Lumbar Pain

Lumbar pain can be grouped into three main types:

• Acute lumbar pain develops suddenly, often after an injury, heavy lifting, or awkward movement. It usually lasts a few days to a few weeks.
• Chronic lumbar pain persists for more than three months. It is often linked to underlying conditions such as arthritis, disc problems, or spinal stenosis.
• Recurrent lumbar pain occurs when a person experiences repeated episodes of back pain, with symptom-free periods in between.

Common symptoms of lumbar pain include:

• Pain in the lower back.
• Stiffness in the back.
• Muscle spasms.
• Reduced mobility and flexibility.
• Pain that radiates to one or both legs.

Lumbar pain has several causes, including:

• Muscle spasms or ligament strain.
• Compression or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis).
• Facet joint arthritis.
• Spinal instability or disc degeneration.
• Spinal infections.
• Fractures of the lumbar vertebrae.
• Abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis).
• Tumours affecting the lumbar spine.
• Referred pain from abdominal problems.

Doctors use different methods to identify the cause of lumbar pain:

• Physical examination, including palpation of the lower back, checking movements, and neurological examination.
• X-rays to look for degenerative changes, fractures, or muscle spasm.
• Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for a comprehensive examination of the discs, nerves, and soft tissues.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans to detect hidden (occult) fractures.
• Nerve conduction studies for the assessment of nerve roots.

Based on the cause and severity of the lower back pain, one or more of the following approaches may be used for treatment:

• Non-surgical treatment:
  • Pain-relieving medication
  • Rest and activity modification.
  • Application of ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Injections, such as epidural steroid or facet joint injection or nerve root blocks, for targeted pain relief.
• Surgical treatment:
  • Decompression (laminectomy or discectomy) to relieve pressure on the nerves.
  • Spinal fusion when instability is present.
  • Fracture fixation in cases of broken vertebrae.

You should consult a doctor if you have:

• Persistent or worsening lower back pain.
• Pain that radiates down one or both legs.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
• Loss of bowel or bladder control.
• History of trauma, fever, or unexplained weight loss with back pain.

While lumbar pain cannot always be prevented, taking specific steps can lower the risk:

• Maintaining a proper posture while sitting, standing, and lifting objects.
• Exercising regularly to strengthen the back and core muscles.
• Maintaining a healthy weight to decrease strain on the spine.
• Avoid prolonged sitting by taking breaks to stretch and move.
• Use supportive furniture such as chairs with good back support and a firm mattress.

For lumbar pain, you should consult an orthopaedic spine specialist or a neurosurgeon. A physiotherapist may also help with exercises and posture training to reduce pain and improve movement.