There is nothing more invasive on our daily lives than suddenly having lower back muscle pain. It can be anything from a twinge to a debilitating attack, leaving us wanting to die. Let’s take a look at the answers to six pertinent questions.

Who Gets Lower Back Muscle Pain?

Almost everyone. Studies show that four out of five of us will have back pain at some time in our lives. Fortunately, for most the lower back pain symptoms are comparatively mild, and we can still function in our lives. But for a few, it is worse, almost debilitating.

What Are The Types Of Lower Back Muscle Pain?

There are two primary types of muscles injuries in the lower back that can causes pain, strains and sprains. The stretching or tearing of the actual muscle fibers causes a muscle strain. This type of injury is also called a pulled muscle. It can happen from not warming up the muscles before expecting hard work from them, because the muscle is too weak or because the muscle was already damaged and not allowed to heal thoroughly.

A sprain of the muscle happens when the ligaments, the fibrous tissue that connects bones to each other, are torn from where they attach. Generally, the ligaments are very tough, but sudden movement like twisting a certain way can sprain the ligaments.

Both types of injury are similar and both the symptoms and treatments are similar as well. Consequently, knowing exactly which type of injury you are dealing with isn’t important, just treat it. However, a muscle strain is far more likely than a sprain in the lower back.

When Can I Get Out Of Bed?

In the past, doctors recommended bed rest for those suffering from a lower back muscle pain. Now, however, research has shown that lying in bed more than a couple of days can aggravate the problem, as the muscles atrophy and grow stiff. So, while you may want to rest more than just two or three days, be prepared to get back up and stretch out that back. Exercise is good for those muscles.

Where Will I Feel The Pain?

While all parts of the back can have muscle pain, the lower back is most common. Pain can also be within the buttock.

Why Does It Hurt So Much?

Whenever there is damage to the muscles or ligaments, like being torn or stretched beyond capacity, there will be inflammation and swelling. Sometimes there are spasms also within the soft tissues. If the body is not allowed to rest, but instead the person continues with the activity, the injury is not allowed to heal and the pain will be aggravated. It is best to let the body rest at the first sign of lower back muscle pain.

How Can I Tell If I Am Predisposed Toward Back Pain?

There are several predisposing factors for back pain. A few are scoliosis (curvature of the spine), short leg syndrome and being middle aged. If you have had a back injury before, you are more likely to have another injury. During pregnancy or other time of weight gain, your body is more vulnerable to injury. Of course, having a job where you are involved in repetitive motions (bending, twisting, stretching…) also puts one more at risk.