• Published on: Aug 06, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Orthopedic Surgeon

Causes Of Chronic Lower Back Pain

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

Causes of Chronic Lower Back Pain

The causes of lower back pain are incredibly varied. Disc problems, spinal curvature issues, and muscle strain can all cause a person to experience discomfort in their lower spine region. However, sometimes the problem is not where it seems as some injuries that occur elsewhere on your body will still manifest themselves through symptoms such as numbness or tingling down one side of the leg which could be related to an injury experienced at work while bending over or lifting something heavy with an improper technique for example. Sometimes you may even have absolutely no idea what caused your condition but if left untreated it might lead to chronic conditions like arthritis so check yourself often!

Facet joints are small bones that surround the spinal discs. There's one on each side of your spine, and they're responsible for keeping you upright while supporting a lot of weight! Sometimes these little guys can get jammed up with arthritis or inflammation in their ligaments around the joint, which means it'll start hurting to stand upright for long periods of a time.

Sacroiliac joints are a strong and low-motion joint that connects the sacrum at the bottom of your spine to each side of your pelvis. The function is primarily absorption due to its shock-absorbing nature, but it can also become painful if there's too much or not enough motion in this area depending on what causes inflammation (sacroilitis)

When the sacroiliac joint is inflamed, it can become painful. Sacral dysfunction usually occurs when there's too much or too little motion of this strong and low-motion joint that connects our spine to each side of our pelvis. The sacrum absorbs shock and tension between the upper body and lower body while also providing stability for walking upright on two feet - without a sense os balance provided by an active SIJ (sacroiliac joints).

The ills that cause inflammation in your SIJ might be due to overuse, injury or other trauma; lack proper alignment during pregnancy; hormonal fluctuation from menstruation cycles associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy treatments such as birth control pills

Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal has narrowed, and this causes pain. Pain can be caused by central narrowing of the spine or forminal narrowing in any area of your lower back- as well as at different levels on either side where it occurs multiple times.

Spondylolisthesis is a condition that occurs when one vertebra slips over the adjacent one. It can be caused by a defect or fracture of the pars (between facet joints) or mechanical instability of these facets (degenerative). The pain may come from back and leg pains due to either compression on nerves in your legs, which would cause you to feel discomfort while sitting still for long periods at time as well as spasms during walking, numbness between your buttocks cheeks; paresthesia-tingling sensation where there should not be any feeling such weakness behind knee knees because it's nerve impingement; tight hamstrings restricting movement in lower extremities causing buttock pain.

Spinal osteoarthritis is a condition that results from the wear and tear of your discs which can cause inflammation, instability, and stenosis. The pain associated with this disease may be high or low intensity at any given time. As you age spinal osteoarthritis will slowly progress until it takes over every facet joint in your spine resulting in more intense symptoms like stiffness, numbness, weakness on one side of the body due to nerve compression as well as chronic backache.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common inflammatory joint diseases and can affect people at any age. It's an autoimmune disease, which means that it causes your body to attack itself instead of a virus or bacteria like other infections do. Symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis include redness in joints, swelling around them, pain when you move certain parts of your body, stiffness in some places where muscles are contracted too tightly against each other (called fixed points), fatigue from low activity levels due to increased discomfort while moving about after long periods without movement - these symptoms come on more gradually than they would with osteoarthritis and typically last longer as well since there isn't much inflammation-relieving rest involved during treatment.

The deformity is something that we all live with in some capacity. Depending on the severity, it could be a blessing or an inconvenience to our everyday life. Lower back pain can result when someone's spine curves out of shape and causes pressure between vertebrae and other structures such as discs, facet joints, sacroiliac joints or stenosis which impairs mobility.

The deformity may seem like a curse but for those living with scoliosis or kyphosis there are ways to manage their deformities without interfering too much into daily affairs; one example would be using braces while sleeping at night so they don't have any more issues during waking hours because often times stiffness will persist after 8-10 hours.

It is not uncommon for people to struggle with painful curvature of the spine. Scoliosis and kyphosis are just two examples that can be associated with back pain, but there may also exist other types of deformity in your spine which you're unaware of until they become symptomatic. In any case, a consultation from an orthopedic surgeon would provide insight into what treatment plan will work best for you!

Curvatures in one's spinal column can lead down various paths- some more serious than others like scoliosis or kyphosis- all depending on how severe it becomes as time progresses. The deformities themselves could potentially cause lower back pain if enough pressure builds up over years where discs break down along facet joints.

Trauma is generally a very serious injury, which can cause extreme pain and other physical complications. The first step to treatment for trauma injuries should always be seeking medical help as soon as possible if you are suffering from back or neck problems that developed after an accident of some kind.

Due to weak bones, compression fractures are common in older people and can sometimes happen suddenly with intense pain.

