Low back pain, also called lumbago, is a term used to characterize back pain located in the lower area of the back, that is, in the lumbar area. These discomforts come from the spine, muscles, nerves and other structures of the body located in this part of the body. This is why the pains can radiate to the upper or middle part of the back.
Back injury patients may experience numerous symptoms such as a tingling sensation, sharp or dull pain, and feeling weak in the feet or legs; However, the discomfort in this part of the body can appear without suffering any damage, simply by performing actions in inappropriate ways such as standing, sitting or lifting an object.
If you have pain in the lower back and wonder how long a low back pain lasts , in the following FastlyHealarticle you can find a lot of information about this disorder.
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Causes of low back pain
Almost all people have suffered from back pain at least once in their life and this discomfort can occur in any area of it, however, the lumbar area is usually the most affected because it is the one that supports the weight of almost the whole body .
Although there are frequent low back pain caused by:
- Lift a heavy object
- Sitting in bad position
- Maintaining an incorrect posture for many hours
- Walking the wrong way
The acute low back pain usually be common for accidents or injuries to ligaments or the back muscles.
The intensity of the discomfort depends on whether they are caused by muscle spasms, tears or strain of the ligaments or muscles in the affected area. Among the most common causes of low back pain are compression fractures of the spine due to
- Osteoporosis
- Muscle spasms
- Disc herniation
- Sciatica
- Tension
- Tears
- Curvatures in the spine
- Narrowing of the spinal canal
- Cancer involving the spine
Despite the above, low back pain can also be due to arthritic conditions, infections in the spine or kidneys, aneurysm, pathologies that compromise the female reproductive organs, disorders during pregnancy or being overweight causing great effort for the patient. lumbar area.
How long does it take for lower back pain to heal?
How to cure lumbago
To quickly improve the clinical picture, it is important to act immediately when back pain begins, so it is advisable to suspend normal physical activity for a few days to reduce inflammation. It is also recommended that you apply ice or heat to the painful area and take over -the-counter pain relievers to help reduce pain.
If there are no signs of major causes of back pain, such as weakness, fever, or loss of bladder or bowel control, you should not take complete bed rest , but should be kept with regular activity after the first 72 hours of the appearance of the discomfort.
Despite the above, it is essential not to perform any action that requires lifting heavy objects or twisting the back, at least during the first 6 weeks, although moderate sports should be started after 2 or 3 weeks.
Although there are no specific treatments for low back pain, it is important to go for a consultation with a specialist. It will offer various possibilities to improve the discomfort if it is not relieved with pain relievers. Also, the doctor may recommend other therapies as part of the treatment, for example, professional massage, acupuncture, or exercises to relieve low back pain .
Lumbago duration
The pain usually diminishes significantly in a week and disappears completely in 4 or 6 weeks , if this does not happen, your doctor may recommend that you visit an orthopedist or have an epidural injection.
In the following FastlyHealarticle we explain the best home remedies for lumbago .
Lumbago: what to do and when to go to the doctor
If you know that you suffer from lumbago it is essential that you consult a doctor , mainly:
- If the pain in the back comes after a hard fall or a blow to the area
- If you feel burning with urination
- There is a presence of blood in the urine
- Patient has a history of cancer
- You have incontinence
- Strong discomfort that spreads down the legs to below the knees
- Worse when lying down
Also, you should urgently check if:
- there is swelling or redness in the back
- Numbness or weakness in the pelvis, buttocks, legs, or thighs
- If you have a fever for no apparent reason
- If you have lost weight unintentionally
- If IV drugs or steroids are used
If you want to prevent low back pain, it is best to do moderate exercise on a regular basis. This is because this strengthens the back and the muscles in the area, improves posture, loses weight and maintains better flexibility. It is also important to know what are the things you should avoid doing if you do not want your low back pain to get worse. Here we explain what you should not do :
- Avoid lifting heavy objects, especially if you don’t get help from someone else
- High heels should not be worn
- You should not stand for long periods of time
- Try to drive with a small pillow behind your lower back
In addition, you should perform constant stretching exercises and use a stool under your feet while sitting, ensuring that your knees are higher than your hips.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to How long does low back pain last , we recommend that you enter our Bones, Joints and Muscles category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.