Low Back Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Strategies Analysis

This report examines low back pain, detailing its causes, treatments, and preventive measures. The report begins by defining low back pain and distinguishing between acute and chronic conditions. It then explores various causes, including soft tissue injuries, compression of nerve roots, and issues with the intervertebral discs and spinal joints. The report also reviews treatment options, such as home care, over-the-counter pain relievers, and the use of muscle relaxants and other medications. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of core muscle exercises and proper posture to prevent back pain. Finally, the report includes references to relevant literature on the subject, providing a comprehensive overview of low back pain management and prevention.

Running head: LOW BACK PAIN 1
Low Back Pain
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Low back pain
Low back pain can be termed as the discomfort and pain that occurs above the inferior gluteal
folds and below the costal margin. It involves nerves, bones, and muscles. The pain could vary
between a sharp and sudden feeling to a dull ache constantly occurring (Dagenais & Haldeman,
2011). Low back pain can be classified as acute i.e. lasting for a duration of less than six weeks
or chronic i.e. lasting for more than 12 weeks.
Causes
In many occasions, low back pains are caused by injuries to the soft tissue and mechanical issues
(Dagenais & Haldeman, 2011). Some of these injuries include;
 Compression of the nerve roots
 Damage to the intervertebral discs
 Wrong movement of the spinal joints
Torn and/or pulled ligament and/or tissues remains to be the single leading and most common
cause of pain in the lower back.
Treatment
Home treatment for a few weeks does a good job in relieving most cases of acute low back pain.
Heat and over the counter pain relievers are also good for treating acute pain. It is however not
recommended to have bed rest. Recommended drugs are muscle relaxants, narcotics, topical pain
relievers, injections such as cortisone and antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Cox, 2012).
Prevention

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Exercising core muscles is one effective technique of preventing lower back pain. Core muscles
that are strong enough are effective in providing support for the lower back. Also, people should
avoid postures that exert pressure on the lower back and causing pain on degenerated discs.
Heavy objects should be lifted correctly to avoid injuries. It is also advisable that people sleep on
their sides rather than on their backs (Clapis & Chevan, 2012).

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References
Clapis, P. A., & Chevan, E. (2012). Physical Therapy Management of Low Back Pain (illustrated
ed.). Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Cox, J. M. (2012). Low Back Pain: Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment (7 ed.). Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins.
Dagenais, S., & Haldeman, S. (2011). Evidence-based Management of Low Back Pain
(illustrated ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.