpected movements. Be cautious and mindful to take "micro breaks" from workstations for about 10 seconds every 20 minutes. For dealing with acute injuries, you can apply ice for 15-20 minutes each hour. Heat can be helpful after several days or for more chronic types of pain. Ask your doctor for specific ice/heat recommendations. Some patients find at least partial relief from the use of sports creams.