
Dr Anil Mehndiratta
February 25, 2025 at 04:15 PM
Lower backache or Lumbago-
Also known as lower back pain, is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide.
# Causes of Lower Backache
1. *Muscle strain*: Overstretching or tearing of muscles in the lower back can cause pain and discomfort.
2. *Poor posture*: Slouching or slumping can put strain on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back.
3. *Herniated discs*: When the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the outer, tougher layer, it can put pressure on nearby nerves and cause pain.
4. *Degenerative disc disease*: Wear and tear on the spinal discs can cause them to break down and lose their cushioning ability, leading to pain and stiffness.
5. *Spondylosis*: Wear and tear on the spinal joints can cause them to become inflamed and painful.
6. *Scoliosis*: An abnormal curvature of the spine can put strain on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back.
7. *Kidney stones*: Small, hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys can cause severe pain in the lower back.
8. *Osteoporosis*: A condition in which the bones become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures and pain.
# Symptoms of Lower Backache
1. *Pain*: A dull ache or sharp pain in the lower back that can radiate to the buttocks, thighs, or legs.
2. *Stiffness*: Limited mobility or stiffness in the lower back.
3. *Muscle spasms*: Sudden, involuntary contractions of the muscles in the lower back.
4. *Numbness or tingling*: Numbness or tingling sensations in the legs or feet.
5. *Weakness*: Weakness or fatigue in the legs or feet.
# Prevention and Treatment
1. *Exercise regularly*: Regular exercise, such as stretching, strengthening, and aerobic exercises, can help strengthen the muscles in the lower back and improve flexibility.
2. *Maintain good posture*: Good posture can help reduce strain on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back.
3. *Lift correctly*: Lifting heavy objects correctly, using proper lifting techniques, can help reduce strain on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back.
4. *Manage stress*: Stress can exacerbate lower back pain; practicing stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help manage stress.
5. *Get enough sleep*: Getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce strain on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back.
6. *Physical therapy*: Physical therapy, such as massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic care, can help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
7. *Medications*: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain and inflammation.
8. *Surgery*: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
# When to Seek Medical Attention
1. *Sudden, severe pain*: If you experience sudden, severe pain in the lower back.
2. *Numbness or tingling*: If you experience numbness or tingling sensations in the legs or feet.
3. *Weakness*: If you experience weakness or fatigue in the legs or feet.
4. *Loss of bladder or bowel control*: If you experience loss of bladder or bowel control.
5. *Fever*: If you experience fever, chills, or other symptoms of infection.
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