If you ask most people to talk about the worst pain they have experienced, the vast majority of adults will talk about lower back pain. In fact, it is estimated that about 80% of all adults in the United States will have some type of pain in the lower area of the back in their lifetime.
This type of back pain problem is prevalent because of the nature of the spine. The lower back is the area of the spine bearing the most weight while also twisting and turning the most, resulting in an increased risk of injury. Often back pain, especially in the lumbar area, ranges from a chronic type of pain to acute pain which can literally freeze the person and prevent any movement.
Contributing Factors
There are several contributing factors to lower back pain. The more of these factors you have, the greater the risk of having lower back problems, especially as you age.
* The most common contributing factors include:
* Sudden weight gain, being overweight or being obese
* Extended periods of sitting or standing in the same position
* Repetitive bending, lifting or twisting motions which are often work-related
* Pregnancy
* Genetics
The more of these factors present, the greater the risk of developing lower back pain over time. The most common age of diagnosis is between the ages of 30 to 50 in both men and women.
How To Prevent Lower Back Pain
The good news for anyone with one or more contributing factors for the development of back pain is the fact there are things which can be done to help. The first is to see a spine specialist to talk about any early signs of lower back or upper back pain you are experiencing.
Your doctor will then provide you with ideas and lifestyle changes which can be instrumental in helping to prevent or reduce the risk of lower back pain in your life.
Common recommendations include:
* Core strength training – helps to stabilize the spine and use the muscles of the abdomen to help to limit the stress on the muscles of the lower back.
* Weight loss – getting into good physical shape through appropriate, moderate exercises combined with a healthy diet is ideal for your whole body. Shedding extra pounds takes a lot of stress off of the back.
* Choosing ergonomically designed equipment – ergonomically designed chairs, backrests, keyboards and other equipment takes the stress off the lower spine and helps to keep the spine in alignment.
* Activity – staying active even with mild to moderate back pain is much healthier than being inactive.
Talk to your doctors about any activity when experiencing lower back pain. Your doctor can recommend specific stretches and activities which will help to keep muscles moving while also building strength.
If you are experiencing any type of lower back pain visit us at Suburban Orthopaedics. To learn more about our doctors and our practice see us at www.suburbanortho.com or check us out on Facebook.
