[30M] Experiencing chronic low back pain

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possible explanations:

• Muscle or Ligament Strain: Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. If you're in poor physical condition, constant strain on your back can cause painful muscle spasms.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

• Degenerative Disc Disease: This is a condition where the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column deteriorate or break down, leading to pain, weakness, or numbness. It often occurs with age and can cause a chronic, nagging pain, sometimes severe.

  • Treatment can involve physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery.

• Ankylosing Spondylitis: This is a type of arthritis that affects the spine. Symptoms include pain and stiffness from the neck down to the lower back. The back bones (vertebrae) may grow or fuse together, resulting in a rigid spine.

  • Treatment typically involves medication and physical therapy to manage symptoms and prevent progression of the disease.

Please note that these are only possible diagnoses. You should consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Try to maintain good posture. Avoid slouching when sitting or standing.
2. When lifting heavy objects, bend at your knees and hips, not your back.
3. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can strain the back muscles.
4. Stay active. Regular physical activity can help keep your back muscles strong.
5. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to help relieve chronic pain.

What you should look out for

If your pain is severe, doesn't improve with rest, or if you have other symptoms like numbness or weakness in a leg, or unexplained weight loss, you should seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of a more serious condition that needs immediate treatment.