Lower back pain is one of those problems that most people experience at some point in their lives. When you experience lower back pain, sometimes, you know exactly what caused it. Perhaps you improperly lifted a heavy object, suddenly bent forward, or experienced an incident in which you struck your back.
At other times, you might be unaware of the cause of your lower back pain. One day you wake up with a stiff back that turns into chronic pain really quick.
The two main causes of lower back pain are “sprain” and “strain.” A sprain happens when a ligament, the tissue that connects one bone to another at a joint, is stretched or torn.
A strain affects muscles or tendons, which connect muscles to bones, and occurs when they are stretched too far or torn.
What Does Lower Back Pain Feel Like?
The symptoms aren’t the same for everyone. Some people feel a dull, constant ache, while others describe sharp pain that shoots down the leg. Common signs include:
- A deep ache in the hips, lower back, or pelvis
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Sharp pain that travels down one leg (often called sciatica)
- Pain that gets worse when you sit and eases up when you move around
- Stiffness or discomfort, especially in the morning
Sometimes the pain fades for a while and then comes back, or it may slowly get worse over time. The pattern often gives a clue about whether your pain is from a short-term strain or something more chronic.
What Causes Chronic Lower Back Pain
When pain lasts for more than three months, doctors usually call it chronic. This type isn’t typically due to a single event, but it’s often caused by changes in the spine’s structure or nerves over time. Here are some of the most common causes of back pain.
Herniated Disk
There is a soft, cushiony disk between each vertebra in your spine that absorbs pressure. Over time or after an injury, the inner part of the disk can bulge or rupture outward, which is known as a herniated disk or a Disc Bulge.
When this happens, it can press on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or tingling, especially down one leg.
Degenerative Disk Disease
As we age, disks naturally dry out and lose flexibility. They don’t cushion the bones as well as before, which can lead to chronic stiffness, pain, and sometimes inflammation. It is one of the most common causes of long-term lower back pain.
Facet Joint Arthritis
Facet joints are small connections between the bones in your spine that help it move smoothly. Over time, the cartilage in these joints can wear away due to osteoarthritis.
In facet joint arthritis, movements like bending backward or standing for long periods can become painful, and you may also feel stiffness or spasms in your lower back.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis happens when the space inside your spinal canal narrows and starts pressing on the nerves. It is often caused by aging, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments.
People with spinal stenosis usually feel pain or numbness that worsens when standing or walking but eases when sitting or leaning forward.
Compression Fracture
If a bone in your spine weakens, often due to osteoporosis, it can collapse slightly under pressure, causing what’s called a compression fracture. This can trigger sudden, sharp pain, especially when you move or stand upright.
Spondylolisthesis
In this condition, one vertebra slips forward over the one below it. This can compress nerves, leading to pain, stiffness, or sciatica.
It can happen because of a stress fracture in the bone, arthritis, or even from birth. The symptoms might not appear immediately but often worsen with age.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis causes the spine to curve sideways instead of running straight up and down. Mild cases often don’t cause issues, but when the curve becomes more pronounced, it can strain the muscles and joints in the lower back and lead to ongoing discomfort.
When to See a Specialist
If your lower back pain doesn’t improve after a few weeks, or it’s getting worse, it’s time to see a specialist.
You should also seek medical attention if you experience:
- Numbness or tingling in your legs
- Trouble controlling your bladder or bowel
- Severe pain after an accident or fall
- Fever, weight loss, or other unusual symptoms
A spine or orthopedic specialist can perform a physical exam and suggest imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans.
Ayurveda Back Pain Treatment in Bangalore at Ayushman Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, back pain is not only a symptom but also a sign of deeper imbalance in the body. At Ayushman Ayurveda, we provide ancient Ayurvedic treatment for back pain to restore harmony and balance through time-tested therapies and lifestyle changes, rather than relying solely on painkillers or temporary relief.
Ayurveda Treatments often include specialized therapies like Kati Basti (warm oil therapy for the lower back), Abhyanga (therapeutic oil massage), and Elakizhi (herbal poultice therapy).
These Ayurveda therapies help reduce inflammation, relax muscles, and nourish the spine naturally. Herbal formulations are prescribed based on each individual’s body type and root cause of pain.
Combined with yoga, a balanced diet, and posture guidance, Ayurveda aims to strengthen your back, improve flexibility, and promote long-term healing without side effects.
If you’ve been living with back pain that keeps coming back, visit Ayushman Ayurveda for back pain treatment in Bangalore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my lower back pain is serious?
If your back pain doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks and is accompanied by symptoms like numbness, weakness in the legs, or loss of bladder control, it’s important to see a doctor.
Can poor posture really cause back pain?
Yes. Poor posture is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. When you sit or stand for long in the wrong posture, it puts extra pressure on the spine and surrounding muscles.
What is the best sleeping position for lower back pain?
If you have back pain, it is best to sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. Placing a pillow between knees helps keep the spine aligned and reduces strain.
