Understanding the causes of lower back pain in men is extremely important for men’s health, as lower back pain in men is becoming a common problem. This pain is often caused by strain or injury to muscles or tendons.
Other major causes include arthritis, structural spinal problems and disc injuries. Rest, physiotherapy and painkillers are very effective in treating lower back pain.
Adopting an active lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight not only reduces this pain but also prevents back problems in the future. If you know about the causes of lower back pain in men, it can be easier to deal with it. In this article, we will look at some of the possible causes of lower back pain in men and ways to address them. We will also discuss when to visit a doctor.
What is Lower back pain?
Lower back pain is very common. It is usually caused by overuse or a minor injury, although sometimes there may be no obvious cause. In addition, lower back pain may be a sign of an underlying medical problem. Such as…
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- Providing stability for the rest of your spine[1]
- Serving as a point of attachment for many muscles and ligaments that allow you to walk, run, sit, lift, and move your body in all directions.
- Supporting most of your body’s weight.
- Functioning as the center of your body’s balance.
Why does lower back pain occur?
Our lower back usually has only five vertebrae, which is even less than the neck and middle back. Despite this, these vertebrae are extremely strong and are able to bear the weight of the entire upper body. This part connects the spine to the pelvis and plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the body. Since this area undergoes a lot of movement and stretch, it is more prone to wear, strain and injury. This is why lower back pain has become a common problem. Understanding the causes of lower back pain is important for several reasons:
- Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment
- Chronic pain management
- Prevention of Future Episodes
- Tailored Rehabilitation Initiatives
- Avoid Inappropriate Diagnoses and Unnecessary Interventions
- Improving Quality of Life
Common Lower Back Pain Reasons in Male
Learn about the common causes of lower back pain in men, such as sitting incorrectly, lifting heavy weights, muscle strain and certain underlying health conditions. Learn how to prevent and manage this back pain effectively so that you can live a healthy and active life.
- Muscle Strains and Sprains
- Slipped or Herniated Disks
- Spinal osteoarthritis and sciatica
- Issues with Posture and Ergonomics
- Lifestyle Factors
1. Muscle Strains and Sprains
The back is a complicated structure made up of bone, muscle, and cartilage that is maintained by ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. It is also supplied with blood vessels and nerves. A large portion of the body’s weight is supported by the back, particularly the lumbar, or lower back, during walking, jogging, lifting, and other activities. Thus, it makes it natural that lower back ailments, like sprains and strains, are frequent.
Causes and Symptoms
Overuse: According to the Cleveland Clinic, strains can result from repeatedly exercising the same muscle group, particularly in tasks involving heavy lifting or severe physical activity.
Improper Lifting: The lifting of large objects incorrectly can result in abrupt rupture to the muscles or ligaments.
Sudden Motions: Quick or awkward motions, like bending or twisting, can also cause sprains of the ligaments or strains of the muscles.
Sports Injuries: Strains and sprains can causes from sports like basketball or football that require quick hits or direction changes.
Pain: Sensitive, painful, or localized lower back discomfort that frequently gets worse with movement.
Stiffness: A lower back’s decreased flexibility and difficulties moving it.
Swelling: According to Spine-health and Boy Health, swelling and inflammation occur at the location of the strain or sprain.
Muscle spasms are sudden, uncontrollable contractions of the affected muscles.
Limited Mobility: The inability to do routine tasks like lifting, twisting, or bending.
2. Slipped or Herniated Disks
A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the outer layer of a spinal disc ruptures, allowing the soft, gel-like material inside to bulge out. The bulge can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
As we age, discs lose their elasticity and moisture, increasing the risk of rupture. In addition, obesity, smoking, sitting or working in one position for long periods, and jobs that involve frequent bending, lifting, or twisting are major risk factors for a herniated disc.
Symptoms and Treatment
Numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness are typical signs of a herniated disk. Sciatica, or lower back pain that may spread to the legs, is another common symptom. With movement, such as sitting or bending, symptoms may get worse. Conservative measures such as physical therapy, rest, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are frequently used in the first stages of treatment to minimize pain and inflammation. More drastic measures, such as surgery or corticosteroid injections, can be required if symptoms don’t go away. Usually, the projecting part of the disk is removed during surgery to release pressure on the afflicted nerves.
3. Spinal Osteoarthritis and Sciatica
Degradation of cartilage between the facet joints in the spine is a key feature of osteoarthritis (OA), commonly referred to as spinal osteoarthritis. This condition particularly affects the lower back. Deterioration of cartilage leads to decreased flexibility, increased stiffness and persistent pain.
The lumbar spine, which supports the entire body, is most affected by excessive weight bearing and prolonged strain. The localized pain, stiffness and loss of mobility caused by osteoarthritis in this region is often exacerbated by prolonged sitting or lack of exercise.
As the disease progresses, bone spurs (extra bone growths) may develop, which put pressure on spinal nerves. This can result in sciatica, which causes pain, numbness and weakness in the legs.
Pain Management Techniques
A mix of pharmacological treatments, lifestyle modifications, and physical therapy is used to treat OA pain in the lower back. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in frequent low-impact activities like walking or swimming can help ease joint stress and increase range of motion. Acetaminophen, topical analgesics, and over-the-counter NSAIDs can all be used to relieve pain. Physical therapy helps increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. To relieve pain and enhance function in more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgical procedures such as spinal decompression or fusion could be required. Maintaining proper posture and using ergonomic furniture can also aid in symptom management and stop more joint injury.
