Back Pain: Causal Factors and Effective Treatment Methods
Back Pain: Causal Factors and Effective Treatment Methods
Low back pain is a health complaint that is often encountered by many people. According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, around 70–85% of adults have experienced low back pain at least once in their lifetime. Although often considered a minor problem, low back pain can affect productivity and quality of life if not treated properly. This article will discuss various factors that cause low back pain and effective treatment methods to overcome it.
Causes of Back Pain
Low back pain can be caused by various factors, ranging from physical injury to degenerative diseases. Here are some of the main causes that are often associated with low back pain:
- Wrong posture
One of the main causes of low back pain is incorrect body posture, especially when sitting or lifting weights. The habit of sitting for too long without good back support or lifting heavy objects with the wrong technique can put excessive pressure on the muscles and spine, causing pain in the lower back area.
- Muscle or Ligament Injury Injuries to the muscles or ligaments around the waist can occur due to excessive physical activity, such as strenuous exercise, lifting weights that are too heavy, or sudden wrong movements. This injury usually causes acute pain that lasts several days to weeks.
- Disc Herniation A disc herniation occurs when one of the discs in the spine shifts out of position and presses on a nerve. This condition can cause severe pain in the lower back, especially if the disc presses on the sciatic nerve that connects the spine to the legs.
- Spondylosis (osteoarthritis) Spondylosis, or osteoarthritis of the spine, is a degenerative condition that often occurs in older people. This is caused by natural wear and tear on the bones and joints, which can trigger pain, stiffness, and even swelling in the waist area.
- Scoliosis Scoliosis is a spinal disorder that causes the spine to curve to the side. This disorder can increase pressure on the muscles and tissue around the spine, causing pain.
- Other Medical Conditions Several other medical conditions, such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or spinal infections, can also cause pain in the lower back area. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if low back pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, difficulty urinating, or weakness in the legs.
Effective Treatment
Methods After knowing several causes of low back pain, the next step is to understand effective treatment methods to relieve or eliminate the pain. Here are some treatment methods that are often recommended:
- Rest and modify activities
If low back pain is caused by injury or overuse, adequate rest is often an effective first step. During the healing phase, avoid activities that can worsen the condition, such as lifting heavy objects or standing for too long. However, resting for too long is also not recommended because it can cause muscle stiffness.
- Physical Therapy
Physiotherapy is one method of treatment that is widely recommended for low back pain. This therapy involves special exercises to strengthen the muscles around the waist and increase the flexibility of the spine. A physiotherapist can also provide correct stretching and posture techniques to prevent pain recurrence.
- Medicines
To treat pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are often used. These medications can help reduce inflammation and pain. If the pain is very severe, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain reliever or muscle relaxant.
- Hot and Cold Therapy
Application of heat or cold to the painful area can help relieve symptoms. Cold compresses are often used in the early phases of an injury to reduce swelling, while heat therapy can help relieve muscle stiffness and increase blood flow to the affected area.
- Steroid Injection
If conservative treatment is not effective, a steroid injection into the painful area of the spine may be an option. This injection works by reducing inflammation and providing temporary pain relief. However, this is not a long-term solution, and its use needs to be considered carefully.
- Operation
In very severe cases, such as a disc herniation that puts significant pressure on a nerve, surgery may be necessary. The surgical procedure aims to remove the problematic part of the disc and reduce pressure on the nerve.
Prevention of Back Pain
To prevent low back pain, there are several steps you can take, such as maintaining good posture, exercising regularly, and avoiding activities that put excessive pressure on the spine. Additionally, it is important to manage your weight so as not to put additional pressure on your waist.
Conclusion
Back pain is a common health problem, but it can interfere with daily activities. By understanding the causes and applying appropriate treatment methods, most cases of low back pain can be treated well. If the pain persists or is accompanied by other serious symptoms, immediately consult a doctor for further treatment.
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