10 Common Causes of Lower Back Pain in Males

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Lower back pain is a highly prevalent health problem that affects people of all ages and genders. However, it seems more prevalent in males due to various physiological, lifestyle, and occupational factors. Lower back pain can significantly impact the quality of life, causing discomfort, reduced mobility, and potential limitations in daily activities. 

By incorporating diverse herbal remedies such as guggul, nirgundi, shallaki, and ginger alongside therapeutic techniques like Agnikarma, Pranayama, Abhyanga, Kati vasti, kaadidhara, and localized patrapotala sweda, the pacification of agitated vayu can be facilitated, leading to eventual relief from back discomfort. [6] Also, a qualified physiotherapist may be consulted to learn exercises for back muscles strengthening. If a man can build his back muscles properly, back pain may definitely come down.

This article will explore ten common lower back pain causes male, discussing their underlying mechanisms, risk factors, and possible preventive measures.

Causes of Lower Back Pain in Males

1. Muscle or Ligament Sprains & Strains

Muscle sprains and strains are among the most common lower back pain causes male. 

These injuries often occur due to sudden movements like bending, twisting, lifting heavy objects, or improper lifting techniques.. In males, muscle strains can be exacerbated, leading to muscle spasms by the tendency to overexert during physical activities or workouts. When muscle fibers or ligaments are stretched beyond their usual range, these sprains and strains develop. [1]

2. Herniated Discs 

Herniated discs, commonly referred to as slipped or ruptured discs, occur when the gel-like substance within a spinal disc leaks out, exerting pressure on the surrounding nerves. This can cause intense lower back pain, often radiating down the legs. [2]

3. Facet joint damage

The articulating joints linking the five vertebrae constituting the lumbar region are the acetabular joints, which undergo substantial levels of compressive force and strain. The gradual erosion of the cartilage within these joints stemming from various causes such as osteoarthritis can result in discomfort in the lower back. [4]

4. Spinal Stenosis

When the spinal canal narrows down and starts pressurizing the spinal cord and nerves, the condition of spinal stenosis develops. Spinal stenosis frequently arises in connection with the deterioration of the intervertebral discs, leading to compression of nerve roots and intense pain. [3]

5. Compression fracture:

A compression fracture of the spine takes place when one of the vertebrae in your lower back region essentially crumples inward. Vertebral fractures occur due to inadequate axial loading, sometimes accompanied by rotation, and/or displacement, commonly in response to trauma, osteoporosis, infection, metastatic conditions, or other bone-related disorders. [7]

6. Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a kind of painful and inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It causes pain, stiffness, and eventual fusion of the vertebrae, leading to decreased flexibility. This is yet another of the several lower back pain causes male. [2]

7. Scoliosis:

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a three-dimensional deformity affecting both the spine and the trunk. Its origins can be traced to neuromuscular factors, congenital malformations, or various other medical conditions. However, the prevalence of back pain is equally high among individuals with treated scoliosis, those under conservative management, and scoliosis patients who have not received any treatment. [8]

8. Spondylolisthesis

When a vertebra in the lumbar region slips forward, moving atop the vertebra just below it, considerable pressure is exerted on the interposing lumbar disc. This is one of the lower back pain causes male and is mostly seen in divers, pace cricket bowlers, baseball, softball, rugby, weightlifting, sailing, table tennis, wrestlers, gymnasts, dancers, and footballers. [9]

9. Prostate Issues

Prostate gland-related issues, such as prostatitis or an enlarged prostate, can cause referred pain to the lower back. Urinary symptoms often accompany prostate-related lower back pain. It leads to frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvic or rectal area, or upper thighs. [5]

10. Obesity

Excess weight, especially around the abdominal part, can strain the lower back and be one of the lower back pain causes male. Obesity also heightens the risk of developing other conditions, such as herniated discs and osteoarthritis. According to Ayurveda, this occurs due to a Vata disorder. The Vata tends to get vitiated for a variety of reasons including poor dietary and lifestyle habits.

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Conclusion

Lower back pain is one of the most common health issues that affects males due to a combination of physiological, lifestyle, and occupational factors. While some causes of lower back pain are unavoidable due to genetic predispositions or aging, many can be prevented or mitigated through conscious efforts. The best lower back pain causes male treatment is by adopting a healthy lifestyle, maintaining proper posture, and engaging in regular exercise. This can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing chronic lower back pain and improve the overall quality of life.

Disclaimer:

This article is written from a health and wellness perspective and is not medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a certified medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.

References: 

1. Low Back Pain Strain and Sprain
2. Differential diagnosis of low back pain
3. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Pathophysiology and Treatment Principle: A Narrative Review
4. Facet joint syndrome: from diagnosis to interventional management
5. Prostate Problems
6. Effective Ayurvedic Therapies for Low Back Ache
7. Vertebral Fracture
8. Non-specific chronic low back pain in patients with scoliosis—an overview of the literature on patients undergoing brace treatment
9. Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis