Back Pain

Back Pain

Low back pain can happen for many different reasons. The structures which generally cause pain in the lower back are joints, nerves, discs, and muscles and ligaments. Some are more severe than others. The lower back is made up of 5 lumbar vertebral bodies, 2 pelvic bones and the sacrum (which has the coccyx attached to it).

The majority of lower back complaints occur due to repetitive flexion, or in other words bending forward form the hips. The lower back is at its weakest when in a flexed position as the joints are opened, the ligaments and muscles are over stretched and the front part of the disc is under pressure. In this position any one of the above named structures can be injured.

Signs and Symptoms

Lower back complaints can cause:

  • Sharp stabbing pain in the back

  • Sciatic pain/ Leg pain

  • Nerve pain (Pain that begins form the lower back and runs down the leg in a specific pattern)

  • Dull aches in the one area

  • Muscular cramping

  • Pain when sitting

  • Tingling, Pins and Needles or Numbness into the lower back and legs

  • Stiffness in motion