There is a high prevalence of lower back pain in both males and females; approximately 80% of people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. Even though this type of pain can occur at any time, especially after the age of 30, there are many ways to treat it. Some common lower back pain causes have been listed in this article, so you can identify the cause and find its treatment.

Lower Back Pain Symptoms

If you have a lower back pain issue, you might be experiencing the following symptoms:

  • mild or severe pain in back
  • pain traveling towards the lower body
  • stinging or sharp sudden pain
  • constant pain on one side of your back
  • lower back pain that comes and goes
  • backache after sitting for too long
  • fever or chills with back pain
  • experiencing pain after waking up
  • severe pain that interferes with daily tasks
  • bowel or bladder control problems
  • weakness in the lower body

Going to a doctor as soon as possible is recommended if you experience any of these symptoms, as lower back pain can worsen if left untreated.

Lower Back Pain Causes in Males and Females

The most common causes for lower pain have been listed below:

Sciatica

You have probably heard of sciatica because it is pretty common among adults; it is medically known as ‘Lumbar Radiculopathy.’ This is the longest nerve in your spinal cord that runs from the lower back to your hips and goes down to both legs. In sciatica, the sciatic nerve of the spinal cord becomes pinched, causing extreme pain in one side of the lower body.

People describe sciatica as a sharp and shooting pain, and you might also be experiencing numbness or tingling in your legs and feet as well. There are different types of sciatica pain, including acute, chronic, alternating, and bilateral. Your doctor will diagnose the kind you have and start the treatment accordingly. They might also recommend you some lower back pain exercises that help reduce the pain.

Herniated Disc

Often known as slipped or ruptured disc, a herniated disc can occur in any part of the spinal cord. If this happens in the lower region of your spinal cord, then it causes severe or mild lower back pain.

A spinal disc is composed of a soft, jelly-like center surrounded by a tougher, rubbery exterior (annulus), supporting the bones in the spinal cord. A herniated disc occurs when some of the soft jelly insides push out through a tear in the annulus. When you suffer from lower back pain from a herniated disc, you might experience pain, numbness, and weakness, or no symptoms at all. There is usually no need for surgery, but getting professional advice is recommended.

Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Pre-menstrual syndrome is a condition that causes lower back pain in females sometimes. PMS can occur a few days before your period is due and can cause mild to severe pain in the lower abdomen and back accompanied by headaches, fatigue, bloating, and mood swings.
Around 90% of women go through PMS, and some might experience Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD), which is a severe type of syndrome characterized by increased back pain. Consulting a gynecologist is recommended if you experience severe and constant lower back pain before your period.

Muscle Strains

In addition to supporting the weight of the upper body, the lower back is involved in bending, twisting, and moving. So, the muscles in this area can easily get strained. Lumbar muscle strain is a term doctors use for this condition, which means your lower back muscle fibers are either torn or stretched abnormally. This might also be the cause of lower back pain on the left side in females and males. If you are having lower back pain after an injury or lifting a heavy object, muscle strains can be the reason. Your doctor might advise medicines or strain gels to get rid of the lower back pain.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As we age, our spinal cord discs lose hydration and wear down. As the disc loses hydration, it loses its ability to resist forces and transfers force to the disc wall, which can cause tears and pain, as well as weakening and herniation. In addition, the disc can collapse and contribute to stenosis. This degeneration of discs can start early after 40 years of age if you don’t have a healthy calcium-rich diet, low physical activity, or had a back injury. A physical examination by an orthopedic doctor can help you know if you have this disease.

Consulting a Doctor for Lower Back Pain

If lower back pain is ignored for a long time, it can develop into a severe condition. Therefore, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible. You can book an appointment or online consultation with the Top Physiotherapists via Marham.