Lower back pain is the sort of ailment that creeps up on you as you age. One day you’re in peak shape, and the next, you’re struggling to lift yourself out of bed in the morning. 

Sometimes you can reach over to pick up something, and pain shoots down your leg or lying on your right side instead of your left leaves you limping in pain. 

Many older people start to complain about lower back pain coupled with other ailments like stiff joints. It can be indicative of many ailments and is more of a symptom than a diagnosis. However, it can happen at any age.

The fact that nothing works, the visits to therapists and the chiropractor exercises, the highly potent pain killers and the heating pads and so forth can be very frustrating. Doctors usually focus on treating the pain and finding the underlying cause of the pain, ranging from sore muscles to kidney disease. 

Some of the causes

Lower back pain usually stems from one of the following causes:

• hip immobility,
• sitting for long periods, 
• muscle weakness, 
• lumbar mobility, 
• sleeping on your stomach, 
• improper standing position, 
• a large belly that our strain on your back,
• and inflammation in your abdomen. 

With the latter two, bloat pushes the abdominal organs back into the lower spine, placing extra strain on the discs and complex network of joints located in the lower back area. In this instance, doctors always advise that you do simple abdominal exercises to strengthen the core muscles. Some doctors recommend an anti-inflammatory diet.

Because of the complexity of the lower back region of the human body, the source of the pain can come from anywhere. 

However, these three areas have been identified as the typical sources of pain, says Spine-Health:

• Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) pain: the joint is the one that usually gets “locked”, causing a stabbing pain, low on either side of the lower back – just slightly about the buttocks – making it difficult for the sufferer to change positions or move
• Disc Injuries: these injuries occur in the lumbar vertebral disc region of the spine. Disc pain manifests as sharp, stabbing pain in the centre of the spine, which travels down into the buttocks, leg and foot. Known as sciatica, there is usually pain on just one side, but depending on the severity of the injury, the pain may affect both sides. Such a sufferer can’t even touch their toes or bend forward to tie their shoelaces or curl up. 
• The Quadratus Lumborum Muscle: pains occur with prolonged sitting or standing. It is a dull ache. 

Experts say that different stretching exercises suit different injuries. Once the root cause of pain is identified, the best combinations of exercises can bring relief. 

Finding Relief

Sometimes changing the types of shoes that you wear can bring relief if your job involves standing at a workstation all day. In other words, ditch the pumps and the stilettos and opt for shoes that realign ground reaction force towards your core, thereby relieving pressure on your back, feet and pelvic area. 

Work stations incorporating proper ergonomics help reduce back pain, says Medical News Today. Some people opt to stand at an elevated desk so that the computer is at eye level while others sit on medicine balls which prevent the painful combination of slouching in your chair and straining to use the keyboard and screen. 

Experts also recommend menthol rubs or arnica. And to also soothe the pain with cold packs to reduce inflammation and pain. The cold pack can consist of a cold gel pack or frozen peas wrapped in a cloth to place on your skin.

Heat therapy, which can take a hot shower or a warm Epsom salts bath, a heating pad or heat wrap, all helps relax the muscles, bring pain relief, and get the blood pumping. 

• Exercise your core muscles with simple exercises such as sitting on a medicine ball for 30 minutes to support your spine 
• Gently loosen up tight hamstrings twice a day for 15 to 30 seconds – stretching will alleviate the stress placed on the sacroiliac joints.
• Get 8 hours minimum of sleep a night. 
• Engage your brain by finding ways to create positive mindsets through mindfulness and cognitive behavioural practices.

Finally, harness and release those endorphins as they are super-pain blockers that also alleviate stress, anxiety and depression. You can do this by doing something that makes you happy such as walking the dog along the beach, massage therapy, water aerobics, hugs and laughter with loved ones. Simple steps such as these can bring significant changes for the better. 

Is it cancer?

Probably not, but some back pain has been known as an indicator of cancer, so it is important to mention. 

This type of back pain occurs alongside more common cancer symptoms. Sometimes, you may pass these off as being due to another condition related to cancer, Healthline explains.

Examples include:

• back pain that is unrelated to movement or doesn’t worsen with movement
• pain that occurs at night or early in the morning and goes away or gets better during the day
• back pain that persists even after physical therapy 
• changes in your bowel habits: blood in your urine or bloody stool
• sudden, unexplained weight loss
• unexplained fatigue
• tingling, or numbness in your arms or legs and general weakness of the muscles

Back pain that is associated with cancer ranges in severity. 

Having a personal history of cancer along with these symptoms may also increase your risk. 

The Medical Society 

To speak to a medical professional, contact The Medical Society. The Medical Society is passionate about proper healthcare for both children and adults. The Medical Society covers you and your family for whatever unforeseen illnesses may come your way, offering affordable healthcare for adults.

Starting from R89 a month, members are covered for unlimited nurse room visits, as well as dietary, hygiene and all health-related advice from professionals.