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Low Back Pain
Summary:
Also called Lumbar Pain , low back pain can result from pressure on the spinal cord or other nerves, or from muscle strain. Acute back pain can result from trauma, with resultant tissue injury. Chronic back pain can result from arthritic or osteoporotic damage to the vertebrae, a herniated disc, or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis).
Emotional stress, poor posture, lack of exercise, tobacco use and being overweight compound the problem. Back pain which doesn't respond to gentle stretching, ice, heat or medication is sometimes helped by other therapies - including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), exercises to strengthen abdominal muscles, posture training, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic or relaxation techniques. Back pain which is accompanied by numbness, weakness or changes in bowel or bladder function can signify nerve damage and may require further evaluation.
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