Specialist from the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Dr. Ayşe Yener Güçlü said, “Only 5 percent of low back pain is caused by a herniated disc. Sometimes lumbar herniated disc may become evident not with low back pain, but with complaints such as heel pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the leg depending on the compressed nerve root.”
Memorial Antalya Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department Specialist. Dr. Ayşe Yener Güçlü gave information about the conditions that cause low back pain. Stating that low back strain and posture disorders cause pain by damaging the lumbar muscles, ligaments and joints, Güçlü said, “This type of low back pain is aggravated by physical activity and relieves with rest. The intensity of pain may increase with daily activities such as bending forward, standing for a long time, walking. Although the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to low back pain is herniated disc, these pains, which are the second most common after headaches in the world, can also be caused by other reasons.”
“Pain usually improves with rest, physical therapy and medication”
Uzm. Dr. Ayşe Yener Güçlü stated that low back pain may be caused by a strain in the muscles or tendons in the back and continued as follows: “Low back pain is a very common condition in the society. It can be caused by a strain in the muscles or tendons in the back. Other causes include arthritis, structural problems and disc injuries. The pain usually improves with rest, physical therapy and medication. Diseases such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, osteoporosis, arthritis, cancer that metastasizes elsewhere or originates from the spine itself can also cause low back pain. There may also be low back pain caused by the spread of organ disorders such as stomach, liver and kidney to the lumbar region, while some low back pain is of psychological origin”.
It is seen in 4 out of 5 people
Explaining that four out of five people may experience low back pain at some point in their lives, Uzm. Dr. Ayşe Yener Güçlü explained the risk factors for low back pain as follows: “Low back pain is more common in people over the age of 30. The discs in the spine wear out with age. As the discs weaken and wear out, pain and stiffness may occur. People who are overweight/obese or who carry excess weight are more likely to have low back pain. Excess weight puts pressure on the joints and discs. Weakened abdominal muscles cannot support the spine, which can lead to back strains and sprains. People who smoke, drink alcohol excessively or lead a sedentary lifestyle are at higher risk of low back pain. Jobs and activities that require heavy lifting or bending can increase the risk of lower back injury. Structural problems, such as scoliosis, which changes the alignment of the spine, can cause severe back and lower back pain. People with a family history of osteoarthritis, certain types of cancer and other diseases have a higher risk of low back pain. Low back pain can be seen in depression and anxiety”.
“Only 5 percent of low back pain is caused by a herniated disc”
Pointing out that the pain felt in lumbar disc herniation develops gradually, Specialist. Dr. Ayşe Yener Güçlü stated that only 5 percent of low back pain is caused by a herniated disc. Güçlü said, “The pain felt in a herniated disc develops gradually. It is a diffuse, stabbing pain that increases with movement, decreases with rest, and spreads to the leg in accordance with the anatomical distribution of the affected nerve root. The pain may start suddenly after an awkward movement such as bending forward or turning backwards. It can be aggravated by the slightest movement, leading to locking or lumbar stiffness. It increases with sitting, standing, coughing, straining and driving. Only 5 percent of low back pain is caused by a herniated disc. Sometimes lumbar herniated disc may become evident not with low back pain, but with complaints such as heel pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the leg depending on the compressed nerve root.”
Warnings for waist health
Uzm. Dr. Ayşe Yener Güçlü made the following warnings to protect waist health: “If you need to carry a weight, carry it after sharing the load evenly across your body. When picking up an object from the ground, bend your knees and squat, do not bend at the waist. Do not wear shoes with or without high heels. Make sure your shoes have normal heel height and soft heels. If you have a back condition, avoid sports such as gymnastics, golf, tennis, wrestling, boxing, judo, weightlifting, soccer, basketball. Instead, prefer sports such as walking or swimming. When putting or taking an item from a high place, place a riser under your feet and do not reach for it. Avoid excessive weight gain. When driving a car, make sure the seat supports your back. When traveling long distances, support your lower back with a thin pillow. Choose orthopedic mattresses that can adapt to the physiological curves of the spine. You can minimize the load on the lower back by sleeping on your side with your hips and knees slightly bent and pulled to your abdomen. When working on the computer, your head should be upright and your lower back and the back of your hips should be supported. You should be in a position to see the screen from the opposite side, your arms should be relaxed, your forearms and wrists should be parallel to the floor on the same line. Your feet should be supported with a step underneath. If you have had a back condition and have recovered, do the exercises recommended by your specialist doctor without interruption. If you experience severe discomfort after exercise that lasts for more than 15 minutes, consult a specialist doctor.”
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