Low back pain is a very common disease, which affects a large number of people today. Sometimes, it arises as a result of the repetition of movements that involve forced postures for the back. It is important to go to a spine specialist traumatologist when symptoms appear, who makes a correct diagnosis and designs the appropriate treatment for each patient.
What is low back pain?
Low back pain is a very common pathology among the population, which affects people of very different ages.
Pain located in the lower back is known as low back pain; it can normally be accompanied by pain that radiates to the legs or upper back.
Causes of low back pain
The causes of low back pain are very diverse, and can have a multifactorial origin, that is, it can be caused by different factors.
One of the most common reasons may be an alteration in spinal stability, for example, diseases such as scoliosis or lordosis, which directly affect the position of the spine.
The appearance of low back pain is common in patients with degenerative diseases, such as osteoporosis. In this aspect, Low back pain is a consequence of the wear and tear of bones and muscles.
On some occasions, low back pain can appear after fractures, fissures or bone trauma.
Types of low back pain
Depending on the characteristics of the patient's pathology, there are different types of low back pain. Firstly, mechanical low back pain usually appears after making sudden movements or that involve forced postures for the back. In this case, patients usually experience improvement at rest.
On the other hand, non-mechanical low back pain has an inflammatory origin. That is, the pathology appears as a consequence of inflammation that may be caused by breaks or trauma.
Finally, lumbosciatica is differentiated. In this case, the pain originates in the lumbar area and directly affects the nerve endings. In most cases it is caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
To determine the pathology that a patient suffers from, it is advisable to go to a doctor specializing in low back pain in Madrid to obtain a diagnosis with your exact pathology.
Symptoms of low back pain
The symptoms of low back pain vary depending on the patient and their general condition. Still, in most cases the pain radiates to the legs and upper back. In addition, patients often present with acute pain, which can be disabling and affect day-to-day activities.
Some patients may experience muscle spasms, which cause tension and stiffness in the lumbar muscles, directly affecting mobility.
When to worry about lower back pain
It is well known that lower back pain is a benign condition, but there are situations in which lumbar pain requires a more specialized diagnosis. When the pain persists for two or three weeks without improvement, or increases progressively and intensely from the beginning without a clear cause, it is necessary to consult a specialist. If the pain significantly limits daily activities or sleep, this is a clear sign that professional medical intervention is needed.
There are symptoms that can indicate a more complex spinal injury. These signs can vary, including pain radiating down the legs, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, or altered sensation—all of which may be related to nerve compression. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent the pain from becoming chronic and to avoid potential complications.
Diagnosis of low back pain
In the case of low back pain, it is important to identify the symptoms in time and see a specialist to prevent the injury from becoming chronic.
First, the doctor will perform a physical examination with palpation of the area, in which a first assessment will be made.
Second, in many cases, diagnostic imaging tests, such as x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, are necessary. These will allow us to know more specific information for the diagnosis of the pathology.
In cases where there is suspicion of pressure on the spinal cord or nerve involvement, a myelography will be performed. In this case, a contrast liquid will be injected around the patient's spinal cord using a specific needle.
Key differences between acute and chronic lower back pain
Lower back pain can be classified as acute or chronic, terms established based on the duration of each. Acute lower back pain is the most common and usually appears suddenly, after physical exertion, muscle strain, a sudden movement, or maintaining incorrect posture for extended periods. In most cases, this type of lower back pain resolves within a few weeks.
Conversely, chronic lower back pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three months. This type of lower back pain is related to degenerative processes of the spine, structural abnormalities, muscle imbalances, or poor posture maintained over time. Chronic lower back pain significantly affects the patient's quality of life and requires a more comprehensive and prolonged approach.
How long does lower back pain last and what is the recovery time?
The duration of lower back pain depends on its cause, intensity, and the patient's physical condition. Therefore, there is no single recovery time, and it will vary from case to case. In general, most acute lower back pain has a favorable outcome and improves within approximately one to three weeks, provided a proper diagnosis is made and appropriate and effective treatment is administered.
When lower back pain persists or is left untreated, it can develop into chronic lumbago. Factors such as spinal abnormalities, muscle weakness, or poor posture negatively impact recovery, making it essential to consult and monitor a spine specialist to develop an individualized treatment plan, improve function, and reduce the risk of relapse.
Low back pain treatment
When the patient is diagnosed with low back pain, first of all, the application of heat and cold to the area is recommended, with the aim of relieving the pain. In many cases, anti-inflammatory drug treatment is prescribed to help control inflammation.
In these cases, it becomes especially important to physiotherapy treatment for the lower back, which helps to correct postural hygiene. In addition, it is recommended that the patient perform rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the lumbar muscles.
Recommended exercises and exercises to avoid with lower back pain
Lower back pain (lumbalgia) is a condition that requires medical evaluation, and much of the recovery depends on the patient and their willingness to follow the treatment plan. Adapted physical exercise is fundamental in both the treatment and prevention of lower back pain. Gentle exercises are recommended to help improve lumbar spine mobility, strengthen core muscles, and stabilize the back. Low-impact activities and controlled movements also help reduce stiffness, relieve pain, and promote functional recovery.
It is crucial to emphasize that high-impact exercises should be avoided during episodes of lower back pain, as well as lifting heavy loads or making sudden movements that could increase pressure on the lumbar region. It is important that exercise be progressive and adapted to each patient's individual needs to avoid delaying recovery and ensure successful rehabilitation.
Guidelines to prevent low back pain
Sometimes the appearance of low back pain is inevitable, especially in cases of non-mechanical low back pain, since it can be a consequence of other pathologies.
However, There are certain guidelines that can help prevent the appearance of mechanical low back pain..
First of all, it is important to do warm-up exercises before practicing sports, which help prepare the area.
In addition, it is advisable to perform strength and strengthening exercises, both in the lumbar area and the core. Impact sports, which involve repetitive impact on the lower back, should be avoided.
On the other hand, importance should be paid to footwear. The most advisable thing is to use a comfortable shoe that is not too flat or too wide and that guarantees correct footing. The use of high heels should be limited to specific occasions.
As explained, it is important to take into account certain guidelines to avoid the appearance of low back pain. In this way, the injury will be controlled and it will be prevented from being disabling for the patient, potentially affecting their quality of life.
