Low back pain is one of the most common complaints of people who have a sedentary job.
There are a number of factors that might contribute to the back pain.

It is important to understand the basic anatomy of your lower back complex and what factors might influence it.

The spine is a complex structure.The bones and joints in the spine need the support of:

1. Muscle - Active Support: Works when spine is in motion.
2. Ligaments - Passive Support: Works at rest.
   
   

In Addition to the Muscles and Ligaments there are other structures which are closely associated
with your spine: 

1. Intervertebral disc
2. Nerves
3. Blood Vessels

All the above mentioned structures hang in a delicate balance to allow your back to functionwithout any issues. Even minute disruption of this balance leads to dysfunction in the lowerback.

Depending on which structure is involved, signs and symptoms, the prognosis and recovery of the back pain also differs. It is important to identify the root cause and address the issue to ensure a full recovery.

Causes:

1. Trauma: eg. slipping on ice and falling.
2. Bending and lifting incorrectly.
3. Poor postural habits.
4. Muscle dysfunciton : weak and/or tight muscles.

While there are a lot of different presentations, some of the Common signs and symptoms of back pain might be:

1. Stiffness in the lower back.
2. Sharp pain in the buttock area.
3. Constant achiness.
4. Wanting to "crack" your back often.
5. Pain with walking and standing, while sitting helps with the pain or the other is also true. Pain with sitting, while standing and walking helps alleviate the pain.
6. If there is nerve pinch: sharp shooting pain with numbness and tingling extending from the back all the way to the toes. Depending on the level of pinch, the pain might be retracted to the buttock or knee or foot.
7. A pinched nerve can also present as tingling in just toes.
8. Feeling weakness in the lower limbs.
9. Sleep disturbances.
   
   
   

Treatment:

Most common measures to help with back pain are conversvative methods.These can be as
simple as correcting your posture, changing your sleeping posture and being mindful of correct
body biomechanics to regimented Stretches and strengthening programs prescribed by a
healthcare provider. Acupuncture has been also proven to be beneficial for pinched nerve and
chronic arthritis related back pain.

Mechanical back pain which is the most commonly associated with prolonged sitting is usually
3-4 weeks recovery period. If there is a pinched nerve this period might be prolonged to 6-8
weeks.If you have any of the symptoms for more than 3-4 weeks, it is strongly advised that you
seek help.

Your Physiotherapist can help guide your recovery to a happier and healthier back!!

If there are any questions- Please contact Aakriti Kaushik
Email- Aakriti.kaushik.Physio@gmail.com