Common causes of lower back pain and what you can do about it
Lower back discomfort can indeed be quite bothersome, wouldn't you agree? Interestingly, it can often originate from your buttock muscles, known as the gluteal muscle group.
It's widely acknowledged that lower back pain ranks among the most prevalent forms of chronic discomfort. At Epoch Health, it's one of the primary concerns patients bring to our attention. Acute or chronic lower back pain impacts 80-85% of individuals at some point in their lives and stands as a leading cause of work absenteeism (Buchbinder et al., 2011; Froud et al., 2014).
Anatomically termed the lumbar spine, the lower back comprises five vertebrae and an intricate network of muscular and ligamentous connections. Among these muscle groups are the gluteals, colloquially referred to as the "glutes." While their primary function is to stabilise and mobilise the hips, they often weaken or sustain injury alongside lower back issues. Additionally, they share a significant connection with the sciatic nerve, which traverses through the buttock, contributing to lower limb sensation. Many individuals visiting our clinic report experiencing "sciatica" or sciatic nerve-related pain in tandem with their lower back problems.
Lower back pain affects a vast majority of people at some point in their lives. Several injuries fall under the umbrella of lower back pain, including but not limited to:
Lumbar herniated disc: Protrusion of nuclear material from within the disc space, potentially compressing or irritating spinal nerves.
Degenerative joint and/or disc disease: Age-related wear and tear of spinal joints and/or discs, often termed Spondylosis.
Facet joint dysfunction or sprain: Injury to small spinal joints in the lower back due to excessive force.
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction: Improper movement of joints connecting the sacrum to the pelvis.
Osteoarthritis: Degenerative arthritis causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation between lumbar vertebrae joints.
Spondylolisthesis: Forward or backward slipping of one lumbar vertebra on another.
Compression or trauma-related fractures: Typically occurring in individuals with osteoporosis due to weakened bone structure.
Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of spinal spaces, such as the spinal canal, leading to compression of spinal nerves in the lower back.
Various activities can contribute to lower back pain, including heavy lifting, poor gym techniques, muscle weakness, improper sleeping postures, inadequate flexibility, prolonged sitting, standing, or lying, twisting or bending forward, menstrual pain, pregnancy, and sports injuries.
For easing lower back discomfort, consider the following:
Avoid prolonged bed rest and engage in gentle movements to facilitate healing.
Incorporate low-impact exercises like short walks or swimming.
Increase water intake to enhance fluid exchange in the body.
Avoid prolonged static positions and maintain proper ergonomics.
Seek professional assistance for tailored treatment and management plans.
Opt for supportive sleeping positions and ergonomic setups.
Practice correct lifting techniques and ensure proper footwear.
Utilise heat therapy and quality mattresses or pillows.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage and alleviate lower back pain.
If you're interested in consulting one of our Practitioners for an assessment and treatment of your lower back pain, our welcoming team is ready to assist you in achieving your healthcare objectives. Feel free to book your appointment online or give us a call at 1300 887 513.