Understanding Low Back Pain

The lumbar spine, commonly referred to as the low back, is the part of the spine that covers the area between the ribs and the hips. It is composed of five bones, called vertebrae, with cushions, or discs, between each bone. These discs act as shock absorbers, allowing the bones to move without rubbing against each other. The lumbar spine is held in place by ligaments and surrounded by multiple layers of muscles. The spinal cord runs down the middle of each vertebra, from which nerves branch out to both the left and right sides of the spine.

What is the lumbar spine?

What are the functions of the low back?

The low back serves a number of critical functions for the human body, including providing structural support, facilitating movement, and protecting certain body tissues. When we stand, the lower back supports the weight of the upper body. It is also involved in movement, such as bending forward or back, or rotating at the waist. Therefore, injury to the structures important for weight bearing, such as the bony spine, muscles and ligaments, often can be detected when the body is standing erect or used in various movements.

What is low back pain?

Low back pain is a term used to describe pain that occurs between the lowest ribs and the buttock crease, lasting for a few days or a few weeks. Back pain varies. It may be sharp or stabbing. It can be dull, achy, or feel like a type of cramp. The type of pain you have will depend on the underlying cause of your back pain. Back pain is a symptom and the causes for back pain can be many.

What is acute low back pain?

Around 80% of all people will have low back pain sometime in their lives. The majority of acute back pain is, in most cases, a result of simple sprains and strains in your back. Sprains are caused by overstretching or tearing ligaments, and strains are tears in tendon or muscle. Both can occur from twisting or lifting something in the wrong way, lifting something too heavy, or overstretching. Such movements may also trigger spasms in back muscles, which can also be painful. In most cases, your back pain will get better on its own within a few weeks or with exercises and physical therapy treatment to re-train certain muscles.

What is chronic or disabling low back pain?

While the majority of people recover from an episode of low back pain quickly, some people continue to experience pain even after months or years. Research suggests that, in most cases, there is no injury to the back. People with chronic pain often struggle to manage work, family, and social activities, and chronic low back pain is a significant cause of disability worldwide. However, patients can learn to manage their pain. Certain factors at the early stages of back pain have been associated with a higher likelihood of it becoming persistent.

Source: Eurospine Patient Line