Mechanical low back pain is the most common type of low back pain and is one of the primary reasons that people under 30 consult a physician. This type of low back pain is especially associated with cases of excess strain, poor postural habits, or performing repetitive movements.
Knowing what the symptoms and causes of mechanical low back pain are, and how it can be treated, is essential for preventing a relapse and keeping this kind of pain from becoming chronic.
What is mechanical low back pain?
Mechanical low back pain is a type of low back pain that appears due to structural or functional issues in the lumbar spine that affect the way your spine moves and supports weight.
This is the most common type of low back pain, and the incidence increases with age, especially after the age of 50. For people over 65, mechanical low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders.
The pain can be sudden and momentary (acute low back pain), or continuous, becoming chronic mechanical low back pain, which can significantly impair a person’s quality of life.
What are the symptoms of mechanical low back pain?
Symptoms of mechanical low back pain can vary in intensity and duration, although they usually include:
- Sudden sharp pain in the lower back.
- Discomfort that increases with certain movements or in certain positions.
- The pain may radiate to the buttocks or legs (on one or both sides).
- Stiffness in the lower back.
- Dull aching pain that appears after physical exertion or after holding the same posture for a prolonged period of time.
When low back pain lasts longer than 12 weeks, it is considered chronic mechanical low back pain.
Causes of mechanical low back pain
Mechanical low back pain occurs due to changes that affect the static and dynamic functionality of the lumbar spine. Among the most frequent causes are:
1. Job-related mechanical low back pain
The kind of work you do is one of the main risk factors for mechanical low back pain.
- Sedentary work: Sitting too long overburdens the lumbar spine and can lead to chronic low back pain.
- Lifting heavy weights: Lifting heavy objects the wrong way accelerates disc degeneration.
- Repetitive movements: Occupations that involve constant flexion of the trunk (bending forwards) increase the risk of mechanical low back pain.
- A job that requires standing or walking for many hours can also trigger low back pain.+
2. Poor posture
Not using good posture, whether at work or in going about daily life, is likely to bring on mechanical low back pain. Using an awkward posture for long periods of time can affect the spine’s biomechanics.
3. Disc protrusion or bulging disc
Disc protrusion, when the soft inner nucleus of the intervertebral disc bulges out but without rupturing, is a common cause of mechanical low back pain and can lead to recurrent low back pain. This degenerative process has a largely genetic component.
4. Disc herniation
Disc herniation is a more advanced stage of disc degeneration. It occurs when the disc ruptures and its contents compress a nerve root, causing mechanical low back pain accompanied by pain radiating to one or both legs.
5. Lumbar canal stenosis
Lumbar canal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress nerve structures, leading to low back pain and difficulty walking.
6. Sports injuries
Mechanical low back pain is also common in athletes. Injuries from overexertion, repeated impacts, hyperextension of the spine, or excessive weight-lifting can all trigger low back pain.
Treatments for mechanical low back pain
The right treatment for mechanical low back pain depends on the cause and whether it is an acute or chronic episode.
In acute stage
- Medication: medically prescribed pain-relievers and anti-inflammatories.
- Apply heat locally.
- Relative rest for 48–72 hours.
- Avoid movements that increase pain.
In recovery stage
Once the acute phase of low back pain has passed, to avoid relapse it is important to:
- Increase physical exercise gradually.
- Strengthen the lumbar and abdominal muscles.
- Practice specific stretches.
- Make a habit of good posture.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
Physical therapy has a key role in both the treatment and prevention of mechanical low back pain.
Advanced pain treatments
When the pain does not improve with conservative treatment, the following options may be considered:
- Epidural infiltrations.
- Lumbar rhizolysis.
- Spine surgery (microdiscectomy, lumbar fusion, or decompression), only after specialized evaluation.
How to prevent mechanical low back pain
The key to preventing mechanical low back pain is to reduce the risk factors:
- Use proper technique when lifting heavy things.
- Maintain good posture when sitting and at work.
- Exercise regularly.
- Strengthen your core muscles.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
- Get preventive physical therapy if you are prone to low back pain.
Staying consistent with your therapeutic exercises and use of good posture is key to avoiding relapses of low back pain.
Specialists in treating mechanical low back pain
At Instituto Clavel, we have a team of neurosurgeons, traumatologists, and spine specialists dedicated to the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of mechanical low back pain and other pathologies of the spine.
We have centers in Barcelona and Madrid, where we offer a personalized approach combining advanced surgical techniques, specialized physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise.
If you suffer from mechanical low back pain or persistent low back pain, the sooner you have it evaluated by a specialist, the better your chances at improving it and avoiding chronic pain.
Dr. Aldo Velasco
Orthopedic Surgeon
Categories: Spine pathologies, Back pain, Lumbar pain