The problem of suffering from lower left back pain is common among people these days. It is the kind of pain which sticks with some people regularly, while others have the pain which comes and goes in the varied time period.
It can be severe and sharp pain or may have dull effects.
This problem can be aroused due to different causes, letās have a look at some of the major causes of lower left back pain.
Causes of lower left back pain
Lumbar herniated disc
There is a jelly-like center of the lumbar disc and is capable of irritating the nerve root close to it as it can break the tough outer layer. The nerve root pain is caused because of the herniated portion of the disc which causes inflammation as well as nerve compression when they reach nerve root.
The break or tear through the wall may lead to severe pain.
Facet joint dysfunction
Each disc at each motion segment in the lunar spine has two facet joints behind them which have cartilage between the bones. A richly innervated capsular ligament surrounds these cartilage. Sometimes, these joints are painful because of the conjunction with the disc, and sometimes these joints are just painful by themselves.
Degenerative disk diseases
The intervertebral are at their healthiest and full of water at the birth. With the increasing ages of the people, these discs tend to lose hydration and wear down. Therefore, these discs are unable to resist the forces as well. This leads to the development of tears and pain as they transfer the energy to the disc wall. Eventually, such weakening leads to herniation. Also, the collapse of this disc can contribute to stenosis.
Spinal stenosis
When the spinal canal is narrowed, it causes pain. This narrowing can be formal, central, or both at a time. It can be at single levels or multiple levels in the lower back.
Compression fracture
A fracture in which the bone essentially caves in on itself, which occurs in cylindrical vertebra can cause sudden and extreme pain. It generally occurs due to weak bones and is common among older people.
Deformity
The deformity of the spine that is the curvature in the spine leads to the breakdown of the discs, sacroiliac joints, facet joints or stenosis. This breakdown is associated with the pain in the lower back.
Osteoarthritis
The wear and tear of the facet joints and disc can cause pain, instability, inflammation, and stenosis. It can occur at single or multiple levels of the lower spine. Generally, it is happened due to the aging of the people. It is also known as degenerative joint diseases.
Spondylolisthesis
When one vertebra slips over the other one which might be adjacent to it, such a situation is called Spondylolisthesis.
There are five types of Spondylolisthesis, but generally, it occurs due to the fracture of the pars or mechanical instability of the facet joints. Usually, the pain is caused due to compression of the nerves or the variability in the back.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunctionĀ andĀ traumaĀ are also capable of causing lower left back pain.
As discussedĀ the occurrence of back pain can be sudden or gradual at times. So, when you are having lower left back pains, there are several symptoms for the same.
To know those symptoms take a look at the list belowā
- Dull or achy pain at the lower back can be a symptom.
- Muscle spasms were resulting in the hips and pelvis joints.
- When you feel extreme pain while sitting or changing body posture, say bending downwards.
- Too much pain due to prolonged standing.
- Sometimes, due to the pain, the condition worsens resulting in numbness in the back of the thighs and legs moving from the end to downwards.
Also, the symptoms can be measured in the duration of the pain occurring in the body. There are three types in that manner-
Acute painĀ (comes suddenly and lasts for few days or weeks and gradually fades away with as the body heals)
Subacute painĀ (lasts between 6 weeks to 3 months should be consulted by the doctor)
Chronic painĀ (this pain lasts for at least three months and requires serious medical treatment and observance)
These constant lower left back pains are very harmful and can cause severe damage. It is told that prevention is better than cure, but what if there is no time for prevention and its time for treatment?
Take a look at the list of the ways to manage lower left back pain at home.
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Be in motion
Itās not just lower left back pain, but even for any other kind of pain, you need to keep your body in motion. Taking a walk or doing a little bit of exercise every day is a must in your daily schedule.
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Stretch time to time
It is true that the workloads nowadays demand a lot of hard work, which means continuous sitting for a desk job. But, it is better to get up from your chair every 15-20 minutes to keep your body active. Otherwise, you might have to face body pains especially back pains. So, Stretch your legs and back a bit to avoid all that.
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Watch your posture
When carrying heavy objects, you should always take care of your position. Avoid bending over from the waist for such tasks.
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No to high heels
When you are having lower left back pain problems, itās better to avoid wearing high heels. Because these high heels create an unstable posture, and also they increase the pressure on the lower spine.
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No smoking
You must be thinking that how smoking is related to lower left back pains? Well, it is!Ā Smoking not only increases the chances of osteoporosis of the spine but also enhances the risks of having other bone problems.
There are some of theĀ medicationsĀ which are suggested by the experts to get relief from this problem.
- You can try over the counter (OTC) pain relievers. No steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
- Muscle relaxants
- Narcotics
- Muscle relaxants
- Injections (as prescribed by the doctor)
- Antidepressants