One of the most common ailments among adults is lower back pain. This ailment affects millions of adults between the ages of 30 and 50, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). In fact, 80% of American adults will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. It accounts for the most missed workdays and is one of the leading job-related disabilities.

Lower back pain has a variety of causes. Some of the most common causes are:

• Nerve irritation
• Muscle spasms
• Pulled or strained muscles
• Slipped or herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis

The pain caused by these conditions varies as well. Back muscles can ache or throb. Sometimes there are shooting or stabbing pains. Nerve irritation can cause pain to radiate down your leg. Strained muscles can make bending, lifting, standing and walking painful.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Lower Back Pain

Back pain often goes away on its own without much more than rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. If it lingers and does not improve, a trip to the doctor may be necessary. Occasionally, back pain is due to a serious medical condition. In these instances, an immediate trip to the doctor is warranted. This is the case if:

• Back pain is accompanied by new bowel or bladder problems
• You have a fever with your back pain
• You sustained an injury following a fall or if you had a blow to the back

You should also notify your doctor if your back pain is severe and not improving within a few weeks. If the pain moves down your leg and extends below your knee, you should be seen by a doctor. Unexplained weight loss and lingering back pain should be checked out by your doctor.

Lower back pain is very common, but it can also be a symptom of a serious health condition. Get relief from your back pain with a visit to Dr. Michael. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.