Back pain is more common in people aged 45 and older. Arthritis causes pain through inflammation, while other conditions cause pain by compressing nerves in the spinal cord, according to Buoy Health.
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Treatments can range from rest, ice, and heat to spinal surgery, depending on the cause of the pain. One common cause is:
1. Lower Back Strain
This is a sprain, strain, or tear in the muscles of the lower back. Strains can occur suddenly or be chronic. Lower back strains are usually caused by overexertion, such as lifting heavy objects or strenuous exercise.
Treatment for a lower back strain typically includes:
Applying ice or heat
- Taking a pain reliever such as an NSAID
- Wearing a supportive belt to support the area if you have to lift heavy objects
- Your doctor may also suggest seeing a physical therapist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, or massage therapist. 2. Sciatica
Sciatica is a general term describing any sharp pain that starts in the spine and radiates down the leg. This occurs because something is pressing on the sciatic nerve, which originates in the back and runs through the buttocks and down the leg.
A physical therapist can suggest a regimen of stretches and exercises to treat the pain. Home remedies such as heat, ice, NSAIDs, and a few days of rest can also help. You can also visit a chiropractor or acupuncturist for sciatica treatment. Your doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers, cortisone injections, or muscle relaxants.
3. Herniated Disc in the Lower Back
Sometimes, a herniated disc can cause pain in the middle of the lower back. However, it's not uncommon to experience pain only in the leg and not in the back with a herniated disc, even if the problem is in the back.
- Lower back pain
- Back pain that radiates down the leg
- Back pain that worsens when sitting
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Numbness or burning in the leg or foot
Treatment for a herniated disc usually begins with rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and modifying your exercise routine. If symptoms fail to improve, your doctor may recommend a cortisone injection into the spine. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove portions of the bulging disc.
4: Spinal stenosis
- Pain and stiffness in the lower back or buttocks
- Burning pain or aching that radiates down the leg or buttocks
- Numbness, weakness, cramping, or pain in your legs or feet
- Heaviness or easy fatigue in your legs when walking long distances
Your spine is a column of hollow bones that protects the spinal cord, which runs through the spine. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine. This narrowing puts pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine or directly on the spinal cord itself.
Treatment for spinal stenosis may include:
- Physical therapy
- Pain medication
- Steroid injections to reduce swelling and inflammation
- Decompression surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord
- Spinal fusion surgery
The method your doctor uses to treat spinal stenosis will depend on its severity and whether your symptoms improve with non-surgical treatment.