Back pain when I lean forward: Causes (And what to do?)

It's the middle of the day and you're at work, when suddenly you feel sharp pain in the back which intensifies when you bend over.

Among the many possible causes, you could be suffering from sciatica, a condition caused by pressure on the nerve roots located in the lower spine.

In this article, we will discuss the causes of back pain when bending over, as well as some tips for relieving the pain.

Spine anatomy

La spine (or spine) is a complex structure composed of many bones, joints, muscles and other tissues. It extends from the base of the skull to the pelvis and is divided into three main sections:

• La cervical spine;
• The thoracic spine;
• La lumbar spine.

Each section is made up of vertebrae, which are interconnected by joints called facets the facet joints allow the spine to move in different directions and also protect the spinal cord from injury.

The vertebrae are also interconnected by ligaments, which ensure their stability. The spinal cord runs through the center of the spine and is protected by the vertebrae.

La spinal cord is responsible for sending signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spine also contains many muscles that help support and stabilize it.

With age, the bones, joints and muscles of the spine may deteriorate, which may result in back pain and disability in life. Fortunately, there are many treatments that can help relieve pain and improve function.

Movement of the lumbar spine

La lumbar spine is responsible for supporting a large part of the weight of the body and absorbing shocks due to movements. The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae, which are the bones that make up the spine.

These vertebrae are designated by the letters L1 to L5. La lumbar spine also allows for some mobility including flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral tilting.

The Importance of Flexion, Extension, Rotations and Tilts

These movements are important for activities such as sitting, standing, walking, and lifting. When these movements are performed correctly, they place minimal stress on bones et the column discs.

However, incorrect movement can lead to irritation of anatomical structures of the spine (discs, ligaments, etc.), which can put pressure on the nerves. This can cause pain, numbness and weakness in the legs and lower back.

In extreme cases, this can lead to spinal cord injury. Although rare, an attack at this level can even lead to paralysis or incontinence. It is therefore important to maintain good spinal health in order to avoid any spinal injury.

The Intimate Connection Between Lumbar Flexion and Leaning Forward

La lumbar flexion is usually described as leaning forward at the waist. However, this description is not entirely accurate. While it is true that lumbar flexion involves a forward torso movement, it also requires significant flexion of the hip and sometimes even the knee.

In other words, the lumbar flexion is a more complete movement than simply forward bending from the waist. It is important to be specific in describing lumbar flexion as this term is often used in the context of physical therapy (physiotherapy) and exercise prescription.

Back pain aggravated during bending: Possible causes?

Le back pain is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the possible causes of back pain is deterioration of discs which cushion the vertebrae of the spine.

When these disks are damaged, they may not be able to protect the spine as effectively, resulting in pain.

The most common causes

Some of the most common causes include:

herniated disc

The herniated discs occur when the soft padding (intervertebral disc) located between the bones of the spine is damaged or broken. The vertebrae can then rub against each other in the long term (degenerative disc disease), and even irritate the neighboring nerves. This leads pain and inflammation.

To know everything about the herniated disc, see the following article.

Sciatica

La sciatica is another common cause of back pain. It occurs when the sciatic nerve, which starts from the lower back and runs down the leg, is compressed or irritated. This can lead to pain, numbness and weakness in the leg.

To learn more about sciatica, see the following article.

Lumbago

Finally, the lumbago is a general term used to describe lower back pain. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle, ligament, or joint overload. It usually occurs acutely following trauma.

Other factors

Another potential cause of back pain is muscle strain (or overstretching). The back muscles support the spine and help keep it in alignment, in addition to allowing movement of the trunk.

If these muscles are tight or injured, they may not be able to provide adequate support, leading to pain in the back. milieu and lower back. Additionally, a unsuitable posture (not to be confused with bad posture) and obesity can contribute to back pain by putting extra pressure on muscles and joints.

To know the link between overweight and back pain, see the following article.

Finally, psychological factors such as stress and anxiety can also cause back pain by causing muscle tension.

THINGS TO DO

The causes of back pain are numerous. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to relieve back pain and prevent it from coming back.

Consult a healthcare professional

First of all, it is important to consult a health professional to rule out any serious underlying cause of your back pain. Once the serious issues are ruled out, you can start focusing on the relief from your pain.

The McKenzie Method

According to McKenzie method, back pain sufferers can find relief by performing specific exercises that target the spine (and peripheral joints to a lesser extent).

McKenzie Method: Explanation of a physiotherapist (benefits, contraindications)

La McKenzie method is an assessment and treatment system that was developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Robin McKenzie in the 1960s.

La McKenzie method is based in particular on the principle that the centralization of pain occurs when pain moves from the periphery of the body towards the center.

Ways to relieve back pain quickly

There are several things you can do to quickly relieve back pain.

First, try lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place a pillow under your knees to support you.

In addition, there are several products and accessories available on the market to relieve lower back pain that worsens when leaning forward. It should be remembered that these tools usually provide temporary relief, do not treat the cause, and therefore should be used sparingly.

Among the products recommended by our professionals, we have:

• acupressure mat

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• Heated lumbar belt

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• Postural T-Shirts

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• Ergonomic back cushion

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• massage gun

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• Spinal decompression table

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• Foam roller (sport massage roller)

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• Compex

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You can also try taking a warm bath or shower to relax your muscles. An ice pack or heat pack placed on the lower back may also relieve symptoms. If none of these modalities help you, you may need to see a doctor to find other treatment options.

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Remember, do not suffer in silence. Because there are a lot of things you can do to quickly relieve back pain !

What about natural remedies?

Although they are not supported by solid scientific evidence, several natural products and home remedies are used to treat various body pains, especially for their anti-inflammatory power.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of plants and essential oils that are effective in controlling pain and inflammation:

• Turmeric : Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers very powerful, turmeric is one of the most used plants in a culinary and therapeutic context. The composition of turmeric is essentially made of essential oils, vitamins (B1, B2, B6, C, E, K) and trace elements. But it is to its composition rich in curcumin and curcuminoids that we owe them and calm skin of this spice.

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• Ginger : In addition to the special flavor it brings to the kitchen and its aphrodisiac properties, ginger is a root well known for its anti-inflammatory powers. THE gingerol gives it its anti-inflammatory action. It is an active component acting on the inflammatory pain related to chronic joint inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rheumatic diseases, etc. It has been proven that this active element is also effective in acting on the inflammation linked to arthritis and sciatica. Ginger also has other benefits thanks to its high potassium content and its richness in trace elements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium) and vitamins (provitamin and vitamin B9).

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• Omega-3s : Omega-3 are polyunsaturated fatty acids that play a very important role in the functioning of our body. They are provided by food in three natural forms: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Beyond their action on the brain and the cardiovascular system, omega-3s prove very effective against inflammation. Indeed, they have the ability to act on the inflammatory mechanisms in osteoarthritis by slowing down cartilage destruction, thus they reduce the intensity of osteoarthritis pain. Since sciatica is most often linked to inflammation secondary to a herniated disc, it can also respond to omega-3s if you consume them regularly. 

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• Lemon eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is a plant most often used in the form of herbal tea or essential oil. She would have anti-inflammatory effects which give it the ability to act on the bone and joint pain in general and the pain of sciatica in particular.

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• wintergreen : Wintergreen is a shrub from which a very interesting essential oil is extracted. It is one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy. This oil extracted from the shrub bearing the same name, is used in massage to relieve sciatica and act like a analgesic. Indeed, it provides a heating effect thanks to its ability toactivate blood circulation locally.

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