Back pain is a common health issue and usually affects the lower back. Almost everyone experiences lower back pain at some point in their life that starts below the ribs, called the lumbar region and then travels down into the hips. It develops gradually and can get worse over time if left untreated.
The problem is more common in people over the age of 30. This is mainly because as you age there is a loss of muscle tone, making the back more prone to injuries.
What are the causes of Severe Lower Back Pain?
There are many factors that can put you at the risk of developing severe lower back pain. Some of them include:
Strains
Due to overactivity, the muscles in the back can stretch or tear, leading to pain that intensifies with movement and stiffness.
Spinal Stenosis
This is a health condition in which the spinal canal narrows and builds pressure on the spinal cord.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the jelly-like center (nucleus) break through the protective outer layer of the disc.
The disc might bulge outward and lead to severe lower back pain.
Degenerative Discs
With age, the disc begins to lose fluid content and wears away. Also, they can collapse completely and contribute to further back problems such as spinal stenosis.
Spinal Osteoarthritis
Also called as Spondylosis, spinal osteoarthritis is a common spine problem that results from the wear and tear of the disc and facet joints.
Spondylolisthesis
This happens when one vertebra slips forward on top of another that causes instability and puts pressure on the spinal nerves.
Scoliosis
The abnormal curve of the spine is called Scoliosis which may cause severe pain in the lower back.
How to treat Severe Lower Back Pain?
Majority of the lower back cases can be treated with conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, cold packs, back strengthening exercises and acupuncture. But in case of severe lower back pain, surgery may be needed. It is seen as the best option when all other treatment methods fail to provide pain relief and stability. The ones who choose the appropriate surgical procedure recover fast and can make a return to normal routine.
If you are experiencing very severe lower back pain, contact Dr M.S. Narula – the leading Orthopaedic Surgeon and Spine Specialist in Chandigarh who offers minimally invasive and small incision techniques to provide state of the art care to his patients.
Dr. MS Narula is currently the director of Narula Institute of Centre for Orthopedics Excellence (NICE) at Chandigarh City Hospital and Senior Consultant, Orthopedics Spine and Joint Replacement, Apollo Clinic Sector 8-C Chandigarh. He is also a US certified fitness specialist and a consultant to various health and fitness centres in Chandigarh. He is also a sports injury specialist.
