Editor’s Note: In the latest installment of a monthly series on common sports injuries, Dr. Dena Florczyk, from the Arthur Ashe and Wellness Center, discusses lower back injuries.
The Basics About Low Back Pain
By Dena Florczyk, M.D., FACP, FAAP, CAQ Sports Medicine
Chances are that you or someone you know has experienced low back pain. It can occur at the most inopportune times, such as during a prolonged study session for finals or during a workout with increased intensity like lifting heavier weights or while sprinting down the soccer field or basketball court.
Up to 50 percent of people will experience an episode of low back pain before the age of 20. In fact, various estimates indicate that 80 percent of us will have at least one episode of low back pain during our lifetime. The good news is that acute low back pain – pain less than six weeks in duration – has an excellent prognosis and the majority of people will recover within two weeks.
The low back is the area between the ribs and thighs. The vertebrae are bony structures that protect the spinal cord and the discs are located between each vertebra to provide cushioning and allow movement. The muscles, tendons and ligaments are soft tissue structures that help support the back. Most commonly, acute low back pain is due to irritation of the soft tissue structures during a muscle strain or ligament sprain.
Low back pain can occur with lifting heavy objects, such as moving furniture, or with exercise due to a sudden movement, fall or change in intensity of exercise. Prolonged sitting or standing may also contribute to the development of low back pain as well as tension and stress. Other risk factors for the development of low back pain include being overweight, smoking, older age, and having either physically strenuous or sedentary work.
Symptoms of low back pain often include pain, stiffness and muscle spasms in the low back or buttocks that may be worsened by movement or certain positions. It can result in limited motion of the back and may be aggravated by sudden movements such as coughing or sneezing. Pain that radiates down to the calf or foot, or that has associated numbness and tingling, could indicate a herniated disc or pinched nerve rather than just a muscle strain.
Treatment for low back pain includes continuing to be as active as your symptoms allow, while avoiding activities that worsen the pain or require heavy lifting: high-impact activities such as running and jumping are not recommended. Bed rest for low back pain is no longer recommended and prolonged inactivity may actually prevent improvement in symptoms and functioning. Using over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help alleviate pain as well as using heat, ice, or massage to relax tense muscles. Gentle exercises to stretch and strengthen the back and core can also be helpful. As pain subsides, gradual increase and return to all activity is advised.
Prevention measures for low back pain include engaging in regular physical activity and flexibility exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and practicing good posture and proper lifting techniques.