Lower Back Pain in Singapore: All You Need to Know

Lower back pain is a common problem in Singapore. It is prevalent mainly due to sedentary lifestyles, an ageing population, and increasing levels of stress.

If you are dealing with lower back pain, you may find this article helpful. In this guide, we explain the symptoms of lower back pain, its causes, diagnosis, and how to treat the condition.

Understanding lower back pain

Lower back pain is the discomfort or pain experienced in the lumbar area of the spine, which is located below the ribcage. The pain can feel like a dull, persistent ache or a sudden, stabbing pain that makes movement difficult. Lower back pain are of two types.

Acute lower back pain strikes suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. It is often the result of an injury or a specific incident, such as lifting a heavy object incorrectly.

Chronic lower back pain, on the other hand, is pain that persists for more than three months and is considered chronic. It may be brought on by an underlying medical condition or may have developed over time due to poor posture or degeneration of the spine.

Symptoms of lower back pain

The symptoms of lower back pain differ according to the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

• Pain that is confined to the lower back area.
• Pain that spreads from the lower back to the buttocks, legs, or feet, often due to nerve involvement.
• Difficulty bending, twisting, or standing up straight.
• Involuntary contractions of the muscles in the lower back.
• Numbness or tingling in the legs, a sign of nerve irritation or compression.
• Reduced strength in the legs or feet.

Causes of lower back pain

• Muscle or ligament strain: Overuse, improper lifting, or sudden odd movements can strain the muscles and ligaments of the lower back.
• Herniated or bulging discs: The intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. When these discs herniate or bulge, they can press on nearby nerves, causing pain.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: The spinal discs can degenerate over time, losing their cushioning ability and leading to pain and stiffness.
• Spinal stenosis: The spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Scoliosis: The spine curves abnormally, causing pressure on the vertebrae, leading to pain.

Diagnosing lower back pain

Diagnosing lower back pain involves a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. The process typically includes reviewing the patient’s medical history and conducting a physical examination and imaging tests to obtain a detailed view of the spine.

In some cases, nerve tests such as an electromyography (EMG) may be done to assess nerve function and detect any nerve compression.

Lower back pain treatment options

Non-surgical treatments

Usually, lower back pain can be managed with non-surgical treatments, including:

• Medications: Pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, muscle relaxants or prescription medications may be necessary.
• Physical therapy: A structured exercise program designed to build strength in the lower back muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance posture. Physical therapists can also do manual therapy and educate patients on proper body mechanics.
• Heat and cold therapy: Pressing heat or cold packs to the affected area can ease pain and inflammation.
• Chiropractic care: Spinal manipulation and adjustments a chiropractor performs can help relieve pain and improve spinal function.

Surgical treatments

Surgery is the last resort for lower back pain when non-surgical treatments have failed and the pain is severe or disabling. The type of surgery assigned will depend on the underlying condition. For example:

• Discectomy: Removal of a herniated or bulging disc pressing on a nerve.
• Laminectomy: Removal of a section of the vertebra called the lamina to decrease pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
• Spinal fusion: Joining two or multiple vertebrae to stabilise the spine and reduce pain.
• Artificial disc replacement: Replacing a damaged intervertebral disc with an artificial one.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery for lower back pain is typically considered when non-surgical treatments have not provided relief and there is significant nerve compression causing weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Additionally, surgery may be recommended when the pain is severe and affects the patient’s quality of life or when there is evidence of structural damage to the spine that can be corrected surgically.

How to prevent lower back pain

You can prevent lower back pain by adopting healthy habits and changing your lifestyle. We recommend:

• Regular exercise: Exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles of the back, abdomen, and legs, which can help support the spine.
• Proper lifting techniques: When carrying or lifting heavy objects, engage strength from the legs, not the back, to avoid straining.
• Ergonomic workspaces: If work requires you to sit for long periods, ensure that your workstation is set up to encourage good posture and reduce strain on the back.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: A healthy weight is unlikely to strain your lower back.

Are you at risk?

As you age, you are at a higher risk of experiencing lower back pain. This is because ageing brings about degenerative changes in the spine. Over time, ageing may alter the structure and function of the spine, and sedentary lifestyles can worsen the condition by weakening the muscles that support it.

Sometimes, lower back pain is a result of one’s nature of work. Some professions require sitting for long periods, making maintaining posture challenging. Slouching and straining the lower back can also occur. Professions that require heavy lifting and bending can also increase the risk of lower back pain.

Lower back pain treatment in Singapore

Lower back pain can significantly impact your quality of life, but with the right treatment, you can manage and overcome this condition.

At Spire Orthopaedic, we offer treatments for back pain and lower back pain in Singapore. Our team of experienced orthopaedic specialists and physical therapists will work with you to provide continued care and support to help you recover and maintain a pain-free lifestyle.

Schedule a consultation now.