Low back pain is one of the most common health problems worldwide and affects many people’s lives. Low back pain can be caused by a number of causes related to the muscles, spine, discs, nerves and other tissues in the lumbar region. Often the pain is caused by factors such as strain, strain, poor posture, injury, aging, or certain medical conditions. Low back pain can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), and pain intensity can vary from person to person. While the pain is sometimes just a feeling of discomfort, sometimes it can be so severe that it limits daily activities. People with low back pain often affect their daily lives, reduce work efficiency and reduce their quality of life. Fortunately, most cases of low back pain improve over time and can be managed with appropriate treatment and precautions.
What causes back pain?
Low back pain can occur due to different reasons. Here are common causes of lower back pain:
- Muscle and Ligament Injuries: Injury or stretching of the muscle and connective tissues in the lumbar region can lead to low back pain. Muscle and ligament strain may occur with factors such as sudden movements, excessive stretching, lifting weights or poor posture.
- Disk Problems: Damage or slippage of the discs between the vertebrae can cause low back pain. Disc herniation or disc degeneration can put pressure on nerves, causing pain.
- Spine Deformities: Spinal deformities such as scoliosis, lordosis, or kyphosis can contribute to low back pain.
- Osteoarthritis: Degenerative changes that occur in the spine joints during the aging process can lead to osteoarthritis (joint calcification). Osteoarthritis can cause pain and stiffness in the lower back.
- Muscle Weakness and Imbalance: Weakness or imbalance of the muscles around the waist can contribute to low back pain. This can be caused by factors such as prolonged sitting, a sedentary lifestyle, or irregular exercise habits.
- Trauma or Injuries: Blows or trauma to the lumbar region during an accident, fall or sports activity can cause low back pain. Fractures, dislocations, or damage to soft tissues are associated with low back pain.
- Other Medical Conditions: There may also be some underlying medical conditions for low back pain. These may include kidney infections, kidney stones, endometriosis, tumors, infections, or disorders of internal organs.
Low back pain usually occurs as a result of a combination of more than one factor. Each individual may develop low back pain due to different reasons, therefore it is important for people with low back pain to consult a healthcare professional and receive appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Low back pain is a common problem that affects the lives of many people. Fortunately, most cases of low back pain can go away with proper treatment and precautions. Here are some effective ways to relieve back pain and promote healing:
- Rest and Activity Reduction: In case of low back pain, it is important to avoid forceful movements and weight lifting. Rest reduces inflammation and speeds up the healing process. Bed rest is rarely necessary, but reducing excessive activity, protecting the lower back, and moving slowly can be beneficial.
- Cold and Hot Application: At the first signs of low back pain, cold application can reduce pain and swelling. Subsequent application of heat can increase blood flow, relax the muscles and relieve pain.
- Exercise and Stretching: Appropriate exercises and stretching routines can help strengthen the lower back and increase flexibility.
- Correct Posture and Body Mechanics: Correct posture and body mechanics can help prevent and relieve low back pain. It is important to sit upright, use a chair that supports the back, lift heavy objects with the right techniques, and avoid excessive bending.
- Painkillers and Anti-Inflammatory Medicines: Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications can be used to help relieve low back pain. However, these drugs are recommended for short-term use only and should be taken with the advice of a doctor.
- Physical Therapy and Massage: Physical therapy and massage therapy can be effective in the treatment of low back pain. Exercises, massage and manual therapy applied by a specialist physiotherapist strengthen the lower back, relax the muscles and reduce pain.
Low back pain can differ from person to person, and the same methods may not be effective for everyone. Therefore, it is important for individuals with low back pain to consult a healthcare professional and evaluate appropriate treatment options.
What are the exercises for back pain?
Regular exercise can be helpful to deal with low back pain and strengthen the back. Exercises that strengthen the muscles around the waist and increase flexibility are especially important. Exercises that target the abdominal and back muscles can provide support and reduce lower back pain. Exercises such as plank, bridge exercise, abs sit-ups or crunch can strengthen the abdominal area.
Exercises that target the back muscles may include exercises such as the supine swim moves, the bird position, the back extension, or the lat pulldown. Stretching exercises are also important for relieving lower back pain. Exercises such as leg extension, hamstring stretch or cat-cow position can be done to stretch the muscles between the waist and legs. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any exercise program and you should stop exercising whenever you feel pain or discomfort.
When does back pain start during pregnancy?
Low back pain during pregnancy usually starts in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, the woman’s body goes through major changes and low back pain becomes a common complaint. Especially in the last months of pregnancy, low back pain may occur due to increased weight, hormonal changes, shifting of the central gravity point and loosening of the ligaments. The growth of the baby and increased uterine pressure can also contribute to low back pain.
In addition, bad posture, wrong sleeping positions and excessive physical activity can also lead to increased low back pain. Back pain is usually normal during pregnancy, but it’s important to see a healthcare professional in case of severe or persistent pain. The specialist will evaluate the underlying cause of low back pain and recommend appropriate treatment methods.
Which doctor should I go to for back pain?
Individuals with low back pain, regardless of their symptoms and severity, should first consult a family physician or general practitioner. General practitioners can diagnose many common causes of low back pain and make treatment referrals. However, if the condition is serious or if the symptoms persist for a long time, a referral to a number of specialists can be made. These specialists include orthopedists, neurologists, physical therapists or rehabilitation specialists, and pain specialists.
Which department should I go to for back pain?
Individuals who experience low back pain usually apply to the orthopedics and traumatology department. This division is the specialty that focuses on musculoskeletal problems and they specialize in diagnosing and treating most causes of low back pain. Orthopedists can identify the source of low back pain based on a physical examination, imaging tests, and additional medical consultations as needed. However, low back pain can sometimes be a symptom of a problem with the nervous system, in which case it may be more appropriate to apply to the neurology department. Neurologists specialize in diseases and disorders of the nerves and nervous system and can assess whether low back pain is of nervous origin.
Is low back pain a symptom of corona?
Low back pain is not usually among the typical symptoms of COVID-19. However, some cases of COVID-19 may also experience low back pain. Since COVID-19 is a respiratory infection, its primary symptoms are cough, fever, shortness of breath and general malaise. However, in some individuals, the virus may cause different symptoms in the body, and low back pain may be among the rarely reported symptoms.