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The marvelous strength and flexibility that's engineered into your lower back also make it susceptible to developing lots of problems. And because of the many nerves that run throughout the spine and into the rest of your body, a problem in the lower back can lead to leg pain, hip problems and more.
Why it hurts?
The lower back is subject to injury while lifting a heavy object, twisting, or a sudden movement—any of which can cause muscles or ligaments to stretch or develop microscopic tears. Over time, poor posture or repetitive stress can also lease to muscle strain or other soft tissue problems. And while a muscle strain sounds simple, in the lower back the pain from a simple strain can be severe.
The lumbar spine has 5 motion segments. Most twisting and bending is divided among those segments, although the majority of the motion takes place in the lowest two segments, called L4-L5 and L5-S1. The structures in these two lowest segments are the most likely to wear down over time or be injured.
Tips to prevent lower back pain
For anyone who has dealt with lower back pain and/or sciatica, you already know how quickly damage to your lower back can take hold and affect your life.
- Exercise your core
- Correct your posture
- Lift heavy objects correctly
- Be a savvy athlete
- Improve your overall physical health
- Frequent travelers, take note
- Stretch your hamstrings
For anyone who has dealt with lower back pain and/or sciatica, you already know how quickly damage to your lower back can take hold and affect your life.
Source: Spine Health