Your Lower Back Hurts? 5 Reasons Why You’re In Pain

If your lower back hurts every now and then, you’re not alone.

Lower back pain is a growing concern for most people. Around 80 percent of adults have lower back pain at one point in their life. 

Most of the activities in our day to day lives involve our lower back in some way. From sitting, standing, jogging, running, lifting, and so on. Our backs, in general, support our bodies and provides stability to our core.

If your lower back hurts, a few things are happening in your body that you should know about.

1. Less friction between vertebrae

Disks are found between the vertebrae in your spine. They reduce friction between the vertebrae (cushion).

A herniated disc refers to the condition where the disk comes out of its normal position.

When this happens, the disc pushes against the nerve roots along the spinal cord, which causes pain. 

This kind of disc injury will happen abruptly (not gradually), usually after lifting something heavy. The risks of herniated disks increase with age. 

Medical interventions include pain medication, epidural injections, and physical therapy.

However, according to this study, medical drugs are hardly effective in the treatment of a herniated disk. If these methods do not work, your doctor is likely to suggest surgery. 

2. Torn ligament due to strains or sprains 

Strains and sprains in your lower back will cause back pain. A strain results from overstretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. A sprain is the tearing of a ligament. 

Back strains and sprains result from accidents and injuries, overuse of the back, heavy lifting, and awkward twisting. 

If you strain or sprain your back, apply ice on the affected area, keep the injured area elevated, and rest. However, if the pain is too much, rush to the ER.

3) Nerve compression 

Sciatica is the compression of the sciatic nerve, which is located in the lower back. The condition causes sharp back pain that travels through the hips down to the legs. 

Causes of sciatica include disk herniation and spinal stenosis. Risk factors include stress, wearing high heels, stuffing your back pocket, obesity, and tight pants and underpants. 

Treatment depends on the severity of sciatica:

• Acute sciatica responds to OTC painkillers, cold compression packs, and light exercises such as walking and stretching. 
• Chronic sciatica requires physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and prescription pain killers. Surgical interventions such as lumbar laminectomy and discectomy are only necessary if sciatica does not respond to drugs and therapy.  

4) Poor curvature of the spine

Another reason your lower back hurts is due to spinal curvature. Scoliosis is a condition resulting from the abnormal curvature of the spine. Other related conditions include lordosis and kyphosis.

The sideways curve of the spine (scoliosis) results in uneven hips and shoulders.

The condition happens in children between the ages of 11 and 12 (the period before the growth spurt of puberty). Still, even adults can develop scoliosis.

People with scoliosis often experience lower back pain, depending on the position and severity of the curve. 

Also, you are more likely to experience back pain if you had scoliosis as a child. 

The curve might correct itself with age. However, if the curve is severe, bracing is necessary. Most scoliosis patients do not need surgery. 

5) Degenerative disc between vertebrae

Another reason your lower back hurts can be traced to a degenerative problem.

This condition refers to the wearing down of the discs between the vertebrae in the spine. Remember, these discs cushion the vertebrae. 

So, when they wear out (degenerate), the bones (vertebrae) start rubbing against each other, which can cause pain.

Twisting and bending worsen the pain. However, moving eases the pain temporarily.

Interventions for degenerative disc disease include:

• Pain medication (both prescription and over-the-counter)
• Occupational and physical therapy
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Surgery (in severe cases)

Remember to consult with your doctor in all cases if your lower back hurts.