Pain in the lower back, as well as the neck is very common in America. Many related, but distinct conditions can produce discomfort here. Disease of the spine, although less common than other problems, is often related to injury. An auto accident or sudden fall, causing acute flexion of the back, may compress and fracture one of the vertebral bodies. It may be an early sign of osteoporosis, thinning of the bones due to calcium deficiency. X-ray is often necessary to diagnose this condition accurately. Immobilization on a straight board, with the avoidance of any flexion, standing, or walking is extremely important First Aid in dealing with these acute injuries. Braces, which keep the back in extension, are often worn for several months in the treatment of a fractured spine.
Local pain in the low back can be caused by any process, which irritates nerve endings. Straining of the muscles, protrusion of a disc, rupture of a ligament, and many less common problems can injure the tissues and aggravate this pain. Tenderness is usually found upon pressure in the region involved. Associated muscle spasm may produce pain around the involved area. At times, the pain may be referred or projected into regions lying in the area of the associated nerve roots. For example, pain produced by diseases in the upper part of the lumbar spine is usually referred to the front of the thighs and legs. That from the lower part of the lumbar spine, is referred to the buttocks, posterior thighs, and calves. Radicular or root pain has some similar characteristics, but usually is much more intense and is often aggravated by a cough, sneeze, or strain. Any motion, which stretches the nerve, such as straight leg raising, may have a similar effect.
Proper examination of the back is an art requiring considerable knowledge of muscle, nerve and skeletal anatomy. Often tenderness over the lumbosacral junction, the sacroiliac joint, the costovertebral angle over the kidneys, or a specific vertebra can help the examiner in accurate diagnosis. The usual testing of the blood, urine, and x-rays of the back are often adjuncts in understanding the cause. Appropriate exercises may then be used, together with rest or the use of moist heat in bringing relief to all but the most stubborn condition. Special problems may be treated effectively in a lifestyle center.
Local pain in the low back can be caused by any process, which irritates nerve endings. Straining of the muscles, protrusion of a disc, rupture of a ligament, and many less common problems can injure the tissues and aggravate this pain. Tenderness is usually found upon pressure in the region involved. Associated muscle spasm may produce pain around the involved area. At times, the pain may be referred or projected into regions lying in the area of the associated nerve roots. For example, pain produced by diseases in the upper part of the lumbar spine is usually referred to the front of the thighs and legs. That from the lower part of the lumbar spine, is referred to the buttocks, posterior thighs, and calves. Radicular or root pain has some similar characteristics, but usually is much more intense and is often aggravated by a cough, sneeze, or strain. Any motion, which stretches the nerve, such as straight leg raising, may have a similar effect.
Proper examination of the back is an art requiring considerable knowledge of muscle, nerve and skeletal anatomy. Often tenderness over the lumbosacral junction, the sacroiliac joint, the costovertebral angle over the kidneys, or a specific vertebra can help the examiner in accurate diagnosis. The usual testing of the blood, urine, and x-rays of the back are often adjuncts in understanding the cause. Appropriate exercises may then be used, together with rest or the use of moist heat in bringing relief to all but the most stubborn condition. Special problems may be treated effectively in a lifestyle center.
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