When you feel a lower back pain spine area could be its origin. This lower part of the spine is also called the lumbar spine. Motion is also frequent on this area of the spine next to the neck. This part is also in close proximity to some of the internal organs such as the kidneys and the bladder.
Injury is common to this lower part of the spine for two reasons: first, because of the frequency of motion in this area; and second, because of the amount of weight it carries. The lower spine has to carry the entire weight of the torso.
There are many ways that the lower spine can be injured. Common type of injury along this part of the spine is called compression fractures. This is particularly common among people with osteoporosis whose bones are weakened by lack of mineral calcium. Over time, weakened bones start to fracture. Fractured bones cause excruciating chronic back pain. With this, the vertebrae become misaligned deforming the spine.
With misalignment and deformity of the spine, balance and posture deteriorates and may even lead to paralysis. This is because the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones are subjected to undue stress brought about by the misalignment and deformity of the spine.
Another lower back pain spine related injury is called lumbar herniated disc. This can happen when the fibrous outer wall of the vertebral disc ruptures and sends the nucleus of the disc to bulge outward. This bulge can put pressure on the nearby nerve root producing pain not only on the lower back portion but down the pelvis all the way to the legs and feet. The sufferer of this kind of injury may loose the ability to walk or even to stand but may only last for a short time.
A degenerative disc disease can also lead to an injury in the lower spine. When the spinal disc weakens it creates misalignment to the top and bottom vertebral bones. The misaligned bones can pinched nearby nerve roots creating the same kind of pain as in lumbar herniated disc.
As one gets older, the degenerating spinal bones could start having spurs. Bone spurs are abnormal bone growths that protrude inward or outward the bones. When they develop, they push against the nerve roots. The experienced by the patient is almost the same with the lumbar herniated disc and degenerative disc disease.
These spine related problems that lead to nerve injury are often treated with surgery and therapy. However, while these symptoms are not yet showing, some preventive measures could be undertaken to avoid or delay the symptoms. Bones should be maintained as healthy as they can be by proper nutrition and regular exercise. Make it a habit to include calcium-rich foods in your diet and make daily exercise plan to retain bone density.
One thing that you should always remember is that how you treat your bones today, particularly the spine, determines their health in the future. If you want to avoid lower back pain spine related problem, make sure to treat your spine well so it can serve you well.