Lower Back Pain

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By Corey M. Mackenzie
eHow Contributing Writer

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Lower back pain is usually caused by muscle strain, (or even in a woman's case, menstruation), but vertebral injuries and other serious conditions also cause pain in this area. Muscle strains or sprains can be severe and recuperation time lengthy. Slipped discs, herniated discs and pinched nerves usually cause intense pain and may require hospitalization.
Ice packs, heat packs, pain pills and muscle relaxers sometimes help the pain of lower back muscle strains. Surgery, however, may be required if the pain is caused by vertebral injury.

Causes

Muscle strain, vertebral degeneration in the lumbar region, menstruation, bladder infections and illnesses in the colon can all cause mild to intense lower back pain. In addition, serious conditions such as herniated disc or abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause severe lower back pain--both are medical emergencies.

Features

Lower back pain may be classified as intermittent, sharp or aching pains, and mild or severe spasms.
Back spasms easily occur in response to injury. Injury does not have to be severe to cause a painful, long-lasting spasm. It can be as simple as straining the muscles slightly when reaching for something.
Severe, lasting ache or shooting pain can indicate a more serious injury or condition, such as a slipped disc or pinched nerve.

Identification

When the cause of lower back pain is unclear, or your doctor suspects causes beyond muscle strain, he or she may recommend an X-ray, a CT scan, an MRI, or similar diagnostic tests. These should be able to pinpoint any vertebral injuries or abnormalities that might be causing your pain.

Prevention/Solution

Strengthen abdominal muscles to help prevent lower back injury. In addition, practice good posture whether sitting or standing, as poor posture increases strain on lower back muscles.
Always practice good lifting techniques. Bend at the knees and lift using your leg muscles, not your back muscles. Hold items close to your body when lifting as this also reduces strain on your back.
Treat all lower back pain with care. Lower back pain caused by injury may initially be eased with pain medicine and ice to reduce inflammation. After a few days, warm packs may be used, depending on the injury. In addition, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxers or prescription pain medicine.
Vertebral injuries require trained medical help. Some vertebral disorders may require surgery.

Warning

Get help if back pain is very intense and lasts. According to the National Institute of Neurological Conditions and Stroke, if this pain accompanies loss of bladder or bowel control, fever and leg weakness, it could indicate something serious.
Muscle spasms that happen spontaneously can be relieved by heat; however, be careful if you are unsure whether or not the spasm was caused by injury--heat causes blood vessels to swell and this may worsen the injury if heat is used too soon (the swelling may exacerbate tissue damage).