4. Issues with Posture and Ergonomics
Poor body posture can lead to spinal misalignment, muscle fatigue and persistent lower back pain. Prolonged poor posture can lead to degenerative changes in the spine, such as osteoarthritis and herniated discs, which can lead to severe back pain and reduced mobility.
Techniques for Prevention and Correction
Make your office ergonomic to avoid slouching. Use a chair that has adequate lumbar support, and keep the computer screen and desk at the right height at eye and arm level. Take breaks and stretch at regular intervals to avoid sitting for long periods. Do light exercises daily to strengthen the core muscles and always maintain the right posture. All these measures help prevent and cure backaches, back pain, and other posture-related problems.
5. Lifestyle Factors
This is the most important parameter for causes of lower back pain in men due to the effects of obesity and healthy practices for prevention.
The Effects of Inactivity and Obesity
Since obesity and inactivity weaken the core muscles and put unnecessary pressure on the spine, these are the main causes of lower back pain. Being overweight puts stress on the lumbar region, which can result in osteoarthritis and herniated discs.
Healthy Practices for Prevention
It is important to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and follow a balanced diet. Core strengthening exercises and walking are good for spinal health. In addition, avoiding prolonged sitting and using ergonomic methods at work and home can help reduce lower back pain. Read more about a weight gain diet plan for males.
Less Common Causes
In addition to the usual suspects, several lesser-known causes may be affecting your health or condition. In this section, we will explore these less common causes, which are often overlooked, but are important to understand for a complete diagnosis or treatment approach.
- Structural problems such as Scoliosis and Spinal deformities
- Chronic conditions such as Fibromyalgia
- Infections and Tumors (Rare but Serious)
1. Structural problems (Scoliosis and Spinal deformities)
Scoliosis is a serious structural disorder in which the spine has an abnormal lateral curvature. This condition can be a major cause of lower back pain in men. Other common spinal abnormalities are kyphosis (excessive outward curvature of the spine) and lordosis (excessive inward curvature). All these deformities put uneven load and pressure on the spinal cord, causing a person to face problems like persistent back pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.
Treatment
Treatment of scoliosis and other spinal abnormalities depends on their severity. In mild cases, constant monitoring and physical therapy may be needed to strengthen back muscles and improve posture. In severe cases, bracing and sometimes surgical procedures such as spinal fusion are needed to correct the deformity and stabilize the spine to prevent further curvature. This type of treatment focuses on pain management through medications, lifestyle changes, and activities that improve spinal alignment and flexibility.
2. Chronic conditions (Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain Syndromes)
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and tenderness in certain parts of the body. It is often associated with other chronic pain syndromes and causes lower back pain, especially in men. Fibromyalgia can have many causes, such as genetic, environmental or psychological influences, which can further complicate the condition.
Management Strategies
It is necessary to take a comprehensive approach to treat fibromyalgia and chronic pain disorders. Pain relievers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsant medications can be helpful in reducing the symptoms of these disorders. Along with this, regular physical activity, such as swimming or walking, which are low-impact exercises, can help control pain and improve physical functioning. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) plays an important role in improving the mental aspects of chronic pain. In addition, adopting good sleep habits and following stress-reducing practices should also be part of the treatment.
3. Infections and Tumors (Rare but Serious Causes)
While muscle strains, herniated discs and degenerative disorders are common causes of lower back pain in men, infections and tumors are less common but more serious causes. Spinal infections, such as osteomyelitis or discitis, occur when bacteria or fungi invade the vertebrae or intervertebral discs. These infections can cause severe pain, fever and neurological disorders if they spread to the spinal cord.
Tumors, whether benign or malignant, can compress spinal nerves or destabilize the spine, causing severe lower back pain and discomfort. Primary spinal tumors develop directly in the spinal cord, while secondary or metastatic cancers can reach the spinal cord by spreading from other organs in the body, such as the prostate, lungs or kidneys. Spinal tumors can cause long-term back pain, neurological problems and sudden weight loss, which can lead to serious health problems.
Diagnosis and Treatments
Treatment of lower back pain associated with conditions such as infections and tumors requires accurate diagnosis. Blood tests help detect signs of infection, while imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can analyze the condition of the spinal cord. Biopsy procedures can determine the type of tumor or infection.
Spinal cord infections are usually treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications given intravenously over a long period of time. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the abscess and stabilize the spine. Treatment of spinal cord tumors is decided based on their type and stage, including options such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. In advanced cancer conditions, palliative care can also play an important role in relieving pain and improving quality of life.
Conclusion
Lower back pain is a common problem in men, which can be caused by muscle strains, sprains, arthritis, structural problems or disc injuries. Maintaining a healthy weight and leading an active lifestyle can greatly reduce the chances of lower back pain. The lower back bears the weight of the upper body, and is prone to wear and tear due to constant moving and lifting. Understanding the main causes of lower back pain is vital for proper diagnosis, treatment and prevention. This information proves helpful in controlling chronic pain, preventing future pain, improving rehabilitation and avoiding unnecessary procedures. Getting the right diagnosis through imaging tests and physical examination ensures targeted treatment, improving the quality of life of people suffering from lower back pain.
Learn more about lower back pain and its causes from Akhil Chhatre, M.D., a back pain specialist at the Johns Hopkins Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
