Low back pain red flags
Low Back Pain
A Summary of What the Condition Is
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What commonly causes the symptoms
- Muscle strain or ligament sprain due to improper lifting, sudden movements, or overuse.
- Poor posture, especially during prolonged sitting or standing.
- Herniated or bulging discs in the spine.
- Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis.
- Sedentary lifestyle and lack of regular exercise.
- Obesity or being overweight, which places extra stress on the lower back.
- Injuries from accidents or falls.
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When to seek help:
- If the pain is severe and persists for more than a few weeks.
- If the pain radiates down the legs, especially below the knee.
- If you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
- If you have difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function.
- If the pain follows a traumatic injury, such as a fall or car accident.
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Recommended remedies:
- Rest (avoid activities that worsen the pain, but avoid prolonged bed rest).
- Ice packs (apply to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day).
- Heat therapy (use a heating pad or warm compress to relax muscles).
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
- Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the back and core muscles.
- Maintaining good posture during daily activities.
- Consider weight loss if overweight.
- (The video may mention other treatments like physical therapy, chiropractic care, prescription medications, or, as a last resort, surgery. These are generally not considered "remedies" one would do at home, but rather interventions by medical professionals.)
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N.B. and Disclaimer
- ⊗ Note: To support recovery and prevent future issues, maintain a routine of consistent stretching and strengthening exercises for your back and core muscles.
- ⊗ Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or treatment options.
AN OVERVIEW OF LOW BACK PAIN
Patient Consultation
Osteopath: Hi, what brings you in today?Patient: Hi, I’ve been dealing with this persistent pain in my lower back. It started gradually, but lately, it’s been getting worse, especially after sitting for long periods.
Osteopath: I see. How long have you been experiencing this pain?
Patient: About three months now. At first, it was just an occasional discomfort, but now it’s more constant.
Osteopath: Understood. Is the pain localized to one side, or do you feel it across your entire lower back?
Patient: It’s mostly across the lower back, but sometimes I feel it more on the right side.
Osteopath: And would you describe the pain as sharp, dull, or more of a throbbing sensation?
Patient: It’s usually a dull ache, but sometimes I get sharp twinges when I move a certain way.
Osteopath: That’s helpful to know. Have you noticed any numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs?
Patient: I do feel some tingling in my right leg occasionally, but it’s not constant.
Osteopath: Have you had any recent injuries or changes in your daily routine, like increased physical activity or prolonged sitting?
Patient: I started working from home a few months ago, so I’m sitting a lot more than I used to.
Osteopath: That’s important. Have you tried anything to relieve the pain, like heat, stretching, or pain medication?
Patient: Yes, I’ve tried using a heating pad, which helps a little. Stretching also gives temporary relief.
Osteopath: That’s good to know. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the pain when it’s at its worst?
Patient: I’d say around a 7 on bad days, but usually, it’s around a 4 or 5.
Osteopath: Does anything in particular make it worse?
Patient: Sitting for too long or bending forward makes it worse. Standing up after sitting for a while can also be painful.
Osteopath: Have you experienced any red flag symptoms, like unexplained weight loss, night pain, fever, or loss of bladder or bowel control?
Patient: No, none of those. Just the back pain and occasional tingling.
Osteopath: Have you seen any other healthcare professional about this or had any imaging done, like an X-ray or MRI?
Patient: No, not yet. This is my first time seeking help for it.
Osteopath: Okay. Do you have any medical conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, or a history of cancer?
Patient: No, I don’t have any medical conditions that I know of.
Osteopath: Good to know. Lastly, what type of chair and mattress do you use daily? Do you have proper lumbar support?
Patient: I work on a regular office chair, but it doesn’t have much back support. My mattress is quite old too.
Osteopath: That’s helpful. Thanks for sharing all of that. I’m going to assess your posture, check for muscle tightness, and evaluate your spine’s range of motion.
Patient: Okay, sounds good.
Osteopath: Great. Please stand up so we can have a closer look at your posture and movement.
Words & Phrases to Remember
| Term | Definition | Click to hear it |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Back Pain | Pain localized in the lumbar region, often due to muscle strain, poor posture, or underlying conditions. | ˈloʊ.ɚ bæk peɪn |
| Sciatica | Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, typically felt in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. | saɪˈæt.ɪ.kə |
| Herniated Disc | A spinal condition where the soft center of a disc pushes through its outer layer, causing nerve irritation. | ˈhɝː.ni.eɪ.tɪd dɪsk |
| Lumbar Strain | Injury or overstretching of muscles and ligaments in the lower back, leading to pain and stiffness. | ˈlʌm.bɑːr streɪn |
| Spinal Stenosis | Narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to nerve compression and pain. | ˈspaɪ.nəl stɪˈnoʊ.sɪs |
| Degenerative Disc Disease | Age-related wear and tear of spinal discs leading to pain and reduced flexibility. | dɪˈdʒɛn.ə.rə.tɪv dɪsk dɪˈziːz |
| Facet Joint Syndrome | Pain caused by arthritis or injury in the small joints of the spine. | ˈfæs.ɪt dʒɔɪnt ˈsɪn.droʊm |
| Radiculopathy | Nerve irritation or compression in the spine, causing pain, weakness, or numbness. | rəˌdɪk.jəˈlɑː.pə.θi |
| Core Strengthening | Exercises aimed at improving abdominal and back muscle support to reduce pain. | kɔːr ˈstrɛŋk.θən.ɪŋ |
| Red Flags | Serious warning signs in lower back pain, such as unexplained weight loss, fever, or severe neurological symptoms. | rɛd flæɡz |
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