Low back pain in adults
goodtoknow says: Around 3 in 4 of us will suffer from back pain and it's usually nothing to worry about. Lower back pain, often the result of bad posture, an awkward movement or heavy lifting, is the most common of all. The pain can range from mild to severe but usually improves within days. In 9 out of 10 cases it's gone in weeks. Help yourself by keeping active and taking painkillers. However, if the pain also travels down your leg into your foot you could have a nerve pain called sciatica and should see your GP.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of back pain from patient.co.uk, read on.
About 3 in 4 people have one or more bouts of low back pain. Most bouts soon ease and are not due to serious back problems. In most cases the usual advice is to keep active, and do normal activities as much as possible. Painkillers are helpful until the pain eases. Chronic (persistent) pain develops in some cases, and further treatment may then be needed.
Understanding the lower back
Most of the lower back is made up from muscles that attach to, and surround, the spine. The spine is made up of many bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are roughly circular and between each vertebra is a 'disc'. The discs are made of strong rubber-like tissue which allows the spine to be fairly flexible. Strong ligaments also attach to adjacent vertebrae to give extra support and strength to the spine. The various muscles that are attached to the spine enable the spine to bend and move in various ways.
The spinal cord, which contains the nerves that come from the brain, is protected by the spine. Nerves from the spinal cord come out from between the vertebrae to take and receive messages to various parts of the body.
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hannah., 5 months
when i was a bout 12,13 i feel over and smacked my back off the floor i could'nt sit down, i went to hosiptal and has an e-ray they said there's nothing wrong, ever since i have back pain mostly when i start my monthlys, but as im getting older it get worse i can't do anythink,it sometimes get's to the point i cry :( and im 16 now any one else the same as me, what should i do ?
Report this commentrachael, 8 months
im 13 and suffer from back and joint paints imensly, but my mum says its growing pains, i think different, im worried i have bad things wrong with me, like cancers, in worried, can you help please?
Report this commentsandra, 11 months
i just want to say i symphathise with anyone who has constant pain as i do, one has to learn to live differently
Report this commentTom, 12 months
Take a look at inversion tables. My wife had cronic lower back pain and using a table every week or so seems to have all but cured her!
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Betty, 2 months
Im the exact same as Rachel!
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