Make Pain a Thing of the Past – lower – Physician Partners of America

Tag Archive for: lower

The Facts About Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is something that impacts millions of people each year. The University of Maryland Medical Center estimates that 60 to 80% of American adults experience lower back pain.

Back pain is the top cause of disability for Americans who are 45 years old and younger. It sends millions of people to the doctor each year and some of them end up with permanent damage.

With so many people going through lower back pain, it is important to understand some facts about the subject. Here are some things you should know:

Lower Back Pain Symptoms May Vary

Not all lower back pain has the same signs and symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of lower back problems include:

  • Lower back stiffness
  • A tender feeling in the lower back
  • Pain that moves to the legs or buttocks
  • Difficulty getting up or standing still for extended periods of time
  • Inability to get in a comfortable position while sitting
  • Pain or weakness in the lower back or legs while walking

Causes of Lower Back Pain Aren’t Always Obvious

Sometimes lower back pain is the result of something specific, like a car accident or an injury. However, there are also times when it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of your lower back pain.

It can sometimes get injured without you realizing it, a twist or strain that you may not notice right away. Other times it could be due to a disk injury, like a bulging disk or a ruptured disk. Lower back pain can be caused by arthritis or osteoporosis.

Tense muscles can be a factor of lower back pain. Kidney stones may cause lower back pain. For women, endometriosis or pregnancy could cause lower back pain. At times, lower back pain could even be a symptom of something more serious, like a tumor or an infection.

There are so many potential causes of lower back pain. This is why consulting a doctor when you have lower back pain can help you determine the exact cause and best treatment.

There are Certain Risk Factors for Lower Back Pain

Though lower back pain could happen to anyone, there are some people who may be more likely than others to have lower back pain. For example, women may be more likely than men to have lower back issues

Some risk factors for lower back pain include:

  • Older age
  • A family history of back pain,
  • Being a smoker
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Anxiety or depression
  • A physical job or lifestyle
  • A job or lifestyle that is sedentary

There are Plenty of Lower Back Pain Treatment Options

With so many potential causes of lower back pain, the right treatment can vary. Sometimes lower back pain can get better by simply improving your overall health. Strengthening your back with exercise and eating healthy may make your back pain improve. Sitting in a chair with proper back support can also help.

When the cause of your lower back pain is something more serious, it may require more in-depth treatment. This might include medication, physical therapy or even surgery.

Talk to a medical professional to figure out what the right treatment is for you.

/by

Possible Causes of Lower Abdominal Pain

Lower abdominal pain can mean a lot of different things, from common ailments to more serious diseases. The cause of your pain might be something minor that could go away on its own, or it could be something that requires medical attention and treatment.

Since there are a number of different organs in your lower abdomen, there are a variety of things that could be at the root of your pain. Here are some of the potential causes of your lower abdominal pain:

Appendicitis

Your appendix is located in the lower right quadrant of your abdomen. When it becomes inflamed, it causes appendicitis. Some of the signs to look out for include:

  • Pain near your navel that sharpens as it moves to the lower right side of your abdomen
  • Feeling nauseous or vomiting
  • Appetite loss
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Fever
  • Gas with diarrhea or constipation

Appendicitis can be serious, even potentially fatal if untreated, so don’t ignore the warning signs.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Pain in your lower abdomen could be due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a disorder that impact your colon. Some of the potential signs for IBS may include:

Keep in mind that IBS is a chronic condition, so long-term treatment may be needed.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

There are a number of inflammatory bowel diseases that could cause pain in your lower abdomen, including colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Some symptoms of colitis include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Cramps
  • Diarrhea with blood
  • An urgent feeling like you need a bowel movement
  • Nausea
  • Losing weight
  • Vomiting

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease could include:

  • Consistent abdominal pain
  • Losing weight
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever may occur
  • Sometimes you might have blood in your stools

These particular inflammatory bowel diseases are more common in people under the age of 30, though they can occur in older people as well.

Urinary Issues

Problems in the urinary system could be the cause of your lower abdominal pain. Though there are a number of potential urinary issues that could be at fault, the most common is a urinary tract infection (UTI). The signs of a UTI could include:

  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • A frequent pressure that makes you feel like you need to urinate, though not much urine comes out
  • Pain in the lower abdomen or back
  • Pressure in the lower abdomen or back
  • Urine that looks cloudy, bloody or dark or urine that smells strange
  • Tired or shaky feeling
  • Fever or chills

Though UTIs are common and easy to treat, you should seek medical attention right away, especially if you have a fever. UTIs can cause kidney damage, which can be very serious.

Next Steps When You Have Lower Abdomen Pain

Though some of the causes of lower abdominal pain are easy to treat, it is important to seek medical help right away so that it doesn’t lead to something worse. Your medical professional will be able to determine what is causing your pain and what you need to do to heal. Treatment will help you feel better sooner and lessen the risk of complications.

/by