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Lower back pain may result from an injury, sprain and cancer, pregnancy and more.
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For proper treatment, you must have the correct diagnosis. So, keep track of any other symptoms you’re experiencing.
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In many instances, stretching, rest and exercise can assist to find relief.
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Check out insider’s Health Reference library for more information.
Lower back pain is incredibly common, affecting as much as 70 percent of the population at some point or other. If the pain is centered on the opposite part of the body it’s referred to as unilateral pain states Nitin N. Bhatia, MD, chief of pediatric and adult spine surgery in the University of California Irvine School of Medicine.
The pain of the back can be unilateral on the left or on the right side.
“It is usually due to arthritis which is prevalent on the other side, or a muscle strain on the particular area,” Bhatia says. “However there are limited instances, injuries like an issue in the pelvis or abdomen can cause back pain on one side.”
The nature of pain could be anything from a slight painful ache to sharp pains claims Larry Nolan, DO, the primary care sports medicine doctor at The Wexner Medical Centre at Ohio State University.
The symptoms you’re experiencing and the kind that you’re feeling may aid in determining the root of the problem and help you find relief from lower back discomfort. This is what could be causing the pain.
1. A strain or strain in the back muscles
Sprains and muscle strains are among the most frequent causes of lower back pain, claims Rahul Shah MD who is a spinal surgeon at the premier Orthapaedic Spine Associates.
Sprains happen when you strain the ligaments in your back, whereas strains occur when you strain a tendon. If this occurs on the back side, then you’ll feel discomfort there.
“Folks are more prone to injuries in the absence of exercising or warm-up properly prior exercise, twisting and moving the body too much, or lifting large items,” Shah says.
If you pull or strain your back, you’ll likely feel the sensation of aching and dull as well as some bruises or swelling, as well as the loss of the mobility. The pain is usually worse when you exercise the injured muscle.
What can you do?In the majority of cases, you can treat an injured or injured muscle at home, by resting and stretching gently, applying ice and managing pain with the use of over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen or naproxen, suggests Shah.
Sprains and muscle strains may last for a few weeks. If home remedies don’t work and the pain is hindering you from your normal activities then it’s time to consult the doctor. When you’re back to normal exercise, build your core strength and stretch often to prevent any future injuries.
2. Problems with spinal alignment
Injury to the spine or the ligaments and muscles which support it are a frequent cause of lower back pain, according to Bhatia. The conditions that cause arthritis, degenerative or herniated disk or an injury resulting from an impact like caused by a car crash could cause damage to the ligaments or muscles on the other side.
The type of pain that this is referred to as is intense and uncomfortable to skin, according to Nolan. If you notice an numbness or tingling sensation, consult your doctor right away as it could signal nerve damage that must be examined by a doctor, Nolan says.
What can you do regarding It:If you’re dealing with an illness that is chronic like arthritis or recovering after an accident, she suggests working with an physiotherapist. They’ll instruct you on exercises, stretching, and other techniques to improve the strength of your core, which can assist in controlling the lower back discomfort...
3. Sciatica
Sciatica is a type of nerve pain called radiculopathy. It is due to compression of the sciatic nerve.
There are two sciatic nerves located on both sides of lower back however, sciatica is usually seen only on one side, according to Bhatia. This is because an injury such as a herniated disk , bone spurs put stress upon the nerve.
Sciatica is defined by the sensation of a sharp pain that ranges from mild to extreme. It typically begins at the back of your lower, and moves down the leg. It could be associated with the feeling of weakness, numbness or tenderness in the leg or back.
What can you do:During the first week of sciatic pain, consider resting, gently stretching and treating your pain with prescription medications available at the pharmacy, suggests Bhatia. If you feel numbness or weakness within your leg or foot, seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, if the pain continues or occurs frequently consult your physician. Sciatica is treated using medication such as physical therapy, injecting steroids, and -in extreme cases surgery.
4. UTI, kidney infection or UTI
Back pain isn’t the only typical indication of an infection of the urinary tract however, when the UTI is able to reach your kidneys, it could cause lower back discomfort. It’s often followed by other signs, such as the sensation of burning when you pee.
Kidney stones may also trigger lower back pain that manifests in intense waves , as rather than a constant ache. Back pain caused by kidney issues typically manifests higher in the back, near the area where kidneys are situated.
What can you do: See your doctor. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate a UTI or kidney stone physician is likely to order blood or urine tests, according to Bhatia. After they determine the source, they’ll recommend the correct treatment, such as antibiotics for UTI or painkillers for kidney stones.
5. Appendicitis
Appendicitis refers to inflammation of the appendix, which is an organ that is located in the large intestinal tract. Appendixes are located on to the left side, which means appendicitis may cause lower back pain in the right side according to Shah.
The pain is felt suddenly generally starting at the belly button area and then moving to the lower part of the abdomen, radiating into in the lower back region, Shah says. There are other signs like nausea, fever and vomiting.
What can you do? Visit the ER or consult your physician immediately if you believe you might have appendicitis. If it is not treated appendicitis could result in your appendix breaking in an emergency medical condition.
Appendicitis can be treated with surgically removing appendixes in an operation known as an appendectomy.
6. Pregnancy
Back pain that occurs during pregnancy is normal and is not usually an issue, according to Nolan. Around 50% of women during pregnancy will be suffering from lower back pain that may be centered to one area.
“Women might notice this at an early stage which can be irregular, dull, and achy” Says Nolan. “As pregnant, and hormones alter the symptoms may become more frequent and accompanied by sharp, intense sensations.”
What can you do? The most effective treatment for back pain related to pregnancy is to deliver. In the meantime, remaining active, stretching and ensuring good posture will assist. Some people get relief from support belts, acupuncture or massage. Physical therapy can be helpful in cases of severe pain.
It is considered safe during pregnancy and is used to treat pain however, avoid NSAID painkillers such as Advil that are suitable during pregnancy.
7. Cancer
In rare instances the lower back pain may be a sign of cancer. Pancreatic cancer can cause lower back pain or belly pain to the right side, which is where the pancreas is situated. This kind of lower back pain can be slow and can be felt deep in the back, according to Nolan.
If you’re diagnosed with the pancreatic cancer you could experience other signs such as the appearance of dark urine, jaundice weight loss weight loss and nausea.
What can you do: Call your doctor. Although cancer isn’t usually the reason for lower back pain those with the family experience of pancreatic cancer ought to seek out a doctor in the event of an unidentified right-sided back pain.
Pancreatic cancer can be treated using chemotherapy, surgery targeted therapy, as well as other therapies.
8. Ovarian cysts or endometriosis
Endometriosis refers to a condition in which the endometrium, which usually lines the uterus expands in other parts within the human body. In some cases, it may affect the spine, causing lower back pain, particularly in the left side when the right portion abdominal region is affected. The condition is only affecting women who have uteruses.
“Generally this may manifest as low back pain that’s intermittent and is related to menstrual cycles,” meaning you’re likely to feel the pain around the time of your menstrual cycle According to Nolan.
A cystic ovarian mass on the right ovary may cause lower back pain Shah says. Shah.
What can you do? Anti-inflammatory medicines such as Advil can assist in reducing the lower back pain that is caused by endometriosis. In the end, it is best to consult your doctor if you suspect that your back pain is due to endometriosis or the formation of a cyst.
The use of hormone therapy and surgery may be utilized to manage and treat symptoms caused by cysts and endometriosis. If you suffer from endometriosis consult a gynecologist, or reproductive endocrinologist in order to determine which best treatment is appropriate for you.
Insider’s tips for a successful trip
Lower back pain is extremely frequent and is often aggravated due to both heavy lifting and living a sedentary life.
“While it is true that most of the time, pain will improve in some days or couple of weeks, pain that’s more severe could require medical attention.” Bhatia says. Bhatia.
If you are frequently experiencing lower back pain strengthening your core may assist, suggests Nolan. Discuss with your physician the possibility of getting a physical therapy session who will give you exercises that will help you avoid future incidents that cause lower back discomfort.
“Don’t delay too long to have your health assessed and get the information you need to enhance your living quality,” Nolan says.
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