Causes and solutions for lower back pain
I. The Dangers of Chronic Lower Back Pain
A bulging disc is the early stage of a herniated disc, usually presenting with only mild lower back pain, which can often be relieved or cured with conservative treatment. However, if left untreated, it can easily develop into a herniated disc. At this stage, in addition to lower back pain, typical sciatica will occur, including pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower limbs, which worsens with sneezing and coughing. If the compression worsens, nerve paralysis and muscle paralysis can occur.
The Lancet, a top international medical journal, shows that lower back pain has become the leading cause of disability worldwide.
II. Which Groups are Prone to Lower Back Diseases?
1. Young adults who are thin and underweight or overweight and physically robust. These patients often have underdeveloped back muscles and relatively weak strength, making them prone to lower back pain.
2. Those who engage in heavy physical labor or those who sit for long periods without exercise, such as professional drivers, accountants, writers, designers, and IT workers.
3. Those who experience a sudden increase in weight within a short period, such as pregnant women, or those whose weight gain is sudden due to illness, injury, or other factors.
III. What to do when back pain strikes?
Many people often don't take back pain seriously when it first starts. Some endure it, some buy some plasters or painkillers from the pharmacy, and some patients, even after a clear diagnosis at the hospital, don't follow the doctor's instructions to take medication, worrying about side effects. In fact, there are different ways to deal with different types of back pain:
01 Acute Back Pain
When experiencing sudden, severe back pain, do not take painkillers indiscriminately. You need to go to the emergency room immediately to rule out some dangerous emergencies, such as lumbar fracture, lumbar disc herniation, infection, urinary system stones, ectopic pregnancy, aneurysm, or ruptured aortic dissection.
02 Gradually Increasing and Decreasing Back Pain
If you experience dull back pain that gradually worsens from a very mild symptom, then eases up after a couple of days, and there are no other systemic symptoms, you can observe it. During an attack of lower back pain, a lumbar support belt can be worn to provide good support and protection. It is generally used for 2-3 weeks, not exceeding 4 weeks. Once symptoms subside, the belt should be removed to prevent further weakening of the lower back muscles.
03 Chronic Lower Back Pain
If lower back pain recurs, it is necessary to go to the hospital to determine the cause, such as lumbar disc herniation, lower back muscle pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, or menstrual pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as loxoprofen, diclofenac sodium, or ibuprofen can be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Muscle inflammation has a process from onset to peak; the earlier the intervention, the faster the symptoms will subside. Patients with lower back muscle inflammation, in particular, need to use muscle relaxants in addition to NSAIDs, usually for 4-6 weeks. Furthermore, experts also remind that massage to relieve lower back pain should be used with caution; it is recommended to go to a regular hospital or clinic. IV. How to effectively prevent lumbar disc herniation?
01. Use a bed with moderate firmness.
02. Maintain correct sitting and standing postures.
03. Avoid maintaining the same posture for too long.
04. Strengthen lumbar muscles through exercise.
05. Use correct posture when lifting heavy objects.
06. Maintain a balanced diet.
07. Keep warm and wear a lumbar support belt correctly.
A bulging disc is the early stage of a herniated disc, usually presenting with only mild lower back pain, which can often be relieved or cured with conservative treatment. However, if left untreated, it can easily develop into a herniated disc. At this stage, in addition to lower back pain, typical sciatica will occur, including pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower limbs, which worsens with sneezing and coughing. If the compression worsens, nerve paralysis and muscle paralysis can occur.
The Lancet, a top international medical journal, shows that lower back pain has become the leading cause of disability worldwide.
II. Which Groups are Prone to Lower Back Diseases?
1. Young adults who are thin and underweight or overweight and physically robust. These patients often have underdeveloped back muscles and relatively weak strength, making them prone to lower back pain.
2. Those who engage in heavy physical labor or those who sit for long periods without exercise, such as professional drivers, accountants, writers, designers, and IT workers.
3. Those who experience a sudden increase in weight within a short period, such as pregnant women, or those whose weight gain is sudden due to illness, injury, or other factors.
III. What to do when back pain strikes?
Many people often don't take back pain seriously when it first starts. Some endure it, some buy some plasters or painkillers from the pharmacy, and some patients, even after a clear diagnosis at the hospital, don't follow the doctor's instructions to take medication, worrying about side effects. In fact, there are different ways to deal with different types of back pain:
01 Acute Back Pain
When experiencing sudden, severe back pain, do not take painkillers indiscriminately. You need to go to the emergency room immediately to rule out some dangerous emergencies, such as lumbar fracture, lumbar disc herniation, infection, urinary system stones, ectopic pregnancy, aneurysm, or ruptured aortic dissection.
02 Gradually Increasing and Decreasing Back Pain
If you experience dull back pain that gradually worsens from a very mild symptom, then eases up after a couple of days, and there are no other systemic symptoms, you can observe it. During an attack of lower back pain, a lumbar support belt can be worn to provide good support and protection. It is generally used for 2-3 weeks, not exceeding 4 weeks. Once symptoms subside, the belt should be removed to prevent further weakening of the lower back muscles.
03 Chronic Lower Back Pain
If lower back pain recurs, it is necessary to go to the hospital to determine the cause, such as lumbar disc herniation, lower back muscle pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, or menstrual pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as loxoprofen, diclofenac sodium, or ibuprofen can be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Muscle inflammation has a process from onset to peak; the earlier the intervention, the faster the symptoms will subside. Patients with lower back muscle inflammation, in particular, need to use muscle relaxants in addition to NSAIDs, usually for 4-6 weeks. Furthermore, experts also remind that massage to relieve lower back pain should be used with caution; it is recommended to go to a regular hospital or clinic. IV. How to effectively prevent lumbar disc herniation?
01. Use a bed with moderate firmness.
02. Maintain correct sitting and standing postures.
03. Avoid maintaining the same posture for too long.
04. Strengthen lumbar muscles through exercise.
05. Use correct posture when lifting heavy objects.
06. Maintain a balanced diet.
07. Keep warm and wear a lumbar support belt correctly.