Low Back Pain: A Silent Threat to the Working Age Population

Back pain is a prevalent condition among working-age adults and the elderly, with lower back pain being the most commonly reported type. This discomfort typically originates in the lumbar region, extending to the hips, and in some cases, radiates down the legs.

Those who spend prolonged periods in the same position, particularly individuals engaged in sedentary work requiring hours of continuous sitting, are at a significantly higher risk of developing lower back pain. Early consultation with a medical professional is strongly recommended upon noticing symptoms to prevent further complications that could disrupt daily life. This article aims to provide comprehensive insights into lower back pain, equipping readers with the knowledge needed to understand and effectively manage this condition.

Table of Contents

Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain arises from a variety of factors, with the most common being overuse or injury to the back muscles. This often results from repetitive movements or prolonged periods spent in the same position. Such cases are particularly prevalent among office workers who spend the majority of their day sitting with minimal physical activity, making them more prone to developing lower back discomfort. Additional contributing factors include:

Lifting Heavy Objects: Regularly lifting heavy items poses a significant risk of developing back pain. This can result from either the excessive weight of the objects or improper lifting techniques. To minimize the risk of injury, it is essential to adopt proper lifting posture and techniques.
Degenerative Spine: Age-related wear and tear of intervertebral discs and spinal joints is a prevalent cause of back pain, particularly among older adults. This natural degeneration can lead to discomfort and, in more severe cases, nerve compression within the spinal canal, a condition commonly referred to as a “Spinal stenosis.” Symptoms often include persistent lower back pain, radiating pain down the leg, numbness, or muscle weakness.
Herniated Disc: Frequently observed among working-age adults, a herniated disc typically manifests as lower back pain radiating down one leg, often accompanied by sensations of numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
Accidents: Traumatic incidents, including slips and falls, falls from heights, traffic collisions, and sports-related injuries, are common causes of lower back pain. Such events can lead to fractures, muscle strain, or soft tissue damage in the lower back.
Tumors: Although rare, tumors or metastatic cancer affecting the spine can be a serious underlying cause of lower back pain. This type of pain is typically intense, persistent, and unresponsive to conventional pain relief methods. Key indicators may include severe pain that disrupts sleep, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and a prior history of cancer.
Infections: Infections affecting the spine, such as those involving its bones or joints, are uncommon but serious causes of lower back pain. These conditions often manifest as localized pain in a specific area of the back and may be accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever.

Symptoms Associated with Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain caused by muscle or joint problems often manifests as localized discomfort in the lumbar region. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the hips. However, if the condition involves nerve compression in the spinal canal, such as a herniated disc or spondylolisthesis with nerve impingement, additional symptoms may include pain radiating down the leg, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness while standing or walking, depending on the affected nerve. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life. Prompt consultation with a physician is essential to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation

For individuals with severe or chronic lower back pain, medical evaluation is crucial to identify the root cause and determine the most effective treatment for each specific case. Treatment options include medication and rehabilitation.

Medications

Treatments such as physical therapy may be recommended.Your doctor may prescribe medications such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or neuropathic pain relievers, tailored to your condition. If pain persists despite medication, additional

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation focuses on reducing pain, restoring function, and improving your overall well-being. A rehabilitation program tailored to your specific needs may be recommended. Common rehabilitation techniques include:

Heat Therapy
Ultrasound Therapy
Laser Therapy
Shockwave Therapy: Used to relax muscles and alleviate pain
Neurac Technique (Red Cod) Enhances posture, flexibility, and muscle strength
Huber 360 A rehabilitation tool designed to strengthen specific muscle groups, such as the lower back. It can also be customized for sports-specific training programs.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is usually considered a last resort for lower back pain when other treatments fail. It may be appropriate for conditions, such as a herniated disc or degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Preventing Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can often be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices, including:

Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Regular Exercise: Strengthen the back and core muscles
Avoiding Risky Activities: Minimize activities that put excessive strain on your back, such as lifting heavy objects improperly
Frequent Movement: Avoid remaining in one position for extended periods. Take breaks to stretch and change posture every hour

In Summary

Lower back pain, which occurs from the ribcage to the buttocks, can stem from overuse, strain, spinal degeneration, accidents, and other factors. In some cases, the pain radiates down the legs, indicating nerve compression. Treatment options range from non-surgical approaches to surgical interventions, depending on the underlying cause and medical diagnosis.

Article by: Jirachai Pisutbenya, M.D., Specialist Spine Surgeon

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