Pain in the lower back is a major concern today, especially with people who have to either stand or sit in one place for long hours mostly due to work condition. Lower back pain is not a disease in itself but can be accounted for being a symptom for any other disease or deformity. Almost everyone gets affected by this condition at least once in their lifetime.
After headache it is the second most common neurological ailment. Physicians classify lower back pain according to the duration of symptoms as acute (less than 4 weeks), sub acute (4–12 weeks), chronic (more than 12 weeks). Most of the lower back pain occurs from benign musculoskeletal problems caused by sprain or strain in the muscle or soft tissues.

Causes of lower back pain are:
•    Injury or overuse of muscles, ligaments, and joints.
•    Pressure on nerve roots in the spinal canal. This can be caused by:
?    A herniated disc, sometimes brought on by repeated vibration or motion (as during sport activity or when using a machine or lifting in the wrong way) or by a sudden heavy strain or increased pressure to the lower back.
?    Osteoarthritis, usually caused by getting older. When osteoarthritis affects the small joints in the spine, it can lead to back pain. Osteoarthritis in other joints, such as the hips, can cause you to limp or to change the way you walk. This can also lead to back pain.

?    Spondylolisthesis, a defect that allows one vertebra to slide over another.
?    Spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal, which is usually caused by getting older.
?    Fractures of the vertebrae caused by a lot of force, such as from an auto or bicycle accident, a direct blow to the spine, or compressing the spine by falling onto the buttocks or head.
?    Spinal deformities, including curvature problems such as severe scoliosis or kyphosis.

•    Compression fractures. These are more common among post-menopausal women with osteoporosis and in men or women after long-term corticosteroid use. In a person with osteoporosis, even a small amount of force put on the spine, as from a sneeze, may cause a compression fracture.
•    Infections of the bones (osteomyelitis) of the spine are an uncommon cause of low back pain.
•    Tumors, possibly cancerous, can be a source of skeletal pain.

One can prevent lower back pain by opting for exercises that help in relaxing back. Consult a physiotherapist if you work in strenuous conditions and likely to get back pain. Remember prevention is better than cure. If you have lower back pain then consult a rheumatologist to further diagnose your condition and the reason behind the lower back pain. Any underlying disease can also be the reason. Take the medication prescribed by the rheumatology physician to control the lower back pain. If you opt for physiotherapy treatment then perform all the exercises under professional guidance only otherwise you will injure your back more. For taking doctor’s appointment online go to Bookmydoctor.com.

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