Low-back pain is not an uncommon problem among people today. It can be caused by something as simple as sitting too long at work, but is not always that simple. Pain in your back is often debilitating and can be a major impact on your fitness program as well as your ability to perform daily tasks.
While most back pain is short-lived and usually overuse related most people would like to just go a single day without feeling pain in their back again. It is good to know what caused your back pain so you can better prevent it.
If your pain is associated with a tingling down one of your legs, you can almost be sure that you suffer from sciatica.
Sciatica results from irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body, running from your pelvis area to the back of your thighs where it divides into two branches that course down to your feet. When this never becomes compressed you can experience back pain. Most often the cause for compression is a herniated disk in your spine. These disks cushion bony vertebrae. Poor biomechanics, weak abdominals, or pregnancy increases the risk for herniation.
While sometimes very painful, sciatica usually does not result in permanent nerve damage. There also is not danger for paralysis from a herniated disk in this area. Note: If your symptoms include progressive weakness in the legs or bladder/bowel incontinence, this may indicate a serious condition called cauda equina syndrome that requires immediate medical attention.
Your Doctor is most likely to recommend:
Apply heat (research suggests ice isn’t as helpful) for 20 minutes every two hours, as needed.
Relieve pain and inflammation with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin as directed on the bottle.
Maintain your regular levels of physical activity (but avoid what may have caused the back pain in the first place). Bed rest will not help relieve the pain.
Begin a physical therapy program once your pain is adequately controlled so that you can learn how to prevent future injury.
Do some passive lower-back stretches. This might help you feel better and relieve some of the nerve compression.
If your pain is chronic (more than six weeks), a regular physical-activity program will help decrease the pain. It also improves your posture, strengthens your back, increases flexibility and helps with weight loss and fall prevention.
Remember that it is always best to talk to your physician before begining an exercise program.
