The Most Common Musculoskeletal Problem: Low Back Pain （LBP）

Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition with about 80% of the population experiencing at least a single episode during their lifetime. (Rubin, 2007) It is the leading cause of activity limitation and work absence (Deyo, 1991) and one of the most common reasons for healthcare visits and missed workdays. Low back pain is a symptom, not a disease; it can result from several different known or unknown abnormalities or diseases. It is defined by the location of pain, typically between the lower rib margins and the buttock creases. (Dionne, 2008) It is commonly accompanied by pain in one or both legs, and some people with low back pain have associated neurological symptoms in the lower limbs.

Causes of low back pain

Low back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Poor posture: Slouching, hunching over a desk, or sitting for extended periods of time can put strain on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back.
Muscle or ligament strain: Lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, or overuse can cause strain on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back.
Herniated or bulging discs: The discs between the vertebrae in the spine can rupture or bulge, putting pressure on the nerves in the lower back.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation in the joints of the spine, leading to pain and stiffness.
Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the nerves in the lower back, leading to pain and weakness.
Osteoporosis: Weakening of the bones due to age or other factors can lead to fractures in the vertebrae, causing pain and deformity.
Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back.

Symptoms of low back pain

The symptoms of low back pain can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some common symptoms of low back pain include:

Dull, aching pain in the lower back that can be localized or spread to the buttocks, hips, and thighs
Sharp, shooting pain that can be felt in one or both legs, often referred to as sciatica
Stiffness and limited range of motion in the lower back
Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing, bending, lifting, or twisting
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet
Difficulty walking or performing everyday activities due to pain or discomfort
Muscle spasms or cramping in the lower back

Benefits of lumbar supports for low back pain

Lumbar supports are designed to support the natural curvature of the spine, providing additional support to the lower back and reducing the amount of stress placed on the muscles and ligaments in this area. Here are some benefits of lumbar supports:

1. Pain relief: Lumbar supports with an ergonomic contour design and highly elastic material can provide additional support to the lower back, reduce pain and discomfort, and snugly fit the lumbar without pressure, offering great protection. (Roelofs, 2007)

2. Improved posture: Lumbar supports with anatomically integrated stays can help improve posture by keeping the spine in its natural curve, reducing the tendency to slouch or hunch forward, and provide extra lumbar stability, thereby enhancing all-around comfort. (F. Munoz, 2010)

3. Reduced pressure on the spine: Lumbar supports with highly elastic reinforced straps can help reduce the pressure placed on the spinal discs, prevent injury, and reduce the risk of developing conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis by providing comprehensive coverage and protection to the abdomen and lumbar region, while enabling an adaptive fit. (Mohsen, 2009)

Treatment options for low back pain

The treatment for low back pain depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are some common treatment options for low back pain:

Rest: In many cases, resting the back and avoiding activities that cause pain can help relieve low back pain.
Exercise: Strengthening and stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension in the lower back. A physical therapist can help design an exercise program tailored to your needs.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation in the lower back.
Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help reduce pain and stiffness.
Manual therapy: Chiropractic manipulation, massage therapy, and acupuncture are examples of manual therapies that can help relieve low back pain.
Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, improving posture, and avoiding smoking can help reduce the risk of developing low back pain.

It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of your low back pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan. In many cases, a combination of different treatment options may be necessary to effectively manage low back pain.

Exercise can be an effective way to relieve low back pain and improve spinal health. Here are some exercises that can help alleviate low back pain:

Hamstring stretches: Tight hamstrings can contribute to low back pain, so stretching them can help relieve tension in the lower back. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Slowly raise one leg and grasp the back of your thigh with both hands, then gently pull your leg towards your chest.
Cat-cow stretches: This exercise helps improve flexibility in the spine and can relieve tension in the lower back. Start on your hands and knees with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your head and tailbone towards the ceiling. Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin towards your chest and bringing your tailbone towards your knees.
Pelvic tilts: This exercise can help strengthen the muscles in the lower back and abdomen. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Slowly tilt your pelvis towards your belly button, pressing your lower back into the floor.
Bird dogs: This exercise helps strengthen the muscles in the lower back and abdomen. Start on your hands and knees with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Lift one arm and the opposite leg, keeping your back flat and your hips level.
Wall sits: This exercise helps strengthen the muscles in the lower back and legs. Stand with your back against a wall and your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly slide down the wall until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.

It's important to work with a healthcare professional or physical therapist to determine which exercises are appropriate for your needs and abilities and to ensure that you are performing them correctly to avoid further injury.

Reference

Rubin DI. Epidemiology and risk factors for spine pain. Neurol Clin 2007;25: 353–71.
Deyo RA, Cherkin D, Conrad D, et al. Cost, controversy, crisis: low back pain and the health of the public. Annu Rev Public Health 1991;12:141-56.
Dionne CE, Dunn KM, Croft PR, et al. A consensus approach toward the standardization of back pain definitions for use in prevalence studies. Spine 2008; 33: 95s103.
Roelofs PD, Bierma-Zeinstra SM, van Poppel MN, Jellema P,Willemsen SP, van Tulder MW, van Mechelen W, Koes BW(2007) Lumbar supports to prevent recurrent low back pain among home care workers: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 147:685–692
F. Munoz, J.-F. Salmochi, P. Faouën, P. Rougier. Low back pain sufferers: Is standing postural balance facilitated by a lordotic lumbar brace? Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research (2010) 96, 362—366
Mohsen Makhsous, Fang Lin, James Bankard, Ronald W Hendrix, Matthew Hepler and Joel Press.Biomechanical effects of sitting with adjustable ischial and lumbar support on occupational low back pain: evaluation of sitting load and back muscle activity. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2009, 10:17