Read Blog
Sun Safety 101: Protecting Your Skin from Harmful UV Rays

Sun Safety 101: Protecting Your Skin from Harmful UV Rays

Introduction

Spending time under the sun can feel refreshing and energizing. Whether you're heading to the beach, taking a walk in the park, or simply enjoying a sunny day, sunlight offers several health benefits—most notably, it helps your body produce vitamin D. However, too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can seriously harm your skin.

From premature aging to life-threatening skin cancers, the effects of sun exposure are real. That’s why learning about sun safety is essential for everyone. In this blog, we will walk you through the basics of Sun Safety 101: Protecting Your Skin from Harmful UV Rays.

What Are UV Rays and Why Are They Dangerous?

UV rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that comes primarily from the sun. There are two main types of UV rays that affect our skin:

  • UVA rays: These can penetrate deep into the skin and are responsible for aging and wrinkles.

  • UVB rays: These affect the surface of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn.

Prolonged exposure to these rays can damage the DNA in your skin cells. Over time, this damage can lead to skin cancer—the most common form of cancer in many countries, including India.


Why Sun Protection Matters

Here are some reasons why sun safety should be a daily habit:

  1. Prevents Skin Cancer: Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is often linked to UV exposure.

  2. Slows Premature Aging: Sun damage can cause wrinkles, age spots, and dry skin.

  3. Protects Eyes and Immune System: UV rays can also harm your eyes and weaken your immune response.


How to Protect Your Skin from UV Rays

1. Use Sunscreen Daily

A good sunscreen is your first line of defense. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Choose Broad-Spectrum Protection: This shields you from both UVA and UVB rays.

  • SPF 30 or Higher: SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how well the sunscreen blocks UVB rays.

  • Reapply Every 2 Hours: Especially if you're sweating or swimming.

Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate the clouds. So, don’t skip sunscreen!

2. Wear Protective Clothing

Clothing can block out a lot of harmful UV radiation. Consider the following:

  • Long-sleeved shirts and long pants

  • Tightly woven fabrics

  • Darker colors offer better protection

  • Special UV-blocking clothes are available in the market

3. Use Sunglasses and Hats

Your face and eyes are very sensitive to sunlight. Use these accessories for extra protection:

  • Sunglasses with 100% UV protection

  • Wide-brimmed hats to shield your face, ears, and neck

4. Seek Shade

Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the sun’s rays are the strongest. If you’re outside during these hours:

  • Stay under a tree, umbrella, or a shaded area.

  • Use portable canopies or tents for outdoor activities.

5. Avoid Tanning Beds

Tanning beds use artificial UV light, which is just as dangerous—if not more—than natural sunlight. They significantly increase the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma.


Sun Protection for All Skin Types

It’s a common myth that people with darker skin tones don’t need sunscreen. While melanin does offer some natural protection, it’s not enough to prevent skin damage or cancer. Regardless of your skin tone, sun protection is essential.


Tips for Parents: Protecting Kids from UV Rays

Children’s skin is more sensitive to UV rays, making sun safety even more important. Here are a few tips:

  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or more before they go outside.

  • Dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and hats.

  • Keep babies under 6 months old out of direct sunlight.

  • Use sunglasses for kids to protect their eyes.

Teaching sun safety habits early can help children develop lifelong healthy practices.


After-Sun Care: What to Do If You Get Sunburned

Despite our best efforts, sunburns can still happen. Here's how to treat them:

  • Cool the skin with a cold compress or a cool bath.

  • Moisturize with aloe vera or a hydrating lotion.

  • Stay hydrated to help your skin heal.

  • Avoid further sun exposure until your skin fully recovers.

If you have severe blisters, fever, or signs of heatstroke, seek medical attention immediately.


Myths About Sun Exposure

Let’s bust some common myths:

  • Myth: "I only need sunscreen on sunny days."
    Fact: UV rays can damage your skin even on cloudy or winter days.

  • Myth: "A base tan protects against sunburn."
    Fact: A tan is a sign of skin damage and offers minimal protection.

  • Myth: "I don’t need sunscreen indoors."
    Fact: UVA rays can penetrate through windows and cause damage over time.


Simple Sun Safety Checklist

Before stepping out, run through this quick checklist:

? Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen
? Wear a wide-brimmed hat
? Put on UV-protective sunglasses
? Dress in long sleeves and pants
? Pack extra sunscreen for reapplication
? Look for shaded areas or carry an umbrella


Final Thoughts

Sun exposure is a part of daily life—but protecting yourself from its harmful effects doesn't have to be difficult. By making small, conscious choices, you can enjoy the sun safely without putting your health at risk.

Healthy skin is beautiful skin, and prevention is always better than cure. Whether you're planning a beach vacation or just a walk in the sun, keep your skin covered and cared for.


CTA (Call to Action)

Ready to take charge of your skin health? Visit www.secondmedic.com today for expert advice, dermatologist consultations, and trusted skincare solutions. Don’t wait—start your journey with Sun Safety 101: Protecting Your Skin from Harmful UV Rays and keep your skin glowing and healthy all year round!

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic