Aren't I too young for lower back pain?

Question

I'm 22, and I've had lower back pain for 2-3 years. I went to a doctor, and he said it's nothing serious. I'm not very heavy; I only passed 60kg (132 pounds) a few weeks ago.

Sometimes I think it's because my back curvature is more than normal, but I'm not sure. My back will start hurting a bit if I've been walking a lot, it's been this way for years. But it got worse 3 years ago after spending months sitting in front of the computer for hours, on a cheap wooden chair.

It's not a crippling pain, I can ignore it and go about my business, but I just feel uncomfortable and weak, and I'm always concerned about it getting worse. I guess it doesn't help that we don't have any decent chairs in our house, but I'm not sure if I can afford anything right now. (I don't even have a bed, I've been sleeping on the ground for 9 years.)

Is there anything I can do about this? I read somewhere about back muscles, is it true that if they're stronger, I won't have any more pain?

Answer 1

Back pain can occur at any age for a variety of reasons.
You seem to have pinned it down to your long stretches of time sitting in a chair. That is definitely a reason for concern.

Take breaks through the day to stand and stetch. Taking a walk during your lunch break is also recommended.

A proper chair is important. There are ergonomic chairs that encourage good posture and relieve pressure on your back.

It's not actually your back muscles that are cause for concern as it's your abdominal muscles that support your back. If you incorporate abdominal exercises into your routine, that will help lower back pain. Sometimes taking a 5 minute break to do a few crunches will help. When I'm already experiencing pain I find it helpful to go to the bathroom where I can lay on the floor on my stomach with my arms down (flat against my sides) and lift my head shoulders and torso off as high off the floor as I can (you'd look similar to a seal if you're doing it properly). Hold the position and you'll feel the stress drain from the small of your back.

If you can't afford a bed, check with the Salvation Army... in my area they even sell brand new beds at great prices. For those in dire need, beds are donated.

Another thing to look into is an inversion table or an inversion rack. The racks are more affordable but don't allow you to adjust the level of incline. But someone as young as yourself could easily hang upside down without worry.

And finally... look into a chiropractic visit. You may need an adjustment.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

For starters, back pain can strike at any age. If you have a family history, you will probably be more prone to back injury. One thing you can do is develop stronger ab muscles. Working your back muscles isn't a bad idea either, but you'll work them to some degree if you work your abs, and it's a proven fact that people with weaker abdominal muscles are more prone to back trouble. Don't just do crunches; find other ab exercises that work all the areas (upper abs, lower abs, obliques, transverse abdominis). Check out the Men's Health or Women's Health websites and do a search for abdominal exercises. You'll get a bunch.

Answer 4

No, you are not too young. I had two herniated disks since my teens and my lower back started hurting when i stood at my job all day. Then i got sciatica down my leg and i couldn't shop or shower, sit/stand...it went away for ten years now it's back and i can't sleep..the pain wakes me at 4:30 am...etc.. it's brutal! I have been on pain pills...just had an steriod epidural done and will need some implant probally. It is an everyday hell! Please get it checked out NOW and treatment or you will suffer like me...i wouldn't wish this on anyone! I would recommend stretching, sit ups, rest and chiropratcer(sp) and whatever else you can do now so you will not have this get worse.Good luck!

Answer 5

Young Back Pain

Answer 6

Anyone can have back pains. Even I have back pains, and I'm only 12 years old. I went to Physical Therapy, and that helped a little. You always have to do the exersies, though and when it hurts too badly to be walking around and stuff, I wear a back brace.

BTW -No, Im not fat or something, I just have weak muscles for some reason.

Answer 7

I cured my sciatica with this natural treatment ( http://cure-sciatica.info )
Normally, I would not answer a question like this as my expertise is generally in medication but I had severe sciatica while I was pregnant with my 3rd child (after having had twins) and I had sciatica so bad that I was finding it difficult to walk. I tried massage therapy and physical therapy and could not take medication
I went to the chiropractor and the pain was instantly relieved. My hips and lower back were out of alignment because I had carried twins the year before. On occasion a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) can also work but they usually only work on one joint at a time - the chiropractor will do your whole back which works faster. Anyone who does not believe in chiropractors will tell you they are quacks - don't listen.
I don't necessarily believe that chiropractors can cure things like diabetes but they can definitely relieve some types of back pain especially if a pinched nerve is involved which is usually the cause of sciatica.

Answer 8

There isn't an age limitation on back pain. I started having back pain in High School. Osteoarthritis can be present at a very young age. Also, you may have a spinal curvature problem, it is very common for the lower spine to slope in men.Or, You may have done something to slip a disc, it can be done without even noticing it at first. Lifting, twisting, or sleeping on hard surfaces.

Answer 9

You must exercise those lower back muscles to give them strength to support your spine, hence relieve the pain. There are many strenghtening excercises. Go to the library and get a book for suggestions. Good luck! BTW, as you get older that pain will become much, MUCH worse. Take care of it now while you're young and healthy!

Answer 10

ok yes you can make your back muscles stronger by doing some exercises, but its hard to get into that if you are experiencing pain because you dont want to make it worse. did you doctor take any xrays? thats the only way he would be able to see any curvature. sleeping on the ground certainly will aid in your pain. at least get a mattress! i had scroliosis when i was 14 and it got worse and i had to undergo surgery..so you are not too young. you need to get an xray and see if you have scroliosis. it is very serious if you do. if not taken care of,your spine will twist around so much that your rib cage could pierce your organs.