Low back pain or lower back pain can range from mild to severe; it can be long-lasting or short-lived affecting daily activities.

About 80% of the population suffers pain in the lower back at some point in their lives. Low back pain can be acute (short, very painful episodes), chronic (less intense but long-lasting), specific (with a precise localization), vague (with a diffuse localization) and can also irradiate in the lower limbs.

Lower back pain can seriously affect the quality of life by limiting sports activities, domestic, recreational activities or professional activities.

The lumbar spine consists of 5 powerful vertebrae that provide support for approximately the entire body weight. Between the vertebrae there are the intervertebral discs, which are structures of fibrocartilaginous nature essential for the movement of the spine. They act as a ligament, tying one vertebra to the next, but especially they have a role in the absorption of shocks, significantly diminishing the impact between the vertebrae.

The lumbar intervertebral discs are most in demand, because they hold the greatest pressure.

Ligaments, nerves and muscles are additional components of the spine. All these structures work together ensuring the strength and flexibility of the lumbar spine.

Especially ultrasound and electrotherapy (the use of electric current of different frequencies) help significantly to reduce inflammation and local pain, having both muscle decontracting/ relaxing, as well as vasodilating effect (increased blood circulation in muscles and skin).

Also, the local, alternative use of ice and heat, in sessions of 10-15 minutes, 1-3 times a day, is important for anti-inflammatory and decontracting effect. Always put a thin towel between the ice/heat and the area on which it is applied so as not to irritate the skin.

When the pain subsides, a special exercise program should be started, under the guidance of a physical therapist.

The intensity of the exercises and the degree of loading will gradually increase, following:

➢ reducing stiffness
➢ increasing mobility and muscle flexibility
➢ toning the lumbar paravertebral muscles (a toned muscle ensures a better stability of the spine but also helps prevent relapses and/or other injuries).

It involves decontracting massage and spinal stretching techniques to improve mobility, as well as manipulation techniques that "regulate" the joints improving their movement.

The most commonly used device is a corset (lombostat) that can be wrapped around the abdomen and back, providing lumbar support. It must be worn especially during activities that involve lifting or carrying heavy objects.

➢ When back pain occurs go to the doctor or physical therapist to discover the underlying cause (slipping of the intervertebral discs, brushing of the sciatic nerve, etc.) and for an appropriate treatment.

➢ It is important to introduce sport in the daily routine, such as: swimming, cycling, running, but also specific exercises for the back and abdomen muscles to keep them flexible and strong.

➢ The lifting of the heavy objects from below is done by bending the knees (as in the squat position), catching the respective object with the back perfectly straight and lifting is done by pushing into the feet and not by bending the back forward.

➢ Maintaining body weight or losing weight in case of overweight eliminates stress from the lower spine.

➢ Smoke and nicotine cause a more accelerated aging of the spine, so quitting smoking is also beneficial for the spine.

➢ Proper posture is important to avoid any future problems.