Low back pain
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| Low back pain | |
|---|---|
| File:Lumbar region in human skeleton.svg | |
| Synonyms | Lumbago |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Muscle pain, stiffness, numbness |
| Complications | Chronic pain, sciatica, depression |
| Onset | Sudden or gradual |
| Duration | Days to weeks (acute), more than 12 weeks (chronic) |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Muscle strain, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis |
| Risks | Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, occupational hazards |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, medical imaging |
| Differential diagnosis | Kidney stones, abdominal aortic aneurysm, pancreatitis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Pain management, physical therapy, exercise, surgery |
| Medication | NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, opioids |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Affects about 80% of people at some point in their lives |
| Deaths | Rarely directly fatal |
Low Back Pain (LBP), also known as lumbago, is a prevalent health issue affecting the muscles, nerves, and bones of the back. This condition can manifest in various ways, from a dull, continuous ache to a sudden, sharp sensation.
Classification[edit]
LBP is typically categorized based on the duration and underlying cause of the pain.
By Duration[edit]
- Acute LBP: This type lasts less than six weeks. It is often due to strain or minor injury.
- Sub-chronic LBP: This type persists for six to twelve weeks. It can be a continuation of acute LBP or a new issue.
- Chronic LBP: This type lasts more than twelve weeks and may be due to ongoing conditions such as arthritis, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease.
By Cause[edit]
- Mechanical LBP: This type is the most common and is due to physical problems with the structures of the lower back, including the spine, intervertebral discs, or supporting muscles and ligaments.
- Non-Mechanical LBP: This type is less common and can be caused by conditions such as kidney stones, endometriosis, or fibromyalgia.
- Referred Pain: This type originates in a different part of the body but is felt in the lower back.
Prognosis[edit]
Most individuals with LBP see improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks of onset. Between 40-90% of patients recover within six weeks. However, recurrence is common, and the condition can become chronic in some cases.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for LBP often includes a combination of self-care measures, physical therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery. Patient education is also vital, as understanding the cause and mechanisms of LBP can help manage the condition.
References[edit]
- Mehling, W. E., Gopisetty, V., Bartmess, E., Acree, M., Pressman, A., Goldberg, H., ... & Avins, A. L. (2012). The prognosis of acute low back pain in primary care in the United States: a 2-year prospective cohort study. Spine, 37(8), 678-684.
- Delitto, A., George, S. Z., Van Dillen, L. R., Whitman, J. M., Sowa, G., Shekelle, P., ... & Godges, J. J. (2012). Low back pain. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 42(4), A1-A57.
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