| Low back pain is a symptom, not a specific disease. Low back pain is usually described as discomfort in the lumbosacral region of the back that may or may not radiate to the legs, hips, and buttocks. The pain may be due to a variety of causes, and many individuals may never receive a clear diagnosis for the cause of the pain. A small percentage may have a serious disease unrelated to the back.
Although low back pain may be caused by medical conditions such as infection or cancer, the vast majority of low back pain cases are attributed to mechanical or musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions include lumbosacral muscle and ligament strains and sprains; disorders of the intervertebral discs and associated joints such as degeneration (spondylosis); degeneration that narrows the space through which spinal nerves pass (spinal stenosis); disc displacement (herniation of a disc); disorders of the vertebral body, such as slippage (spondylolisthesis) or fracture; or structural deformities, such as scoliosis. This section will focus on mechanical and musculoskeletal conditions that cause low back pain.
Low back pain ranks second only to upper respiratory infections as a cause of lost work productivity. It accounts for approximately 175.8 million days of restricted activity annually in the US (Patel).Risk: An initial episode of back pain typically occurs between 30 and 40 years of age. The likelihood of having low back pain increases with age. However, the condition has become increasingly prevalent in pre-teens and teens, and has been attributed to weighty backpacks and incorrect posture while using video games and computers. Overall deconditioning is also likely to contribute to low back pain. Added stress to the back from any cause such as obesity, pregnancy, or unnatural curvature or disease of the spine can increase the risk for back pain. Occupational risk factors include lifting objects while twisting or without properly bending the legs, heavy pushing or pulling, and vibrational stresses. A family history may predispose individuals to some causes of back pain, such as degenerative disc disease. Incidence and Prevalence: In the US, the incidence of lower back pain over the course of a person’s life is approximately 60% to 90%; the annual incidence for the population as a whole is 5%. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that this accounts for 13 million visits to the doctor each year. With 2.4 million people excused from work during any period, low back pain is a major factor in lost productivity (Patel). |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor