Back pain in the lower back or low back pain Low back pain is not a specific disease. Rather, it is a symptom that may occur from a variety of different processes. Back pain is common and the largest single cause of sickness absence in the UK. Although it can be very painful, it is normally not serious. Low back pain means a pain, or ache, anywhere on your back, in between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the legs. Pain in the lower back is a symptom of stress or damage to your ligaments, muscles, tendons or discs. In some cases the back pain can spread to the buttocks and thighs. Simple low back pain means that the pain is not due to any underlying disease that can be found. In some cases the cause may be a sprain (an over-stretch) of a ligament or muscle. In other cases the cause may be a minor problem with a disc between two vertebrae, or a minor problem with a small 'facet' joint between two vertebrae.

Symptoms of Back Pain

Pain may come on suddenly or gradually. It may vary from mild to severe, and it can be constant or it may come and go. It is usually sharp and burning and is made worse by sneezing, coughing, or straining to pass stools. Some people describe it as a shooting pain. The pain usually affects only one leg.

Aches, spasm and stiffness-You may have painful muscle spasms in your back. (Muscle spasms are when your muscles tighten on their own). These are very common, as your back has a network of muscles and nerves that can easily be strained or torn.1 The pain may be a constant dull ache, or it may be sharp and burn when you move around. Your back may be tender when you touch it.

Pain can also be made worse by activities that cause you to forcefully contract the core muscles of your trunk such as a cough, sneeze, or a difficult bowel movement, or if you hold your breath during an activity.

Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to nerve tissue. It is often felt as a burning or stabbing pain. One example of neuropathic pain is a "pinched nerve.

Treatment

Heat Application

Applications of heat packs help ease much of the discomfort associated with muscle spasm causing low back pain. Patients can use heating pad, hot water bottles, or even a hot bath to help ease the muscle discomfort that often causes low back pain.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or in some cases, a muscle relaxant, to relieve mild to moderate back pain that doesn't get better with over-the-counter pain relievers. Narcotics, such as codeine or hydrocodone, may be used for a short period of time with close supervision by your doctor.

Surgery

Few people ever need surgery for back pain. There are no effective surgical techniques for muscle- and soft-tissue-related back pain. Surgery is usually reserved for pain caused by a herniated disk. If you have unrelenting pain or progressive muscle weakness caused by nerve compression, you may benefit from surgery.