Not Every Low Back Pain is a Herniated Disc: Causes and Treatment Methods for Low Back Pain
Low back pain is one of the most common health problems today. Low back pain can happen to anyone, from those who work at a desk to those who carry heavy loads and even those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. When many people experience lower back pain, they immediately think "did I have a herniated disc?". But don't worry, not all back pain is caused by a herniated disc. In fact, 95% of low back pain is not related to a herniated disc. In fact, there can be many different causes of low back pain and each of them can be treated differently. In this article, we will discuss what you may wonder about the causes behind low back pain.
What is Low Back Pain? What Should You Pay Attention To?
The pain you feel in the lumbar region can sometimes be a severe pain that affects your daily life, or it can manifest itself as a mild discomfort. We simply call this condition low back pain. Although it is often triggered by sudden movements, muscle strains or poor posture, it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious health problem.
However, it is important to remember that not all back pain indicates a serious problem. Paying attention to low back pain, understanding its causes and seeing a specialist is the first step towards proper treatment.
What Are the Causes of Lower Back Pain? Why Does Lower Back Pain Occur? What Could Lower Back Pain Be a Symptom Of?
There are many different causes of low back pain. Among these, the most common ones are:
- Muscle Strains and Ligament Injuries
Your back muscles and ligaments can be strained when making sudden movements or lifting heavy objects. Incorrect lifting techniques or sitting in poor posture for long periods of time can particularly strain the muscles in this area. These types of strains usually resolve quickly with rest and simple treatment methods. - Postural Problems
Incorrect sitting or standing positions can cause back pain. If you work at a desk for long hours or stand in the same position for extended periods, this can eventually lead to back pain. Therefore, it is beneficial to pay attention to your posture! - Nerve Compression
Nerve compression in the lower back can cause severe back pain. This compression is usually caused by displaced or narrowed discs in the spine. But remember, this does not always mean a herniated disc; nerve compression can be associated with many different spinal problems. - Bone Loss (Osteoporosis)
Osteoporosis, which occurs as a result of decreased bone density, can cause fractures in the spine and consequently lead to back pain. This is particularly common in older women. Be careful, as it can lead to serious problems if left untreated! - Herniated Disc
Although it is not the only cause of back pain, a herniated disc can play a significant role. When the discs in the spine slip out of place, they can press on nerves and cause severe pain. Symptoms of a herniated disc include pain and numbness that radiates down the legs. However, before diagnosing a herniated disc, other possible causes must also be considered.
Low Back Pain or Herniated Disc?
Low back pain is a discomfort in the lower back that usually goes away within a few days. The pain can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) and is usually confined to the lower back, rarely spreading to the legs. Although the pain may make some movements difficult, it may not affect all body movements and sometimes there may be mild swelling or tenderness.
A herniated disc is a much more serious condition in which the discs in the spine slip and press on the nerves, causing severe pain. With a herniated disc, the pain can spread from the lower back to the legs and even the feet, which are controlled by nerves, and symptoms such as numbness or loss of strength. If you feel a sharp pain shooting down your legs, this may indicate a herniated disc.
Why are low back pain and herniated discs confused?
A herniated disc and low back pain can often be confused with each other because they have similar symptoms. However, the main difference between them is that a herniated disc presses on the nerves and this pressure causes pain that radiates down the legs. In addition, symptoms such as weakness in the legs and numbness in the feet can also occur in a herniated disc. Low back pain, on the other hand, is usually limited to pain in the lumbar region and does not spread to the legs.
As a result, low back pain represents a more general condition, while a herniated disc refers to a more specific health problem. Even if a person has previously been diagnosed with a herniated disc or has a certain level of herniated disc, this is not a definitive cause of low back pain.
Not everyone who experiences lower back pain has a herniated disc, so it is important to consult a specialist for the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Should We Pay Attention to Symptoms of Low Back Pain?
If you only feel pain in your lower back and this pain gets worse and less severe during the day, you probably have simple low back pain. However, if you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you may need to consult a specialist:
- Severe pain in the buttocks and legs
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Loss of strength in the feet or legs
- Increased pain and limitation of movement when moving
These symptoms may be a sign of pressure on the nerves and may indicate a herniated disc.
Which Specialization Should You Apply for Low Back Pain? Which Doctor Should You Go to for Low Back Pain? Which Department Treats Low Back Pain?
It is important that individuals with low back pain are referred to the right specialist. The departments that can be consulted for low back pain are as follows:
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist: Evaluates the causes of back pain and creates personalized exercise programs.
- Orthopedic Specialist: Examines problems with the spine and joints and recommends surgical intervention if necessary.
- Neurology Specialist Evaluates and diagnoses neurological problems such as pinched nerves.
- Neurosurgery (Brain and Nerve Surgery) Specialist: It offers surgical treatment options in cases of nerve compression such as spinal hernia.
Is a doctor's examination necessary for low back pain?
If you are experiencing low back pain, it is very important to be examined. Because identifying the underlying cause of this pain is a critical step for proper treatment. So, what happens when you visit a doctor? Here are the stages waiting for you in this process:
1. Initial Assessment
In the first step, the doctor listens to the patient's complaints and medical history to gather information about the duration and severity of the pain and what factors trigger it. He or she then observes the patient's posture, movements and gait, checking for curvature, swelling or other abnormalities in the spine.
2. Physical Examination
During the examination, the doctor palpates the lumbar region and the surrounding muscles to assess symptoms such as tenderness, increased temperature or swelling. He or she will also move the patient's lower back and joints in different directions to check for restricted movement or pain. Sensory and motor functions are also assessed with tests such as checking reflexes, muscle strength and sensation.
3. Muscle Tests
Muscle tests are an important tool for understanding the underlying causes of low back pain. During these tests, the doctor assesses muscle strength and flexibility. He or she tests how strong the muscles are by having the patient perform certain movements. For example, lifting the leg or pushing with the foot. Flexibility testing is done to measure how much the muscles can stretch; the patient may be asked to stretch their legs straight out to check the flexibility of the hamstring muscles.
4. Electromyography (EMG)
In addition, EMG in low back pain is requested when nerve root compression or nerve damage is suspected. EMG is performed by inserting a thin needle electrode into the muscles. This needle measures the electrical activity of the muscles. During the test, the electrical signals of the muscles at rest and during contraction are recorded.
5. Imaging Techniques
Imaging methods are used to pinpoint the cause of low back pain. X-rays visualize the bone structure of the spine, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to examine the soft tissues and is effective in detecting conditions such as herniated discs or pinched nerves. Computed tomography (CT) provides detailed cross-sectional images of the spine and analyzes structural changes.
6. Blood Tests
Blood tests are done to check for inflammation or infection in the body. With a Complete Blood Count (CBC), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) tests, the doctor can look for signs of rheumatic or autoimmune diseases.
Together, these steps help to identify the source of low back pain and create an effective treatment process.
Conclusion Not Every Back Pain is a Herniated Disc!
Low back pain can be caused by many different reasons, most of which are not associated with a herniated disc. Although herniated disc is a serious health problem, it is a mistake to think that a herniated disc is behind every back pain. Less serious causes such as muscle strains, posture disorders and pinched nerves can also cause low back pain. It is possible to get rid of low back pain with the right diagnosis and treatment methods.
If you are experiencing low back pain, it is important to consult a specialist to get the right diagnosis and start appropriate treatment. Remember, not all low back pain is a herniated disc, but untreated low back pain can lead to more serious problems.