While lower back pain is a common symptom, some individuals can experience it only when bending over.
A bent-over pose increases strain on the lower back. The resulting discomfort can disclose unacknowledged injuries or other underlying medical concerns. In this article, learn about the causes and treatment of lower back pain when bending over, and some prevention tips.
Causes: Lower Back Strain
Lower back strain is a usual cause for back pain when bending over. The position can put a lot of pressure on the lower back, triggering the muscles and ligaments to stretch exceedingly.
A strain in the area can likewise cause inflammation, which can cause muscle spasms.
Other symptoms of lower back strain:
- Stiffness in the lower back,
- muscle spasms,
- it's hard to keep an upright position,
- a limited range of movement
Treatment:
Resting the back for 1 - 3 days can help in reducing muscle pain, as can taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives include Advil (ibuprofen) and also naproxen.
Massage, applying ice and heat, and also electric muscle stimulation therapies may also help. Physical therapy exercises can strengthen the back and also help with preventing further injuries.
Causes: Herniated disk
The vertebrae in the back are supported and cushioned by disks that work as shock absorbers as well as help stabilize the lower back.
A herniated disk is one that slips out of place and puts extra pressure on the surrounding nerves. Typically, this results from aging-related adjustments that cause the discs to degenerate, making it easier for them to move.
Other symptoms of the herniated disk:
A herniated disk can cause weakness in one leg as well as numbness in the legs and lower back.
Hardly ever, a person with these symptoms loses control of their bowel or bladder functions. If this occurs, look for treatment immediately, as a severe underlying condition may cause incontinence.
Treatment:
Resting the back and taking NSAIDs generally helps with herniated disk pain. Some people discover relief from steroid shots in the area around the nerve, as these can soothe inflammation.
If your symptoms are severe, the medical professional might suggest surgical treatment.
Causes: Sciatica
Sciatica is a problem that can arise from a herniated disk. If the disk presses the sciatic nerve in the lower spine, it can cause sensations of pressure, burning, or extreme discomfort that goes from the lower back down one or both legs.
Other sciatica symptoms
Sciatic nerve pain can also limit the range of motion in one or both legs. If an individual has sciatica-like signs and loses control of their bowel or bladder, they should seek medical help as soon as possible.
Treatment:
A person may need surgical treatment to remove the part of the disk that is pressing on the nerve, though this is rare. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons approximate that sciatica disappears without surgical treatment in 80 - 90% of people that have the problem.
Nonsurgical therapies can include using ice and heat, movement, and some gentle stretching workouts to reduce inflammation.
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Causes: Spondylolysis
Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in a spinal vertebra that commonly occurs in more younger athletes, such as those who play football or do gymnastics.
An individual with spondylolysis may have found it hard to maintain a straight, upright position. The clinical term for this is spondylolisthesis.
Other spondylolysis symptoms:
An individual might additionally experience discomfort in the buttocks and thighs, along with the pain that worsens with activity.
Treatment:
Resting the back and also taking NSAIDs can typically help with low-grade stress fractures. Some individuals also benefit from physical therapy and a brace to support the back throughout physical activity.
If the injury is triggering severe signs and symptoms, the doctor may suggest surgical treatment. This can involve spinal fusion, a procedure that secures the spinal column.
Causes: Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory problem that impacts the spinal column, specifically the joints near the hips and pelvis. It can result in pain, stiffness, and other forms of discomfort when a person bends over.
Over time, ankylosing spondylitis can trigger inflammatory adjustments that lead to the bones in the back joints fusing. Also, when it is severe, ankylosing spondylitis can cause changes in an individual's posture, giving them a hunched appearance.
Other ankylosing spondylitis symptoms:
A person with this condition might additionally experience pain when they press on their lower back and the area over the pelvic bones.
Treatment:
Therapy may initially entail taking NSAIDs.
If signs get worse, a physician might recommend other drugs, such as tumor necrosis factor blockers, which additionally help reduce inflammation. Examples include adalimumab (Humira) as well as etanercept (Enbrel).
Besides, some people find that physical therapy helps to improve their flexibility.
When to See a Physician
A person has to seek immediate medical treatment if they are unable to move any muscle or joint in their lower extremities or if they lose control of their bowels or bladder. Any of these conditions is a clinical emergency that calls for immediate treatment to prevent further nerve damage.
If pain in the back gets worse despite home treatment or does not go away within two weeks, it might be a very good idea to see a medical professional. The doctor can help determine whether to speak with a specialist, such as an orthopedic medical professional or a neurosurgeon.
Self-care and Prevention tips
Practicing appropriate lifting and bending methods can help minimize pain in the back when bending over. Some techniques include:
- bending only at the knees and hips rather than at the waist, to decrease the risk of back fractures and muscle strain;
- avoid twisting the spine when bending to reach for something;
- maintaining the feet firmly planted shoulder-width apart to reduce the threat of falling forward;
- avoiding carrying things that are too hefty, for instance, by taking multiple trips as well as using assistive gadgets and devices such as rolling carts;
- carrying objects as near to the body as possible and also holding them at waist level.
Along with practicing injury prevention methods, an individual who has to back pain when bending over can likewise try these self-care methods:
- taking OTC NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to ease discomfort and inflammation;
- resting the back for a few days, after that, doing some gentle stretching exercises as well as low-impact physical activity, such as walking;
- using a supportive tool such as a back brace to avoid pain.
Summary
If a person has attempted home treatment techniques and continues to experience back pain when bending over, they should speak with their medical professional.
Learning to bend and lift correctly and safely can frequently help prevent further injuries.
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