Low Back Pain: How Common is It?
Low back pain is one of the most common causes of disability and missed work days in the United States. As many as 80% of adults will experience low back pain at some point in their lives.
Common Causes of Low Back Pain
Low back pain can result from injury, conditions, and diseases. There are many different causes of low back pain, but some of the most common include the following:
- Muscle strains
- Stiffness
- Poor posture or alignment
- Sprains and ligament injuries
- Weak core and back muscles
The pain can range from mild to severe. The pain may be constant, or it may come and go. You may also feel pain in other parts of your body, such as your legs, hips, or groin. Acute pain usually lasts for a few days to a few weeks. But if the pain doesn’t go away or worsens, it may become chronic low back pain. Chronic low back pain lasts for more than three months.
The type of pain you experience can also vary depending on the cause. For example, muscle strains may cause dull, aching pain, while disc problems may cause sharp, shooting pains. However, regardless of the reason, low back pain can be debilitating and make it difficult to carry out your everyday activities.
Structural conditions and diseases that may cause low back pain include:
- degenerative disc disease
- facet joint arthritis
- spondylolysis
- spondylolisthesis
- spinal stenosis
- sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- scoliosis
- osteoporosis
Risk factors for lower back pain include age, being overweight, smoking, pregnancy, occupation, and having a sedentary lifestyle. You can help prevent low back pain by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding long periods of sitting.
Depression and anxiety are also common among people with chronic low back pain because the pain can be so debilitating that it causes feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Low back pain is a complex problem. The best treatment for you will depend on the cause of your pain and your symptoms.
Some common treatments include:
- Hot and cold packs
- Physical therapy
- Yoga and exercise
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Medication
- Steroid injections
- Surgery (in rare cases)
Bottom Line: If you’re dealing with low back pain, don’t suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor to determine the cause of your pain and treatment options.
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