Low Back Pain What causes it? •
Strain or inflammation of back muscles, ligaments or tendons.
•
Pressure on nerves in the spinal canal.
•
Fractures of the back bones (vertebrae).
What is low back pain? This is pain at the lower back that involves the muscles and bones of the back.
•
Slipped disc.
•
Wear and tear caused by ageing.
•
This can be due to some problems in your:
Overstraining of the back such as lifting heavy item incorrectly.
•
Obesity.
•
Lower back bone (spine).
What are the signs?
•
Spinal discs (lie between sections of the back bone).
•
Pain that spreads to the front, side or back of the leg.
•
Spinal cord and nerves.
•
•
Muscles of the lower back.
Pain that worsens with movement.
•
Internal organs within the hip area and abdomen.
•
•
Skin covering the lower part of the back.
Pain that worsens at night or when sitting for long periods of time.
•
Numbness or weakness in certain parts of the leg.
How do I prevent it? Do’s
Do bend your knees fully by squatting to pick up objects. Do keep your back straight and stand as close as possible to the object you are lifting.
Practice proper posture by training your body to sit, stand and walk correctly.
Exercise regularly to strengthen your back muscles. Push the object if it is too heavy.
Stretch and walk around after 30 minutes of sitting.
Wear flat shoes or shoes with low heels.
Do Not’s
Do not lift objects with your legs straight.
Do not lift and twist your body.
Do not lift objects that are too heavy for you. Do not jerk or snatch the load as it increases the risk of injury.
Do not sit for long periods of time.
Do not pull heavy object.
What treatments are there? Your treatment will depend on the cause and your pain level. Your doctor will advise you on the best options for your treatment. They may include:
When should I contact my doctor? Contact your doctor immediately if you have: •
Pain that spreads down to your legs.
•
Resting the back.
•
•
Medications to relieve pain and muscle spasms.
Numbness on your leg, foot, groin or rectal area.
•
Fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness or sweating.
•
Loss of control of your bladder or bowel movement.
•
Pain is so intense that you cannot move around.
•
Pain does not get better after three weeks.
•
Local heat application.
•
Exercise programme to increase muscle strength.
•
Massage.
•
Weight loss.
•
Stop smoking.
•
You may require surgery if your condition does not improve. Your doctor will only suggest this if all other treatments have failed to provide relief.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
OS.TS.06.0717