Lower Back Discomfort
There are numerous types of back pain but the kind that happens most frequently is from ruptured disks. The spinal column consists of a series of disks made with a strong outer layer and a soft inner part. The softer inner part is the shock absorber that protects the spinal column from injury during movement. If the disk is damaged from wear and tear or injury, it ruptures and irritates the nerve with possible injury. The severity of the injury to the nerve determines the extent of the pain.
Pain will not only affect the back, it will also affect the leg and the sciatic nerve which runs down the leg and can be severely painful. This usually affects only one leg, and when it affects the sciatic nerve in the leg it is called sciatica. When the sciatica affects the nerves of the bladder and bowel, it could be a serious condition because it would make urinating and defecating difficult. This may require prompt medical attention.
Unless the nerve injury develops into more serious injury and pain, most people recover without treatment. Under a doctor's guidance, mild drugs may be prescribed to relieve pain or, if necessary, stronger drugs may be required. There are many exercises that will help the sciatica and back injury. These exercises will be most effectively presented by a physio therapist. Sometimes surgery may have to be considered if recommended by the doctor.
