Lower back pain is a pain that occurs in the lower back, which is the last part of the back, and may or may not be accompanied by pain in the buttocks or legs, which can occur due to compression of the sciatic nerve, poor posture, herniated disk or spinal osteoarthritis, for example.
LBP usually improves within a few days, but if it is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult the orthopedist so that it is possible to identify the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include use. anti-inflammatory, pain relievers and, in some cases, physiotherapy sessions to help relieve symptoms.
- Depending on the duration of symptoms.
- Lower back pain can be classified as acute.
- When it appeared less than 6 weeks ago.
- And chronic.
- When it has been present for more than 12 weeks.
- Regardless of duration.
- The main symptoms associated with lower back pain are:.
In addition, depending on the cause of lbp, more specific symptoms may occur, such as radiated pain to buttocks and legs, difficulty walking and breathing pain, for example. Thus, it is important that the person with lumbalgia goes to the orthopedist when symptoms take time to improve, as it is possible to do a checkup and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
In addition to common symptoms of lower back pain, some people may develop other signs or symptoms that indicate that the situation is more severe and requires more attention. Some of the signs and symptoms of severity that may occur include fever, unexplained weight loss, and changes in sensation, such as feeling of shock or numbness.
In addition, when lower back pain occurs in people under age 20 or over 55 or after a fall or accident, it is also possible that the situation is more severe, and an evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon is important.
For the diagnosis of lbp, the orthopedist, rheumatologist or physiotherapist may, in addition to observing signs of the disease, request an imaging examination such as x-ray and MRI, to verify the existence of other diseases involved, such as a herniated disk, or to check if the sciatic nerve is compressed, which helps define the most appropriate treatment for each case.
Tests are sometimes normal despite difficulty moving and performing daily activities, which require treatment. This type of back pain is usually more common in people who perform manual activities, such as weightlifting, repetitive movements, or sitting or standing for a long time, always in the same position.
Lumbalgia can develop due to poor posture, anatomical deformity or local trauma, but it is not always possible to discover the cause, and can occur at all ages, also affecting men and women. Situations that promote pain at the end of the spine include:
In addition, being overweight can also promote the development of lumbalgia, because in this case there is a change in the point of severity, increased sagging and bloating of the abdomen, favoring pain.
Treatment of lower back pain should be guided by the orthopedist or rheumatologist according to the cause of the pain. For example, in some cases, the use of anti-inflammatory, corticosteroids, pain relievers and muscle relaxants may be indicated. See other medication options for lower back pain.
In cases of chronic lumbalgia, physiotherapy may also be recommended, which can be performed with surface and/or deep warm-up methods, stretching and back strengthening exercises.
Watch the video below for more tips you can do to combat back pain: