Do I Have A Lower Back Injury?

Do you experience a tinging, burning pain that moves from the lower back to the backs of the thighs, sometimes into the lower legs or feet (that may include numbness or tingling)?

Do you experience problems with standing up straight, walking, or going from standing to sitting?

Do you experience pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing?

Do you have pain in the lower back that is dull or achy?

Do you experience muscle spasms and tightness in the low back, pelvis, and hips?

Based on your answers, it’s unlikely that you have a lower back injury. The lumbar spine, or low back, is an extremely well-engineered structure of interconnecting bones, ligaments, joints, nerves, and muscles all working together to provide our bodies support, flexibility, and strength. However, the complex structure leads to a susceptibility to injury. Low back pain can be mild and annoying, but also severe and debilitating. The pain may start suddenly, or gradually get worse over time. Luckily, in your case, there seem to be no reasons to be worried.

Based on your answers, you are displaying some signs related to a lower back injury. The low back provides mobility for everyday movements, like twisting and bending. The low back supports the spinal column, and muscles in the low back make it possible to flex and rotate the hips while walking. Nerves in the low back provide sensation and power the muscles in the pelvis, legs, and feet. It may be important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, to understand which treatment options can be selected.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have a lower back injury. It’s important to obtain an accurate diagnosis that identifies the underlying cause of the pain. Sometimes, an imaging test will be used to locate the source of the pain. After attaining an accurate diagnosis, treatment options can be selected. The options can be tailored to each patient’s needs, and may include self-care, medicinal remedies, alternative care, or in severe cases surgery. Self-care includes a short rest period, staying active but avoiding activities that worsen the pain, ice/heat therapy, and over-the-counter medications.