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

Causes Of Chronic Lower Back Pain

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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
How Cold Weather Affects Health: Understanding Winter’s Impact on the Body

How Cold Weather Affects Health: Understanding Winter’s Impact on the Body

Seasonal changes influence human health more than most people realise. Cold weather, in particular, places unique stress on the body and can worsen existing health conditions while increasing susceptibility to new illnesses. Understanding how cold weather affects health is essential for preventing seasonal complications and maintaining wellbeing during winter months.

In India, winter-related health issues vary by region but commonly include respiratory infections, cardiovascular strain and joint discomfort. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and World Health Organization (WHO), cold exposure is associated with increased morbidity, especially among older adults and people with chronic conditions.

 

Why Cold Weather Impacts the Body

The human body works constantly to maintain core temperature. In cold environments:

  • blood vessels constrict to conserve heat
     

  • energy expenditure increases
     

  • immune responses may weaken
     

  • organs work harder to maintain balance
     

These adaptations, while protective, also create health vulnerabilities.

 

Increased Risk of Infections

Weakened Immune Response

Cold weather can suppress immune function, making it harder for the body to fight infections.

Factors contributing to winter infections include:

  • reduced vitamin D due to less sunlight
     

  • dry air affecting mucosal defenses
     

  • closer indoor contact
     

Common winter infections include colds, flu and respiratory illnesses.

 

Respiratory Health Problems

Cold air irritates the respiratory tract.

This can lead to:

  • worsening asthma symptoms
     

  • bronchitis flare-ups
     

  • increased cough and breathlessness
     

WHO reports higher hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses during colder months.

 

Impact on Heart Health

Cold temperatures affect cardiovascular function.

Blood Vessel Constriction

Cold causes blood vessels to narrow, increasing:

  • blood pressure
     

  • heart workload
     

This raises the risk of:

  • heart attacks
     

  • strokes
     

People with existing heart disease are particularly vulnerable.

 

Joint and Muscle Pain

Cold weather affects musculoskeletal health.

Common complaints include:

  • joint stiffness
     

  • muscle aches
     

  • worsening arthritis pain
     

Lower temperatures reduce joint lubrication and increase sensitivity to pain.

 

Metabolic and Weight Changes

Winter often leads to:

  • reduced physical activity
     

  • increased calorie intake
     

  • metabolic slowdown
     

These changes contribute to weight gain and worsen metabolic conditions such as diabetes.

 

Skin and Hydration Issues

Cold air holds less moisture.

This leads to:

  • dry skin
     

  • cracked lips
     

  • worsening eczema
     

Dehydration is also common as thirst perception reduces in cold weather.

 

Mental Health Effects

Seasonal changes can influence mental wellbeing.

Cold weather is associated with:

  • low mood
     

  • reduced motivation
     

  • seasonal affective symptoms
     

Limited sunlight affects circadian rhythm and serotonin levels.

 

Cold Weather and Older Adults

Elderly individuals face higher risks due to:

  • reduced temperature regulation
     

  • weaker immunity
     

  • existing chronic conditions
     

Winter-related complications are a significant cause of hospitalisation in older populations.

 

Why Chronic Diseases Worsen in Winter

Conditions such as:

  • hypertension
     

  • arthritis
     

  • asthma
     

  • diabetes
     

often worsen due to reduced activity, stress on organs and infection risk.

 

Preventive Strategies for Winter Health

Maintain Body Warmth

Layered clothing and warm environments reduce cold stress.

 

Support Immunity

Adequate nutrition, vitamin intake and sleep strengthen immune defences.

 

Stay Physically Active

Indoor exercises and regular movement prevent stiffness and metabolic decline.

 

Manage Chronic Conditions

Regular monitoring and medication adherence are critical during winter.

 

Hydration and Skin Care

Drinking fluids and using moisturisers prevent dehydration and skin damage.

 

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare helps:

  • identify seasonal risk factors
     

  • adjust treatment plans
     

  • prevent winter complications
     

NITI Aayog highlights seasonal preparedness as an important public health strategy.

When to Seek Medical Help

Medical attention is necessary if:

  • infections persist or worsen
     

  • chest pain or breathlessness occurs
     

  • joint pain limits mobility
     

  • mental health symptoms interfere with daily life
     

Early care prevents serious outcomes.

 

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Winter Health Risks

Ignoring cold weather effects may lead to:

  • severe infections
     

  • cardiovascular events
     

  • chronic pain progression
     

  • reduced quality of life
     

Seasonal awareness plays a critical role in long-term health.

 

Conclusion

Understanding how cold weather affects health allows individuals to take timely preventive measures. Winter increases the risk of infections, heart strain, respiratory problems, joint pain and mental health challenges. With proper warmth, nutrition, activity and preventive healthcare, most cold-related health issues are manageable and preventable. Seasonal care is not optional—it is essential for protecting health and wellbeing throughout the colder months.

 

References

  • ICMR – Seasonal Health and Infectious Disease Reports

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Seasonal Morbidity Data

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Seasonal Preparedness Strategy

  • WHO – Cold Weather and Health Impact Guideline

  •  Lancet – Seasonal Variation in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases

  • Statista – Winter Health Trends and Illness Data

  • Indian Journal of Public Health – Climate and Health Studies

See all

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