Lower back pain can be very disturbing comfort and activity. Even in certain cases, this complaint can also appear along with other problems, such as weakness in the legs or feet. Therefore, it is important to know the causes and how to overcome them.
Pain in the lower spine often causes complaints of lower back pain (low back pain).low back pain). This pain usually arises from damage or disruption to the structure of connective tissue or ligaments, muscles, nerves, bones and joints, and the spinal cord.
Back pain can be experienced by anyone, from children to the elderly. However, some research says that this complaint most often occurs in adults aged around 30-50 years.
Understanding the Causes of Lower Spine Pain
There are several factors that can increase a person's risk for experiencing lower back pain, such as being overweight, pregnancy, frequent smoking, severe stress, and side effects of medications, such as corticosteroids.
In addition to the appearance of pain in the spine or around the lower back, lower back pain can also appear along with other complaints, such as numbness, stiffness in the lower back, and tingling or numbness that radiates to one leg.
Pain from the lower spine can also sometimes radiate to the thighs, buttocks, or legs.
There are several things that can cause lower back pain, including:
1. Kmuscle tension
muscle tension (muscle strain) or sprains usually occur when you lift a heavy object in the wrong position or way, or when you make a sudden heavy movement.
In addition, muscle tension can also occur due to the wrong body position, for example, often bending or bending the neck and sitting for too long.
2. Disorders of the spinal structure
Lower back pain can also be caused by abnormalities or damage to the spinal tissue structure, such as arthritis or joint pain arthritis, osteoporosis, spinal cord injury, and changes in the shape or shift of the spine (scoliosis).
3. Infection of the spine
Pain in the lower spine can also sometimes be caused by a bacterial infection, for example Staphylococcus and Eschericia Coli. These bacteria can cause epidural abscesses and spondylitis which can damage the structure of the lower spine tissue.
In addition, pain in the lower spine can also be caused by tuberculosis (TB) in the spine.
4. Cancer and tumors of the spine
The growth of tumors and cancer cells in the spine can cause damage to the nerve tissue, causing pain in the spine.
In addition, tumors or cancers in the spine can also cause weakness, difficulty holding urination or defecation, to paralysis of the legs or feet.
5. Spinal stenosis
This is a condition when the space or cavity of the spine becomes narrowed, pressing or pinching the spinal nerves and causing pain. This condition can be caused by injury, scoliosis, genetic disorders, or the aging process of the spine.
6. A pinched nerve
This disease is closely related to spinal stenosis. When the spinal narrowing is severe enough, over time this condition can lead to a pinched nerve (HNP). Apart from stenosis, pinched nerves can also occur due to spinal cord injury.
As a result, there will be pain in the back and lower spine. This pain can radiate to the legs, buttocks, or thighs. In certain cases, a pinched nerve can also cause tingling or numbness, weakness in the lower limbs, or even paralysis.
7. Cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome can also be one cause of pain in the spine or lower back. The pain that arises from this disease can be very severe and sometimes accompanied by tingling or numbness in both legs.
8. Spondylolisthesis
This condition can occur when the spine shifts from its normal position, making it difficult for you to stand and walk for long periods of time. Spondylolisthesis can be caused by several factors, such as genetics and injury.
Lower back pain can be caused by many things. Therefore, when you feel this complaint, especially if the pain that appears has been prolonged or getting worse, you should consult a doctor.
To determine the cause of your lower back pain, your doctor can perform a physical examination and various supporting tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, blood tests, and eelectromyography (EMG).
How to Overcome Back Pain
Treatment of lower back pain will be tailored to the cause. The following are treatments that are usually recommended by doctors:
Omedicine
To reduce the pain that appears, the doctor will prescribe pain relievers, such as paracetamol, celecoxib, diclofenac, or ketorolac. Meanwhile, to treat nervous disorders and severe pain, antidepressants or opioid painkillers may be given.
If the spinal pain is caused by an infection, such as spinal TB, the doctor may prescribe antituberculosis drugs.
Physiotherapy
To help relieve symptoms of pain, tingling, numbness, or even weakness in your legs or feet, your doctor may also recommend that you undergo physiotherapy, such as electrical therapy.
With this therapy, the physiotherapist will provide treatment to relax stiff and tense muscles, improve the structure of the lower spine tissue, and help you perform certain physical exercises or movements to reduce pain in the lower spine.
Operation
Spinal surgery is the last option, if other treatment measures have not worked for the lower back pain that appears, or if the spinal cord damage is severe and needs to be repaired.
The type and technique of surgery performed can vary, depending on the cause of the back pain you feel. In general, this procedure is quite safe to do.
However, just like any other surgery, in certain cases, spinal surgery also carries a risk of side effects or complications, such as spinal cord damage, numbness, or even paralysis.
Lower back pain can generally be prevented and alleviated by regular exercise, maintaining an ideal body weight, and getting used to maintaining a good or upright posture.
However, if you experience lower back pain that is quite severe or has been prolonged, especially if it has caused other complaints, such as numbness, weakness in the legs, or paralysis, you should immediately consult a doctor for treatment.