00:00In tonight's House Call segment, Dr. Mariana Brown talks about why you may are experiencing lower back pain.
00:17Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor.
00:23And it can affect anyone, from office workers to athletes.
00:28Sometimes it's because of a muscle strain and other times it can signal something more serious.
00:35Tonight on House Call, we're going to discuss the most common causes of lower back pain and when it's time to get checked out.
00:43Your lower back supports much of your body weight, so it's no surprise that it's prone to wear, tear and injury.
00:51Here are some of the most common causes of lower back pain.
00:54Number one, muscle strain or spasm, the most frequent cause of lower back pain.
01:02Usually it's caused by a sudden movement, poor posture or lifting heavy.
01:08Symptoms can include soreness, stiffness or tightness.
01:12Number two, arthritis.
01:14Conditions like osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease can affect the small joints of the spine.
01:22Leading to stiffness, inflammation and pain that worsens with age.
01:27Number three, inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis can lead to persistent pain and stiffness, especially on a morning.
01:37Number four, disc problems.
01:40Your discs are the cushions that lie between your vertebrae or the bones of the spine.
01:47A herniated or slipped disc can lead to sharp or shooting pain that is associated with neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling.
01:57And number five, poor posture or weak core muscles.
02:03Most people have an office job that requires them to sit at a desk for long periods of time.
02:09This can lead to strain on the spine and the muscles that support the spine, including your core muscles.
02:17Here's when to see a doctor.
02:20If the pain lasts longer than a few weeks.
02:22If your pain interferes with daily activity.
02:26If your pain is associated with numbness and tingling.
02:30And if your pain is associated with an injury, trauma or form.
02:35Most back pain improves with rest, gentle stretching, strengthening exercises and proper posture.
02:43For chronic or severe pain, your doctor may recommend physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication and imaging tests such as an MRI to identify the cause.
02:56Lower back pain is common, but it's not something you have to live with.
03:01Pay attention to posture, staying active and core strengthening exercises.
03:08These can make a big difference.
03:10And if your pain is persistent or severe, don't ignore it.
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