Back Pain Facts

Facts on Lower Back Pain

In the United States, lower back pain is one of the leading causes of disability. The statistics show that in every 10 individuals, eight are probably showing signs of the condition. If you have back pain and drive a lot, having a back massager for car seat may help.

Interestingly enough, the extent of pain most of the time has little to do with the severity of the patient's condition. Unlike other acute ailments and diseases, chronic lower back pain is generally not associated with the amount of damage present. For instance, a large disc herniation may be relatively painless whereas muscle spasms due to a back strain can be a reason for excruciating back pain.

The contributing factors to lower back pain may be extremely complex. In most cases, the people who suffer from it can't point out the exact location of the pain. Most times it's even difficult for them to describe what they exactly feel.

This is because there are usually a number of underlying areas in the lower back that are contributing to the pain. The list below point out several parts of the spinal anatomy that may be the reasons for pain.

• Irritation of the large sciatic nerve root located at the low back that is connected to the legs.

• Irritation in the smaller nerves in the lower back spine.

• Strain at the erector spinae, also termed as the large lower back muscle.

• Injury to the joints, ligaments and bones.

• Injury to the intervertebral disc.

There are cases however that the lower back pain is felt and suffered from yet there are no known anatomical cause or causes to relate the pain with. Though these types of lower back pain may not yet be fully recognized, immediate treatment must still be addressed. However, lower back pain may usually be associated with some general causes. An example of which is the muscle strain on the lower back or more specific diagnosable condition such as lumbar herniated disc or a degenerative disc disease.

Symptoms of lower back pain that are frequently related with surgical approaches:

• Bladder incontinence or sudden bowel movement
• Progressive weakening of the legs
• Continuous low back pain or abdominal pain
• Signs of fever and chills that are directly linked with lower back pain
• Cancer cases
• Extreme weight loss
• Recent case of trauma, especially when severe

Many people take lower back pain for granted, either by own choice or they are impeded by some irreversible reasons like insufficient and the likes. However, early diagnosis and treatment generally prevent people from experiencing more excruciating pains and higher treatment costs.