Injury Centre | Chest | Abdominal

 

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Lower back pain is extremely common and almost every person will have at least one episode of low back pain at some time in their lives. The pain can vary from severe/long term to mild/short lived.

Anatomy

There are 24 vertebrae in three upper segments of the spinal column. These three segments create three natural curves of the back - the curves of the neck, chest and lower back. The lower segments of the spine are made up of a series of vertebrae that are fused together. The lower back is a complex area that connects the upper body to the lower body. The lower back is composed of several vertebrae, disks of soft cartilage, muscles, joints, ligaments, and nerve tissue.

• Lumbar vertebrae - five bones that are stacked one upon each other and connect the upper spine to the pelvis;
• Disks - these act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae and allow for spine movement;
• Spinal cord and nerves - the 'electrical' fibre that travels through a central canal in the lumbar vertebrae andconnects the brain to the leg muscles;
• Small joints - between vertebrae, allowing movement and stability;
• Muscles and ligaments - provide strength/ power, as well as support and stability

 

The lower back provides the body with power and mobility and allows movements like turning, twisting or bending, as well as the strength to stand, walk, and lift. Proper functioning of the lower back is needed for almost all activities and is crucial whenconsidering sports.

Cause

Doctors have many ideas about what causes low back pain; however, no single explanation can apply to everyone!

Lower back pain may be related to aging of the disk. As a result of wear and tear on the spine, ligaments, and disks, a disk may begin to protrude or collapse and put pressure on the nerve root leading to a leg or foot, causing severe pain in those areas.

The problem can be aggravated by associated conditions, such as narrowing of the canal or shifting of the vertebrae, one upon the other.

Low back pain is sometimes caused by:

• Excessive stress to the back, such as lifting something heavy
• Minimal movement, such as bending or reaching for something
• Arthritis of the spine
• Problems with tendons or ligaments in and around the spine
• Malpositioning of vertebrae

Occasionally, it happens with no cause.

Doctors do not know why some people with acute back pain go on to suffer from long term low back pain. They also don't know why some people go on to feel quite well between episodes of severe pain.

Symptoms

Symptoms of lower back pain vary in some ways and are similar in others. Most people find that reclining or lying down will improve their pain and after their initial severe episode, many will be able to rest at night without severe pain. Most people experience more severe pain when they bend over to pick something up. Some get relief from arching backward (extending the back).

Leg pain also can be part of the problem. The pain is most common in the back or outer side of the thigh, and can go all the way to the foot. Pain that goes to the foot is called sciatica because it is pain that follows the course of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is often made worse by coughing or sneezing.

With an acute episode, back pain can be very severe for a few days or a week and then will often improve. By 2 weeks to 4 weeks, most people are much better. The length of time between episodes varies greatly from person to person, as does the length of each episode, the intensity of each episode, and how well each individual copes with the pain.

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer

All content within sports injury insurance is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Sports injury insurance is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the injury centre. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.