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cute lower back pain is one of the most common disorders suffered in the United States. Over 80 % of its population is affected by the said condition. There were several factors cited which believed to be one of the causes of acute lower back pain. Common causes of lower back pain includes smoking, old age, arduous works, stressful job, and psychological factors such as depression and anxiety.
One way to understand the common causes of acute lower back pain is to get familiar with lumbar structure. We call the back bones as vertebrae that formed the spinal column which houses the very delicate spinal cord. The spinal cord is a part of the central nervous system which controls feelings and movement. Between each pair of vertebrae is a soft gel-like disc which acted as a soft cushion or shock absorbers and provides protection to the bones. The vertebrae is supported by tendons qnd ligaments that hold it together helping the vertebrae to move forward, backward, and from side to side.
Types of Acute Lower Back Pain
There are two types of lower back pain; acute lower back pain and chronic lower back pain. Acute lower back pain is short term that can lasts for a few days or a few weeks. However one must be careful because it can lead to a more serious condition if left untreated. On the other hand, chronic lower back pain is a more serious condition that persists for more than three months. The exact cause of chronic pain is sometimes difficult to determine because of progressive or occasional flare ups and then return to a lower level of pain.
Acute Lower Back Pain Causes
Listed below are common acute lower back pain causes.
1. Lumbar Strain
Lumbar strain is considered to be as one of the most common cause of chronic or acute lower back pain. It is a stretch injury of the ligaments, tendons and other muscles in the back. The injury may be caused by overuse or trauma. This mostly occur to people in their 40’s, but it can also happen to any age is extra careful is neglected.
2. Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is a condition where the disc between vertebrae has little cracks that causes fluid loss. The loss of fluid can lead to formation of bone spurs. It is difficult to determine because it has no symptoms and misleading since it occurs with normal age.
3. Herniated Disc
Herniated disc is a condition when the disc gets ruptured and then slips out. It may occur suddenly when someone falls or encounter an accident that target the back. When the disc gets ruptured the spinal disc slips outside its normal boundary due to the fluid moves on the other side leaving some extra space. The disc bulges out causing the spinal nerves and spinal cord to be pinched.
4. Back Pain at Work
Poor conditions at work may contribute to acute lower back pain. It is mostly common to clerical workers who sit for a long period of time and in people who may have poor postures while standing, sitting, driving long distances, improper or frequent lifting of heavy objects. Psychologically, acute power back pain can be contributed by stress, boredom, tension, and the body’s reaction to a certain physical demand. Counseling can help ease psychological tensions in Acute Lower Back Pain.