Lower back pain is common to both young and old, though it is most common to persons past the age of 30. The symptoms vary extremely from on person to the other. The pain emanates either from the disc or from lower back muscle strain.
Symptoms Of Lower Back Pain
You realize that you have a problem when you experience excruciating pain after sudden movement, engaging in an activity or when you lift a heavy object. The symptoms come in isolation, or may manifest in a combination of two or three symptoms.
- Decapitating pain such that standing or moving becomes a problem
- Pain that is centered around the buttocks, upper thigh and groin without travelling below your knees
- Dull and achy pain
- Severe muscle spasms
- Localized soreness that is felt when you touch
The pain ranges from severe pain that is disabling to mild discomfort. This will be determined by the damaged muscles and the extent of strain. The most common cause of pain is strain on the ligaments or muscles at the back. However, for older people, pain emanates from the discs forming the spinal cord.
Lower Back Pain In Older Adults (Over 60 Years)
Pain in adults may be caused by all factors that affect young people. However, when these strains and tears on ligaments are ruled out, the next probable cause becomes joint disintegration. The two conditions common in older people are spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis. There are symptoms that mainly manifest in the morning and evening. Your sleep may be interrupted, pain immediately you wake up and before you sleep, a tender area around the spine, felt when touched, steady and sporadic pain that worsens with activity and lost flexibility of the back.
The main cause of lower back pain in older adults, especially beyond 60 years is degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis affecting the spine. This is where the cartilage located between the facet joints wears out. The pain begins sporadically but eventually becomes steady. This condition eventually causes sciatica over and above lower back pain.
Spinal Compression Fracture
This is a possibility at the age of 50 and is diagnosed through a sudden onset of back pain. It may cause deformity and disability, limit spinal flexibility, reduce your height and gets more painful when you walk. Whenever you lie on the back, the intensity of pain reduces. Prolonged corticosteroid use in men and women with post menopausal osteoporosis are at the highest risk. The spine is usually so damaged that pressure resulting from a sneeze may cause fracture.
Less Common Causes Worth Considering
The causes of lower back pain are not limited to ligament tear or degeneration. There are other causes that should be considered including:
- Coccydynia
- Ankylosing Spondylytis
- Fibromyalgia
- Infection
- A tumor in your spine
- Piriformis syndrome
Treatment For Lower Back Pain
The type, severity and history of pain determine the most appropriate treatment. Rest is recommended to allow healing of torn ligaments and tissues. Ice packs and heat also help to relief the pain. Medication is an option with prescription and over-the-counter options. Discuss the condition and treatment with your physician to prevent adverse side effects.
