Lower back pain is one of the most common health problems, affecting 70-85% of people at some point in their lives. It can be caused by injury or occur suddenly. Lower back pain is the fifth most common reason for doctor visits in the US and a major cause of limited mobility in those under 45. Treatments include medications like opioids, muscle relaxers, and antidepressants as well as alternative therapies like acupuncture, biofeedback, and electrical nerve stimulation. Exercise is generally safe for those with lower back pain but high impact activities should be avoided and low impact aerobic exercise encouraged along with limiting abdominal exercises initially.

1. Lower Back PainHolly Garland

2. OverviewLower back pain is one of the most recognized health problems in the world.70 to 85 percent of individuals will have some type of back pain throughout their lifetime.It can be result of injury or occur suddenly

3. FactsLower back pain is the 5th most common reason a person visits the doctor in the U.S.Lower back pain is one of the major causes for limiting movement in individuals under 45. $50 billion per year is spent in the United States for treating back pain.

4. CausesInjury to the joints and ligamentsHerniated disksOsteoporosis Spinal stenosisFractures Pressure on spinal nervesScoliosis

5. MedicationsOpioidsOver the counter Muscle relaxersAntidepressants Other forms of treatment include:AcupunctureBiofeedback Traction Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

6. Exercise ResponseLower back pain does not have an effect on an individuals exercise response. Standing and sitting positions could aggravate the lower back and cause more pain.Different types of exercise should be used as well as using different positions.

7. Exercise TrainingIndividuals suffering from lower back pain may alter their activities and daily tasks due to the pain. Others may ignore it and continue with their normal everyday lives.Depending on how the individual responds to the pain will determine how to go about making a program for them.For individuals suffering from intense lower back pain reducing the number of workout days to 1-2. Encourage the individual to try to resume a normal workout soon and not be inactive for very long.

8. ConsiderationsAvoiding running and any other high impact exercisesUse low impact aerobic exercise to start off with and reduce the number of abdominal exercises (begin at a later date)Research states that there is little proof that exercise has any direct effect on reducing lower back pain.

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10. Work Citedhttp://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/low-back-pain-causeAmerican Chiropractic Association www.acatoday.orghttp://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/backpain/detail_backpain.htmDurstine, J. Larry., Moore, Geoffrey E. ACSM's Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities. (2003). 2.149-153. American College of Sports Medicine (Janet P. Wallace).