Back pain is one of the common problems that can have many causes, from muscle strains to a herniated disc.
Anyone can experience lower back pain at any time, even if you don’t have prior injury or any of the risk factors. Approximately five out of ten working adults experience back pain each year, often due to poor posture, prolonged sitting, or sedentary lifestyles.
While back pain might often be seen as a minor ache initially, ignoring it can lead to chronic pain that limits mobility and affects the quality of life.
In this guide, we will understand what the symptoms of lower back pain are and when to seek help from a pain management clinic in Chennai like Epione.
What is Lower Back Pain?
Low Back Pain refers to discomfort or stiffness in the lumbar region – the area between the lower ribs and the upper thighs. It can be mild and temporary or chronic and persistent, depending on the underlying cause.
While most low back pain goes away on its own, it often comes back. You can manage and prevent low back pain by making lifestyle changes and getting care from your doctor.
The most common causes include –
- Muscle or ligament strain
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Poor posture or prolonged sitting
- Arthritis or spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
Common Symptoms of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can range from a muscle ache to a shooting, burning, or stabbing feeling. Here are some of the common symptoms –
1. Muscle Stiffness or Tightness
One of the earliest signs of lower back pain is a feeling of stiffness or tension in the muscles. You might feel restricted movement or a reduced range of motion in the lower back.
The muscles around the spine can feel stiff and tight. This makes it hard to bend, twist, or stand up straight. The stiffness often gets worse in the morning or after sitting still for a while.
2. A Burning Pain
A burning or tingling sensation in the lower back may indicate nerve irritation, often linked to conditions like sciatica. The burning feeling can travel down the back and into the buttocks or legs.
It’s a distinct symptom from a general muscle ache and suggests nerve involvement.
3. Dull, Aching Pain
Another common symptom is a dull, persistent ache in your lower back. This pain often comes from muscle fatigue or overuse, like lifting heavy objects or having poor posture at work.
Moreover, conditions like degenerative disc disease or arthritis can cause chronic, persistent pain that doesn’t go away with rest or over-the-counter pain medications.
4. A Sudden, Sharp Pain
Sharp or stabbing pain often occurs when there’s a muscle tear, ligament sprain, or a slipped disc. The pain is typically localised to a specific area and can be quite intense.
Immediate rest and ice therapy may provide temporary relief, but medical evaluation is essential to prevent worsening injury.
5. Pain that Radiates
Radiating pain, also called referred pain, starts in the lower back and moves down to your hips, buttocks, or legs. This symptom is a typical sign of sciatica.
Sciatica is a common condition linked to lower back pain, where discomfort travels down one or both legs. It often comes with numbness and tingling.
6. Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms are involuntary and painful contractions of the lower back muscles. They can be very debilitating and may last for minutes or hours.
These spasms can be a protective mechanism to protect the spine or a disc injury, or an inflamed area. They can range from a minor twitch to a sudden, severe contraction that causes intense pain and can make it impossible to move.
7. Pain That Worsens with Prolonged Sitting
If your back pain worsens the longer you sit, especially at a desk or while driving, it could indicate disc pressure or weak core muscles.
Sitting for long periods, especially with poor posture, compresses the lower spine, often exacerbating disc-related conditions like herniated or degenerative discs.
Simple adjustments like taking short standing breaks or using lumbar support cushions can make a big difference.
When to Seek Help
When lower back pain becomes chronic, severe, or begins to affect the limbs, it’s crucial to seek specialised care. You should seek medical care if you have:
- Pain resulting from a significant injury or other trauma.
- Pain last longer than a few weeks.
- Spreads along one or both legs, particularly below the knee.
- The pain is severe and does not get better with rest.
Conclusion
Lower back pain is a common disorder involving the muscles, bones, or nerves of the back, ranging from a dull ache to a sharp pain. It’s not just an age-related concern, but it’s increasingly common among younger adults, especially those with desk jobs or sedentary routines.
Don’t let back pain hold you back. Consult with the best doctors for back pain in Chennai at Epione today!
Epione, one of the best pain management clinics in Chennai, offers expert care with a personalised touch. We offer non-surgical solutions tailored to your unique condition, using the latest diagnostic tools and advanced interventional treatments.