Nearly everyone experiences lower back pain at some point in their lives. While this unpleasant and sometimes even debilitating condition is extremely common, however, it may manifest itself in a number of different ways. The symptoms of lower back pain can vary widely, and the nature of these symptoms usually depends on their cause. Temporary lower back pain symptoms such as general soreness and mobility difficulty may result from injury to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments or damage to the spinal discs. Long-lasting symptoms of lower back pain such as dull or sharp soreness in the spinal area or elsewhere in the lower back region may be caused by a chronic condition such as scoliosis or arthritis.
Often, symptoms of lower back pain are caused by injury to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments of the back or to the spinal discs. These injuries have a number of potential causes, including falls, automobile accidents, or simply lifting a heavy object. Injury to the lower back often causes a dull ache which may be centered in one area or distributed across the entire lower back. In some cases, attempting to twist or bend from the lower back may be difficult, or may even cause a sharp pain in the area. Luckily, symptoms of lower back pain which result from injury are often temporary and may disappear on their own or with medical treatment.
In some cases, symptoms of lower back pain result from a chronic health condition such as arthritis, scoliosis, or osteoporosis. Such conditions can negatively affect the health and stability of the back’s joints and bones as well as the structure of the spine. Lower back pain symptoms associated with these conditions can vary from person to person, but they may include a dull or acute soreness which is centered in the spine or in a particular portion of the lower back. Unfortunately, lower back pain may be an ongoing problem for those with certain chronic health conditions. Often, however, this pain can be managed through physical therapy or the use of medication.
Lower back pain arising from injury is often preventable. To avoid injuring the lower back, take care to bend at the knees rather than the waist when lifting heavy objects. Exercise regularly for a back that is strong, flexible, and therefore resistant to injury. Finally, avoid sitting or standing in one position for long periods of time, and ensure that your desk chair and car seat offer adequate lower back support.
