Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Mechanical Lower Back Pain
Mechanical lower back pain is a common condition, accounting for over 90% of all low back pain cases. Mechanical means that the pain source may be in your spinal joints, discs, vertebrae, or soft tissues. Mechanical back pain may also be called low back pain, lumbago, lumbosacral strain or sprain and sciatica.
Understanding Mechanical Lower Back Pain
Mechanical lower back pain refers to pain that originates from the spine, intervertebral discs, or surrounding soft tissues. Immediately identifying the main cause of pain can be challenging, but it sometimes begins with a particular position or repetitive movement before progressing further. Weak spinal or core muscles can also be responsible for mechanical lower back pain.
Causes of Mechanical Lower Back Pain
Several factors can contribute to the development of mechanical lower back pain:
1. Repetitive trauma and overuse, often related to workplace injuries
2. Prolonged sitting or standing
3. Lifting heavy objects or twisting while lifting
4. Operating machinery that causes vibrations
5. Motor vehicle accidents
6. Falls
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Most people with mechanical back pain experience pain primarily in their lower back. The pain may spread to your buttocks and thighs on the side or on both sides. Many people may also experience spasms with mechanical back pain. The symptoms of mechanical lower back pain may include pain when bending, morning pain, stiffness in the lower back and hip(s), weakness in the lower extremities, tingling and numbness.
The best way to diagnose mechanical lower back pain is by seeing a McKenzie-trained or certified therapist, who will take a detailed history of pain and function as well as overall health and complete a full neurological and repetitive movement examination. Therapists will be able to determine which movements will help and which ones will hurt or be harmful. If needed, further investigations will be recommended by the physiotherapist.
Treatment Options
Treatment for mechanical lower back pain often includes:
1. Limited rest
2. Over-the-counter pain medications
3. Supervised physiotherapy programs
Physiotherapy can be a crucial component of acute back pain rehabilitation. It is important to work with a physiotherapist trained in this exercise approach to promote rapid healing. Active physiotherapy can help reduce recovery time and enable you to return to work and leisure activities as quickly as possible. This type of therapy involves an exercise program that may require performing home exercises as often as every two hours while you are awake. These exercises typically take about five minutes to complete and do not require special equipment or a gym.
Prevention and Long-term Outlook
The prognosis for complete recovery is generally excellent, with about 90% of people experiencing symptom relief within one to two weeks. Many of the remaining estimated 10% recover within three months. However, recurrences are common, emphasizing the importance of ongoing preventive measures and maintaining a home exercise program.
It’s usually recommended that you return to work as soon as possible. If you cannot perform your regular job duties, it’s in your best interest to return to some form of modified duty (light or restricted work). Your healthcare provider can provide a prescription for a limited period of modified work duty.
It’s common to feel apprehensive about promptly returning to work and other activities due to fear of re-injury. However, if you’re receiving proper treatment, your risk of re-injury should be minimal. It’s in your best interest to return to a normal lifestyle promptly. Early mobility has been found to directly contribute to a more rapid recovery. Maintaining a positive mental attitude is also crucial for a quick recovery.