Low back pain is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lower back area, and can vary greatly in intensity and duration. Low back pain can be acute, lasting a few days to a few weeks, or chronic, persisting for 12 weeks or longer.

Causes of Low Back Pain

The causes of low back pain are diverse and can be categorized into mechanical, degenerative, inflammatory, and other less common causes:

1. Mechanical Causes:
   • Muscle Strain: Overstretching or tearing of muscles or ligaments in the lower back.
   • Herniated Disc: Displacement of disc material pressing on nearby nerves.
   • Degenerative Disc Disease: Breakdown of intervertebral discs over time.
   • Spondylolisthesis: Slipping of a vertebra over the one below it.
   • Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal causing nerve compression.
   • Poor Posture: Long-term poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances and back pain.
2. Degenerative Causes:
   • Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of the facet joints in the spine.
   • Spondylosis: Age-related changes in the spine such as bone spurs and thinning discs.
3. Inflammatory Causes:
   • Ankylosing Spondylitis: An inflammatory disease that can cause the vertebrae to fuse.
4. Other Causes:
   • Infections: Such as osteomyelitis or discitis.
   • Tumors: Spinal tumors or metastases.
   • Osteoporosis: Leading to vertebral fractures.

Symptoms of Low Back Pain

Symptoms can vary widely depending on the underlying cause, but common symptoms include:

• Localized Pain: Pain confined to the lower back.
• Radiating Pain: Pain that radiates down the legs, often due to nerve involvement (sciatica).
• Stiffness and Limited Mobility: Difficulty in moving or performing daily activities.
• Muscle Spasms: Sudden, involuntary contractions of back muscles.
• Numbness or Tingling: Often indicative of nerve compression or irritation.

Diagnosis of Low Back Pain

Diagnosing low back pain typically involves:

1. Medical History: Comprehensive review of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors.
2. Physical Examination: Assessment of movement, posture, and reflexes.
3. Imaging Tests:
   • X-rays: To detect bone abnormalities.
   • MRI or CT Scans: To visualize soft tissues, discs, and nerves.
4. Blood Tests: To rule out infections or inflammatory conditions.