Facts about Low Back Pain

by Dr. Mohini Rawat

by Dr. Mohini Rawat

President & Founder of Mohini Rawat Physical Therapy, PC

Low back pain is very common

Over 80 percent of the population has experienced back pain at least once in their lives. The spine is a marvelous, complex structure that allows us to move in three dimensions. In exchange for this complexity, the low back is susceptible to pain and injury.

Most common type is “non-specific” back pain

More than 85 percent of people suffer from “non-specific” low back pain. A non-specific low back pain is not caused by a specific pathology or structure (e.g., infection, fracture, inflammatory disorder, cauda equina syndrome, ligament tear). Therefore, imaging such as an MRI, X-ray or CT scan is ineffective in determining the cause of your pain. Education, reassurance, and graded activity can help manage non-specific low back pain.

Bed rest does not help low back pain

Have you heard of the phrase “Motion is lotion”? That’s true for low back pain as well. Movement is good for the health of our spines. Our body’s movement system can be adversely affected by bed rest. It is possible to identify and introduce well tolerated movements even during the acute phase. If you suffer from low back pain, talk with your healthcare provider about a graded exercise program.

Recurrent episodes can be avoided if you become active participant in the treatment

Low back pain recurrences are fairly common and can interfere with your daily activities. In order to avoid recurrences, you and your healthcare provider should work together to identify specific patterns and triggers.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience numbness, tingling, leg weakness, loss of bowel or bladder function, or other serious symptoms.

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