Many people are accustomed to dealing with the periodic aches and discomfort that spring up in our lower backs from time to time.
These kinds of mild pains may be brought on from a vast variety of things: overdoing it at the gym, not picking up a box correctly, sleeping in an unusual position, even sitting for an extended duration of time.
Most of the time, these minor aches and pains could be treated with a heat wrap, some aspirin, as well as a little Tender loving care.
Sometimes, the problem isn't as easily solved.
Sometimes, you could have extreme lower back discomfort.
Extreme lower back pain can be very depressing and debilitating.
It's been verified that people that deal with chronic pain are more likely to be suicidal or on antidepressants.
People get depressed and upset whenever they can't do the things they once loved doing.
It can easily color your entire outlook on life in general.
Generally there are many different causes of severe lower back pain.
A slipped disc, pinched nerve, seriously sprained or torn muscle, even muscle spasms can cause pain so bad that all a person would like to do is take a handful of pain medication and snuggle up in bed.
Even though extreme back pain can be devastating there is good news.
Once what is causing the pain is identified, a treatment program can then be put into effect.
Part of identifying what's causing the severe lower back pain is identifying whether it's a nerve issue or muscle problem.
The doctor may ask you to describe your discomfort.
Nerve pain is often referred to as sharp, stabbing, or even shooting.
Muscle pain is an ache, throbbing, or tearing pain.
While the differences may seem insignificant to some, it will make all the difference in any kind of tests the doctor decides to run and in the treatment program recommended.
Once it's established whether it's a nerve or muscle causing the severe lower back pain, the doctor might order a series of tests.
MRIs are often utilized to determine if a muscle is torn.
An EMG could additionally be done to decide just how damaged various muscles may be.
Nerve conduction research or nerve biopsies could be carried out to determine if there is any nerve damage or to help locate where a pinched nerve might be.
As soon as the degree of the trauma causing the severe lower back pain is figured out, the physician can then work together with you on a treatment plan.
Frequently, a treatment program will consist of physical therapy, medicine to alleviate pain and swelling, possible surgery, and follow-up visits down the road to see exactly how things are progressing.
If, at any time, the treatment plan doesn't appear to be working as well as it ought to, you and your physician can sit down and talk about modifications to your overall plan of care.
The truth regarding severe lower back pain is there's hope.
Hope for a treatment.
Hope for a cure.
Hope that one day, the pain will be gone.