Lower back pain symptoms and causes
Mechanical causes
The most common causes of lower back pain are mechanical.
These include muscular, joint and disc conditions which are caused by poor or exaggerated movements creating stress on the lower back, such as incorrect bending and lifting, repetitive strain, poor posture for long periods, falls, accidents, poor physical condition or aging.
Easy Pilates can be used to improve all mechanical conditions as it targets and strengthens the muscles which support these systems.
Mechanical conditions which occur more frequently
Mechanical condition
Disc injury
Description
Damage to the part of the spine that provides cushioning (discs) between the bones (vertebra).
A damaged disc may push on the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica (see below).
Symptoms
Lower back pain and/or pain in the buttock. Pain is usually worse sitting, bending forward, twisting, coughing, sneezing and lifting.
Sciatica
Irritation of the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerves run from the lower spine down through the leg on both sides of the body.
Often caused by damage to the adjacent spinal disc and resulting pressure on the sciatic nerve where it joins the spine.
Pain usually radiates from the lower back down to the back of the leg. There may also be tingling, numbness and weakness in the leg. Pain can be worse when sitting, bending, twisting or coughing.
Muscle strain
Muscle and tendon tears due to overstretching.
May feel mild pain in lower back that is worse during movement. Lower back muscles can also feel stiff and sore.
Joint sprain
Damage to the joints of the spine.
Pain is in lower back and usually intermittent and may present in the buttock and sometimes radiates to the back of leg. Often worse when leaning / extending the back.
Sacroiliac joint sprain
Damage to the joint between the spine and pelvis.
Pain is usually on one side at the top of the pelvis and may present in the thigh or groin. Pain is usually worse when walking or standing.
Note: Remember that pain is subjective and symptoms may vary from person to person.
Less frequent mechanical conditions
Fractures to pelvis or vertebrae
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolysthesis
Scoliosis
Osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis
Piriformis syndrome
Sound like you?
Take a look at how Easy Pilates can help.
Non-mechanical causes
Infection
Rheumatologic conditions
Pelvic and gynaecological origins
Vascular referral
Cancers
Psychological reasons
When to see a doctor
If you have any unusual symptoms in addition to your lower back pain, you must see a doctor immediately for advice and treatment.
Below is a list of these symptoms:
Night pain that wakes you up
Weakness in the legs
If you have difficulty controlling your bowel or bladder
You have a fever, chills, sweats, or other signs of infection
Erectile dysfunction
Sudden weight loss
Perianal sensory loss
Any other unusual symptoms