Common Causes of Low Back Pain
1. Degenerative Changes in the Spine
As people age, the lumbar vertebrae and intervertebral discs undergo aging processes. For example, lumbar vertebrae may develop osteophytes, which can stimulate or compress nerves, leading to low back pain and muscle spasms. Conditions such as disc herniation and osteoarthritis can also cause low back pain.2. Muscle or Ligament Strain
This type of low back pain is acute, often caused by factors such as trauma, overexertion, and improper form during exercise. Symptoms include severe pain in the injured area and limited range of motion in the lower back.3. Prolonged Sitting or Poor Posture
Prolonged sitting or maintaining poor postures, such as bending, slouching, or sitting improperly, can strain the lower back muscles, leading to tension and fatigue and ultimately causing low back pain.4. Overweight or Obesity
Being overweight or obese can place extra strain on the lower back, resulting in low back pain.5. Underlying Medical Conditions
In some cases, low back pain may be a sign of other conditions, such as kidney stones, gastrointestinal disorders, or gallbladder disease. Bone metastases from tumors or bone infections can also cause low back pain.Treatment for Low Back Pain
For acute low back pain, Western medicine typically recommends rest and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, pain-relieving medications, or muscle relaxants to alleviate symptoms. If the pain persists, corticosteroid injections may be administered at the painful site to reduce inflammation.If low back pain persists despite several months of rest, doctors may recommend a computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging scan. If these scans reveal degenerative changes such as disc herniation or osteophyte formation, patients may opt for surgical treatment followed by rehabilitation therapy.
However, patients should approach the decision for surgery with caution and not rush into it. This is because the causes of low back pain are often complex and may not necessarily be attributed to issues identified on imaging tests. Undergoing surgery without careful consideration may not effectively address the underlying problems causing your low back pain and could lead to various complications, such as infections and scarring.
Low back pain is not solely a lower back issue—it also reflects the overall health of the body. Physicians should thoroughly analyze the results of imaging tests, taking into consideration other factors of the patient’s health, before recommending an appropriate treatment plan.
Relieving Low Back Pain With TCM
One time, my friend, who is in his 50s, experienced severe low back pain that made it difficult for him to sit or stand up. I immediately massaged the acupressure points on his hands. There are two low back pain acupoints on each hand, located between the second and third metacarpal bones and between the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones, at the midpoint between the wrist crease and the knuckle line.
He felt a sharp pain at the acupoints being massaged, but at the same time, he also sensed heat emanating from his lower back. He experienced a noticeable reduction in low back pain. This rapid relief surprised my friend, as it was his first encounter with the miraculous effects of traditional Chinese medicine.
Emotions have a significant effect on the circulation of qi and blood in the body. Intense emotions, such as anger, resentment, depression, sadness, and disappointment, can disrupt this flow, resulting in stagnation and stasis. This, in turn, may lead to low back pain.
Energy Therapies
For acute low back pain, it is best to start with rest, avoiding excessive activity or lifting to allow the lower back to relax and recover. Conservative energy therapies, such as heat therapy, massage, acupressure, and acupuncture, can be employed to alleviate low back pain and inflammation.Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the internal organs are connected to the body’s surface through the meridians. Along the meridians are specific points known as acupoints, which possess unique functions. By stimulating the corresponding acupoints through techniques such as acupuncture and massage, it is possible to treat diseases related to specific organs.
Managing Negative Emotions
Managing one’s emotions and mental state involves regulating energy. A study published in The Lancet in 2021 points out that chronic low back pain is the result of complex interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors. Psychologically traumatic events could trigger or exacerbate low back pain.Patients with low back pain should strive to understand and reflect on their emotions. It is also important to release negative emotions such as anger, resentment, and fear and maintain an optimistic and peaceful mindset. This can be beneficial for alleviating and treating low back pain.
