Lower back pain

Lower back pain causes & management

🟣 What is lower back pain?

➟ Lower back pain is pain or stiffness in the lower part of the back.

➟ Most cases are due to muscle strain, poor posture, lifting injury, long sitting, or weak core muscles, and many improve with simple care within a few weeks.

🟣 Common causes

➟ Muscle or ligament strain from heavy lifting, sudden twisting, poor posture, or overuse.

➟ Disc problem, where pain may travel from the back to the buttock or leg.

➟ Sciatica, which causes shooting pain, tingling, or numbness down one leg.

➟ Arthritis or age-related spine changes can cause stiffness and chronic pain.

➟ Poor sitting posture, obesity, weak muscles, lack of activity, or stress can worsen back pain.

➟ Less commonly, infection, fracture, kidney stone, inflammatory disease, or cancer can cause back pain.

🟣 Management at home

➟ Stay gently active and avoid complete bed rest for long periods.

➟ Try short walks and gentle stretching as pain allows.

➟ Use heat packs for muscle tightness or cold packs after sudden strain.

➟ Maintain good posture while sitting, standing, lifting, and sleeping.

➟ Pain-relief medicines may help, but use them safely and avoid overuse.

➟ Physiotherapy and back-strengthening exercises can help prevent repeated episodes.

🟣 When to see a doctor

➟ Pain lasts more than a few weeks.

➟ Pain is severe or not improving with rest.

➟ Pain travels below the knee.

➟ There is numbness, tingling, weakness, or difficulty walking.

➟ Pain is worse at night or not affected by movement.

🟣 Seek urgent medical care if

➟ There is loss of bladder or bowel control.

➟ There is numbness around the private area or buttocks.

➟ There is weakness in both legs or difficulty walking.

➟ Back pain occurs after major injury or fall.

➟ Back pain occurs with fever, unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or feeling very unwell.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor or physiotherapist for proper diagnosis and treatment.