|
|
Low Back
Pain
Low back pain (Low Back Pain) is often described
as sudden, sharp, persistent, or dull pain felt below the waist. Low Back
Pain is very common and affects the majority of people at some point during
their life.
Low back pain is most commonly caused by muscle
strain associated with heavy physical work, lifting or forceful movement,
bending or twisting, awkward positions, or standing in one position too
long. Any of these movements can exacerbate a prior or existing back
disorder.
Other conditions that can cause low back pain include spinal stenosis,
arthritis (osteoarthritis), spinal infection (osteomyelitis), spinal tumors
(benign and malignant), spondylolisthesis, and vertebral fractures (e.g.
burst fracture).
Low back pain is either acute or chronic. Acute Low Back Pain may begin
suddenly with intense pain usually lasting less than 3 months. Chronic pain
is persistent long-term pain, sometimes lasting throughout life. Even
chronic pain may present episodes of acute pain.
Other symptoms include localized pain in a specific area of the low back,
general aching, and/or pain that radiates into the low back, buttocks, and
leg(s). Sometimes pain is accompanied by neurologic symptoms such as
numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Neurologic symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include bowel or
bladder dysfunction, groin or leg weakness or numbness, severe symptoms that
do not subside after a few days, or pain prohibiting everyday activities.
|
|