Low Back Pain
Your "lumbar spine", or low back, is built from five bones that are stacked on top of each other with a shock-absorbing disc that is found at each level. Your low back is dependant on muscles and ligaments for support. "Sprains" and "strains" often happen when the tissues are stretched too far or too hard. It is very similar to a rope that frays when it is stretched beyond its normal capacity. The term "sprain" refers to a situation when your tough, durable ligaments that are responsible for holding your bones together have been damaged in some way. Strains on the other hand mean that the muscles or tendons that move your trunk have been partially torn.
Back Pain Is Extremly Common
Back pain is an extremly common problem and most people will expereince some form of back pain at somepoint in their lives. Of these indivudals 70% can attribute their symptoms to sprain/strain injuries. Lumbar sprains and strains are often caused by a sudden or forceful movement like a fall, twist, lift, push, pull, direct blow, or quickly straightening up from a seated, crouched, or bent position. In most cases, sprains and strains are not the result of any single event, but rather from repeated overloading. The spine can typically deal quite well with small isolated stressors, but repetitive challenges often lead to injury in much the same way that constantly bending a piece of copper wire will cause it to break. Some forms of these stressors include: bad postures, sedentary lifestyles, poor fitting workstations, repetitive movements, improper lifting, or being overweight.
Symptoms Of Sprains & Strains
Symptoms from a sprains and strains can start very suddenly but more commonly develop over time. Symptoms for sprains and strains can range from a dull discomfort to a strong and debilitating pain that becomes more intense when you move. Rest can reduce some symptoms but also commonly causes stiffness. The pain is typically focused in your lower back but can also spread towards your hips or thighs. Always bee sure to inform your doctor if your pain is extending beyond your knee, or if you are struggling with weakness in your lower extremities or a fever.
Avoiding Chonic Back Pain
Sprains and strains injuries cause your normal healthy elastic tissues to be replaced with a less elastic form of tissue that is referred to as "scar tissue". This process can lead to you experiencing ongoing pain or even arthritis. Patients who decide not to have treatment and "just deal with it" develop chronic low back pain more than 60% of the time. Going out and getting early and appropriate treatment like the type provided in our office is critical.
Treating Back Pain
Depending on the how severe your injury is you may need to limit some of your activities for a while, namely bending, twisting, and lifting, or movements that cause pain. Contrary to what you are often told lying in bed to recover is not in your best interest. You should try to stay active and return to normal activities as your symptoms allow. In some cases the short-term use of a lumbar support belt may be helpful. Sitting makes your back temporarily more susceptible to sprains and strains from sudden or unexpected movements. Another good idea is to take "micro breaks" from your workstation for 10 seconds every 20 minutes. Following acute injuries, you can apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes each hour. Heat sometimes may be helpful after several days or for more chronic origins of pain. If you any questions about any of these techniques be sure to ask your doctor for specific ice/heat recommendations. In some cases patients will report partial relief from sports creams.