Simple Lower Back Pain
The latest Clinical Guidelines group lower back pain into three main types. This page outlines these causes of lower back pain and looks at them in more detail. Simple back pain is the most common type and confusingly there are lots of terms used to describe it, including:
- Facet syndrome
- Mechanical/postural back pain
- Back muscle pain
- Back Muscle spasm
- Back ache
- Lumbago
- Lumbar strain
What are the symptoms of simple low back pain?
I see many people with this problem, in fact this condition makes up the bulk of my caseload. Commonly the pain is felt in the centre of the low back area and can spread out to the tops of the buttocks or thighs. About 70% of people with simple low back pain have pain referred to the buttocks and thighs. It is often described as a dull, aching pain that is hard to pin point. Usually the back pain is worse than the leg or buttock pain ( this differs from sciatica)
What makes it feel worse?
It is frequently 'activity dependent' which means it often worsens as you do a particular activity, such as sitting for example. It is often a bit better in the mornings (unless sleep postures / mattress are a problem) and after rest - many people complain that it gets worse as the day goes on (again this differs from a disc bulge where often the symptoms are worse after rest).
How does it start?
There is no absolute pattern, it can start gradually for no apparent reason, or more suddenly after changes in activity levels or an obvious injury. These case studies show some of the different ways that this problem can start.
How does it behave ?
It often comes and goes to start with. It can start with a single episode of pain, often 2-5 days in duration. It often returns (estimates suggest that up to 75% of people who have had this once will get it again). The number of days of pain may increase and the time between the episodes may decrease. Eventually,some people with this problem feel pain most of the time.
Which lower back pain treatment is best for this problem
What causes the pain in simple back pain?
Some case studies showing how simple back pain starts.
References
11-Aug-2008
