Lower back pain is discomfort in the region from below the rib cage to the buttocks. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, and can be acute, subacute, or chronic, affecting anyone. Several common causes of lower back pain are:

Fractures

Fractures often result from falls, accidents, injuries, or repetitive movements. Conditions like bone loss or spondylolysis increase the risk of fractures.

Arthritis

Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, is common in individuals over 50. Osteoarthritis is a typical cause of lower back pain. Spinal arthritis can narrow the spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord and causing pain.

Disc Issues

Spinal discs act as cushions between vertebrae. When discs tear (herniation) or bulge, they can compress nerves, leading to persistent lower back pain.

Kidney Disease

Sometimes, back pain can signal a more serious kidney issue, such as kidney stones. Unlike typical muscle or joint pain, kidney-related back pain is often a deep, dull ache in the upper back, just below the rib cage on both sides of the spine. A key distinction is that this type of pain typically does not change with posture, whereas musculoskeletal pain often lessens or worsens with changes in position or physical activity.

Cancer

In rare instances, back pain can be a sign of cancer. Cancers such as bladder cancer, spinal cancer, or lung cancer can all cause back pain. Pain that persists, gradually worsens, or comes with other unusual symptoms is concerning. Cancer-related back pain often appears late (e.g., bladder cancer) or can be an early indicator (e.g., spinal cancer). If the pain has no clear cause or intensifies, prompt medical evaluation is necessary for timely diagnosis.

Back pain affects everyone, including children and adolescents, becoming more common with age. Risk factors include inactivity, being overweight, underlying medical conditions, improper lifting techniques, and psychological issues such as depression and anxiety. Smoking can also worsen back pain.

To alleviate lower back pain, consider adequate rest, practicing yoga poses like child's pose, and applying hot and cold compresses. Additionally, physical therapy, pain medication, massage, or spinal manipulation may help improve symptoms.

Prevention and management involve regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and proper posture. If symptoms become severe or persistent, timely medical intervention is crucial, as delayed treatment can worsen the condition.

By Bao Bao (Sources: Times of India, Healthline)