Causes of Lower Abdominal Back Pain
- Lumbar strain, a microscopic tear to the ligaments, tendons and/or muscles of the lower back, is one of the most-common causes of lower back pain. This injury occurs from trauma, improper use or overuse and can be either acute or chronic in nature. Treatments for lumbar strain include pain medication, rest, massage, heat compresses, and rehabilitation exercises to recondition and strengthen the lower back and abdominal muscles.
- Nerve irritation, more commonly known as lumbar disc disease (radiculopathy) or shingles (viral infection of the nerves), occurs when the nerves of the lumbar spine are irritated or impaired. The irritation and impairment of the nerves is typically caused by disease.
- Lumbar radiculopathy, a distinct type of nerve irritation, occurs when there is damage to the discs between the vertebrae. This damage is usually caused by wear and tear (degeneration), injury or a combination of both. The damage may cause the central part of the disc to herniate (rupture), which causes sciatica, a sharp pain that shoots down the legs, or reoccurring lower back pain. In severe cases of lumbar radiculopathy, individuals experience incontinence. Treatment for lumbar radiculopathy includes surgical removal of the herniated disc or less-drastic treatment of pain medication, cortisone injections, physical therapy, massage and rest.
- Congenital bone conditions such as scoliosis and spina bifida can cause lower abdominal back pain. Degenerative conditions such as spondylosis, osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease can also cause pain in the lower back. Treatment of congenital bone conditions usually involves surgery, but treatment for degenerative diseases typically includes physical therapy, rehabilitation, exercise and pain medication.
- Injury, kidney infections, kidney stones, pregnancy, ovarian and uterine problems and tumors on the spine or pelvis, whether malignant or cancerous, can also cause lower abdominal back pain.
