A common painful condition affecting the lower portion of the spine .it is also called lumbago. It can result from a strain to muscles or tendons in the lower back.
Types
Acute back pain
Sub acute back pain
Chronic back pain
Causes
Low back ache is caused by injury to a muscle strain or ligament sprain.common causes include:
Improper lifting
Poor posture
Lack of regular exercise
Fracture
Ruptured disc or orthritis .
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STRAIN AND SPRAIN:
Strain: strain is an injury to muscles or tendons
Sprain: sprain is an injury to the ligaments and capsule at a joint in the body .
LOW BACK ACHE SYMPTOMS;
stabbing or shooting sensation
Stiffness
Posture problems
Muscle spasm
Sitting for long period
Numbness or weakness
RISK FACTORS:
Age
Lack of exercises
Excess weight
Improper lifting
Psychological conditions
Smoking
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS:
Radiculopathy ,nerve root compression,spinal stenosis ,spondylolisthesis,
Ankylosing spondylitis,facet joint pain and cancer pain and infections such as osteomyelitis.
SPECIAL TESTS:
Slump test
Straight leg raise test
Faber test
Femoral stretch test
PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
The short term and long term goals for low back ache
Improve low back function
Increase the spine flexibility
Core strengthening exercises
Lumbar stabilizing exercises
Postural training