Focus on a MSD #3: Low back pain

Last time we talked about carpal tunnel syndrome and rotator cuff syndrome… What about back MSDs, and more specifically low back pain, which is highly prevalent?  

Let’s find out more about this musculoskeletal disorder, its causes, the onset of symptoms, possible treatments… And above all, how to prevent them! 

Low back pain facts and figures

Low back pain: definition  

Low back pain is pain in the lumbar vertebrae, those at the base of the back, from D12 to S1.  The pain associated with lower back pain can extend down to the buttocks, the back of the thighs and even behind the knees. In the event of lower back pain, you may feel blocked or have difficulty moving. 

*The schema is a simplified representation and does not faithfully reflect the complexity of reality.

Low back pain: symptoms 

The main symptom of low back pain is lower back pain. As mentioned above, the pain can spread downwards and radiate to other parts of the body: it generally radiates when a nerve is affected. There are 3 different types of lower back pain: 

• Acute: lasting less than 6 weeks. Although uncomfortable, the symptoms of acute low back pain resolve themselves within a few weeks.  

• Sub-acute: lasting between 6 and 12 weeks  

• Chronic: lower back pain that has been present for more than 3 months. It is quite rare and accounts for less than 10% of cases.   

Low back pain can also be recurrent, i.e. a series of episodes occurring on a more or less regular basis and recurring over periods ranging from a few months to several years. 

What causes low back pain?

Common low back pain often has a multifactorial origin. There are a number of risk factors that affect the onset of low back pain. These include :  

Advanced age  

Age has an influence on the onset of low back pain, the frequency of which increases progressively over the course of a lifetime. However, it should be noted that lower back pain can affect people of all ages, including children and adolescents. 

A sedentary lifestyle  

Muscles become slack, not strong enough to play their role, and lower back pain occurs. 

Stress  

Stress can be the cause of back pain, creating significant tension in the vertebrae.  

Smoking  

Several scientific studies have highlighted the link between smoking and back pain: nicotine is thought to have an impact on the vascularisation of the vertebrae in the back, weakening them and encouraging the onset of pathologies. 

Intense, ill-adapted physical activity  

Excess weight and obesity 

And in the workplace…  

Low back pain is classified as a musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and can occur as a result of various risk factors, such as : 

• poor posture (awkward postures, prolonged sitting) ; 

• carrying loads 

• falls or collisions 

• vibrations. 

They can also be influenced by psychosocial factors linked to the constraints of the job (monotonous tasks, high psychological demands, job dissatisfaction, lack of appreciation and recognition), which encourage their appearance.  

To find out more, INRS has compiled a table of occupational risk factors for acute and chronic low back pain: 

What treatments are available for low back pain?

Treatment depends on both the nature of the pain and whether it is common or specific to lower back pain. There are a number of steps you can take to relieve low back pain.  

• If the pain is very acute, it may be advisable to stay in bed for 1 to 2 days (beyond that, you should consult a specialist).  

• Avoid activities that are likely to aggravate the pain (carrying loads, sudden movements, bending over);  

• Continue moderate-intensity activities to allow the muscles to recover;  

• Apply heat or cold to the pain;  

• Massage to relax the muscles; 

• Reduce stress;  

• Adopt good lifestyle practices, such as a healthy diet and good sleeping habits.  

Medical treatment (painkillers) may be considered, but it is best to avoid using them as a first resort. If the pain caused by low back pain persists, it’s advisable to consult a doctor to assess the situation and adapt the treatment. The doctor may, for example, prescribe a lumbar MRI scan to identify the causes.  

Preventing low back pain in the workplace

To avoid the onset of the condition, it is essential to prevent risk factors and implement various preventive measures. When one or more cases of recurrent low back pain appear, they need to be treated to avoid chronicity, which could lead to prolonged disability.  

At Moovency, we support companies in the prevention of MSDs thanks to our KIMEA solutions and the expertise of our ergonomists. With our recording tools, you can easily assess the joints that are subject to the most strain, and then put preventive measures in place. So you can prevent risks and postures as early as possible and keep your employees in good health… 

Sources : 

Low back pain: A few figures on low back pain – https://www.lombalgie.fr/comprendre/quelques-chiffres/ 

Low back pain: Definitions of low back pain – https://www.lombalgie.fr/comprendre/definitions/

INRS: Low back pain. Risk factors – https://www.inrs.fr/risques/lombalgies/facteurs-risques.html

Ameli : Low back pain: what is it? – https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/lombalgie-aigue/comprendre-lombalgie

World Health Organisation: Low back pain – https://www.who.int/fr/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain#:~:text=Une%20lombalgie%20peut%20%C3%AAtre%20class%C3%A9e,dans%2090%20%25%20des%20cas%20environ.