Search
Pain in the lower back
Lower back pain is very common. The lower back includes the lumbar spine and the lower back. The lumbar spine consists of five lumbar vertebrae and the lower back of a fused sacrum, plus a variety of ligaments, muscles and fascia that stabilize everything. The vertebrae of the lumbar spine are articulated to each other with so-called facet joints. There are also joints between the last lumbar vertebra (L5) and the sacrum, the so-called LS joint. There is also the SI joint, a joint between the sacrum and the posterior upper part of the pelvis (ilium)
Between each vertebral body is a disk, a disc of cartilage with a soft core and a firmer shell. The disks have a shock-absorbing function and should also provide a better fit between the vertebral bodies.
The back muscles are of the type of stabilizing small muscles that sit deeply and extend between a number of vertebral bodies (core muscles), but also large muscles with long fibers that create more movement.
What causes lower back pain?
Lower back pain can manifest itself differently in men and women. One of the most common causes is inflammation of the lower back and/or lumbar spine. Inflammation is the body’s way of reacting to an injury or injury, and it is a key part of the body’s natural healing process. The affected region for this inflammation is most often the fascia, especially the lumbar fascia. For the spine to function properly, it is important that all vertebrae, joints, muscles and fascia are in balance. If the balance is disturbed, some parts can become overloaded, which can lead to injury or irritation. This overload can in turn result in inflammation and pain in the back. For example, an imbalance in the pelvis and spine can lead to uneven loading of the facet joints, or it can be the muscles and fascia that are overloaded, leading to injuries of various degrees. Inflammation is characterized by an increased blood supply to the injured area. Symptoms include swelling, redness, pain and heat. This often causes the back to become stiff and difficult to move.
Another common cause of low back pain is a herniated disc, particularly between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, although it can occur between other vertebrae as well. In a herniated disc, a misalignment of the spine has caused the vertebrae to not load evenly against the intervertebral disc. This uneven pressure can damage the disk, causing its soft core to be squeezed out and can affect the spinal cord and nerve roots. Depending on the nerve affected and the degree of pressure, this can lead to problems of varying severity. As with other injuries, a herniated disc can also cause inflammation.
Why do I have lower back pain?
Lower back pain can be caused by an acute trauma, such as a fall that injured your back. It can also be due to performing a movement or lifting too heavily, i.e. doing something that you are not really trained for, and therefore straining the muscles and fascia so that damage occurs. More common, however, is that for a long time in everyday life you go around and load the body incorrectly due to a bad posture, loading a body in imbalance simply. This causes long-term low-grade wear and tear on joints and soft tissues, day in and day out, and eventually injuries occur.
Lower back pain in women
Pregnancy can also cause lower back pain. During pregnancy, the body is gradually exposed to increased weight and a redistribution of the center of gravity. It is important that the body, pelvis, etc. are in proper balance to support the increased weight without causing minor injuries and abrasions.
Diseases and problems in internal organs such as the kidneys, ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus can also cause lower back pain.
What is lower back pain a symptom of?
Lower back pain is a symptom of imbalances in the body. It can be a misaligned pelvis or a misaligned sacrum, which has consequences on joints and soft tissues that in turn cause pain. Constant strain on an imbalanced body can lead to repetitive strain injuries and even herniated discs as described above.
Problems from internal organs, such as infection of the kidneys, ovaries or uterus, can also cause pain and discomfort in the lower back. In this case, prompt contact with a doctor is required for treatment.
When and where should I seek treatment for lower back pain?
Once you are sure that the lower back pain does not have a more serious underlying medical cause, but it is an inflammation of the lumbar spine, an imbalance with overexertion or a milder herniated disc, you can seek help at a Fascia Clinic. It’s always good to get treatment as soon as possible to avoid walking in pain and building up compensations that can cause more problems. The sooner you get help, the sooner the problems are usually resolved.
How is lower back pain treated?
Treatment for lower back pain at a Fascia Clinic begins with a full body analysis of posture and balance. The treatment itself is performed with various manual techniques and gentle vibrations that pleasantly get the flow going in the fascia and cause the tissue to relax. This increases the body’s ability to heal itself. The treatment does not focus on the evil in the back but on getting the flow going and getting the body as well balanced as possible, which usually solves the evil.
Lower back pain – What can I do myself?
Lower back pain due to misalignment, inflammation, herniated discs, etc. does not get better with rest. Try to keep moving and be as mobile as possible but avoid movements that hurt too much as this often leads to compensatory movement patterns. If your back and tissues are misaligned, it is important to first make sure you are as straight as possible (fascial treatment), so that movement does not aggravate the problems.
Avoid using a back brace even though it may relieve pain. It can weaken the muscles as they are unloaded and not exercised enough.
Exercises for lower back pain
Exercises that strengthen the core muscles of the back and abdominal muscles are important to perform when you have lower back pain. Avoid sit-ups, it puts too much pressure on the abdominal cavity. Instead, strengthen your abdominal muscles by lying on your back and slowly lifting your legs a few inches, keeping your head and back on the floor.
Deep breathing relaxation exercises provide relief and improved flow in the back and entire torso. Lie on your back with your legs angled at 90° to a chair, arms out to the sides, breathe slowly and feel your lower back pressed against the floor.
Bird dog. Stand on all fours with hands under shoulders and knees under hips. Extend one arm forward while extending the opposite leg back. Hold the position for a few seconds and return to the starting position. Your back should be straight and your torso should be taut. Repeat the movement with the other arm and leg.
Lie on your back and place both hands on your buttocks. Alternate between pressing your back against your hands and swaying to soften the structures.
