Low Back Pain

Brief Anatomy of the Lower Back

The lower back, or lumbar spine, functions in structural support, movement, and protection of body tissues. It is a complex structure of vertebrae, disks, spinal cord, and nerves, and includes:

five bones, called lumbar vertebrae, stacked one upon the other that connect the upper spine to the pelvis

six shock absorbers, called disks, which act both as cushions and stabilizers to protect the lumbar vertebrae

spinal cord and nerves, which act as "electric cables" and travel through a central canal in the lumbar vertebrae, connecting your brain to the muscles of the legs

small joints, which provide stability and allow for functional movement

muscles and ligaments, which provide strength, power, support and stability

Functions of the Lower Back

Protects the soft tissues of the nervous system and spinal cord, as well as adjacent organs of the pelvis and abdomen.

When standing, the lower back holds most of the weight of the body.

When bending, extending or rotating at the waist the lower back is involved in the movement.

What is low back pain?

Low back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning.

Low back pain is one of the most significant health problems. Consider these statistics from the National Institutes of Health (NIH):

Seventy to 85 percent of all people have back pain at some time in their life.
Back pain is the most frequent cause of activity limitation in people younger than 45 years old.

What causes low back pain?

Even with today's technology, the exact cause of low back pain can be found in very few cases. In most cases, back pain may be a symptom of many different causes, including any/several of the following:

overuse, strenuous activity, or improper use (i.e., repetitive or heavy lifting, exposure to vibration for prolonged periods of time)
trauma
injury
fracture
degeneration of vertebrae (often caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine, or the effects of aging)
infection
abnormal growth (tumor)
obesity (causes increased weight on the spine and pressure on the discs often causes back pain)
poor muscle tone in the back
muscle tension or spasm
sprain or strain
ligament or muscle tears
joint problems
smoking
protruding or herniated (slipped) disk
disease (i.e., osteoarthritis, spondylitis, compression fractures)

Can low back pain be prevented?

The following may help to prevent low back pain:

practicing correct lifting techniques
maintaining correct posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping
exercising regularly (with proper stretching before participation)
avoiding smoking
maintaining a healthy weight
reducing emotional stress which may cause muscle tension

How is low back pain diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for low back pain may include the following. However, during many initial assessments and examinations, specialized tests are not necessary.

x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
radionuclide bone scan - a nuclear imaging technique that uses a very small amount of radioactive material, which is injected into the patient's bloodstream to be detected by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity within the bone.
electromyogram (EMG) - a test to evaluate nerve and muscle function.

Treatment for low back pain:

Specific treatment for low back pain will be determined by your physician based on:

your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the condition
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the condition
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

activity modification
medication
physical rehabilitation and/or therapy
occupational therapy
weight loss (if overweight)
no smoking
following a prevention program (as directed by your physician)
surgery
assistive devices (i.e., mechanical back supports)

Low back pain rehabilitation:

Generally, there are three phases to low back pain rehabilitation. These include the following:

Phase I: Acute Phase
During this initial phase, the physiatrist and treatment team focus on making a diagnosis, developing an appropriate treatment plan, and implementing the treatment regimen to reduce the initial low back pain and source of inflammation. This may include any/all of the items listed above and/or the utilization of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or specialized injections.
Phase II. Recovery Phase
Once the initial pain and inflammation are better managed, the rehabilitation team then focuses on helping the patient to restore working function of the body. This includes returning the patient to normal daily activities while implementing a specialized exercise program that is designed to help the individual regain flexibility and strength.
Phase III. Maintenance Phase
The goal of this phase of low back pain rehabilitation is two-fold: educating the individual on ways to prevent further injury and strain to the back, and helping the individual to maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness to help further increase strength and endurance.

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Online Resources of Men's Health

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