Category: Health Services

What usually causes lower back pain? Low back pain usually develops without a cause that a doctor can identify or test. The most usual conditions linked to lower back pain include: Muscle or ligament sprain or strain A sudden movement or repeated heavy lifting can sprain or strain your lower back muscles or spinal ligaments. Additionally, if your body is already in an impaired physical condition, constant sprain or strain on the back can cause extremely painful spasms. Arthritis A type of arthritis called osteoarthritis affects the lower back. In several cases, arthritis in the spine leads to narrowing the spaces around the spinal cord. The condition is called spinal stenosis and is responsible for severe lower back pain. Bulging or ruptured disks The disks in your lower back and spine act as cushions between the vertebrae (bones) in your spine. The soft material present inside a disk can rupture or bulge and press on a nerve. These conditions result in back pain or lumbar pain. Osteoporosis The vertebrae of your spine can develop painful fractures if you have brittle or porous bones. Many day-to-day things can also lead to lower back pain, such as: • Low back pain or other muscular pain conditions are more common as you get older, around 30-40. • Unused or weak muscles in your back or abdomen may lead to lower back pain. • Excess body weight often puts extra stress on your body, causing lower back pain. • Some types of cancer and arthritis can contribute to lumbar pain. • People who are prone to anxiety and depression have a greater risk of lower back pain. • Studies show that chain smokers have an increased rate of low back pain. It might occur because smoking causes coughing, which leads to herniated disks. Smoking also decreases blood flow to your spine and increases the risk of osteoporosis.