Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons why Americans visit hospitals. Indeed, several surveys have shown that it is a leading cause of workplace-related disability. About 80 percent of Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. In most cases, the problem results from injuries, such as muscle strains or sprains caused by poor body mechanics when lifting weighty objects or sudden and forceful body movements. In other cases, lower back pain can occur as a result of diseases such as sciatica, kidney infections, spine infections, spinal cord cancer, and herniated disk, among others. Back pain can be mild and can go away on its own, while in other cases, it may be severe and persistent, making it necessary for the patient to seek treatment for low back pain in Austin, TX. Below are some important things that you should know about lower back pain.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

There are many causes of back pain. Some of the most common ones include:

● Strains and sprains when back muscles and ligaments overstretch or tear

● Disk injuries, such as a herniated disk

● Sciatica, which occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched or compressed

● Spinal stenosis which occurs due to the narrowing of the spinal column

● Degenerative conditions such as arthritis

● Pregnancy

● Medical conditions such as endometriosis, cancer, and kidney or bladder problems

Low Back Pain Symptoms

An accurate description of low back pain can help in drafting an effective treatment plan. Some of the symptoms of lower back pain include:

● Dull, aching pain within the lower back

● The pain may radiate to the legs, buttocks, and even feet

● The pain may get worse with prolonged sitting

● The pain may get worse when you change positions and recline

● The pain may get worse when you bend forward or walk around

Lower Back Pain Treatment

In most cases, lower back pain can go away within a few days or weeks of rest, even without the intervention of a doctor. Sometimes, over the counter pain medication can offer relief. In more severe cases, you may have to seek the assistance of a pain management specialist to get more powerful pain management solutions. Some common pain treatments that you can receive for back pain include muscle relaxant, narcotic pain medication, epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, surgery, and physical therapy.

The Bottom Line

Overall, it is apparent that back pain is quite a common problem in the US. In most cases, it is caused by injuries but it can also result from many other causes. Unfortunately, in some cases, back pain can be debilitating, and therefore, it may be necessary for a patient to seek the assistance of a pain management specialist to get relief. If you are looking for a reliable pain management specialist to help you with back pain management in Austin, TX, Republic Spine and Pain is an excellent pain management facility to consider. Feel free to contact them today for more information about the services that they offer.