From heavy deadlifts in the gym to long hours sitting in a corporate chair, the male lifestyle demands a lot from the spine. While the back is built for strength, it is not indestructible. Many men ignore early warning signs or try to push through stiffness, assuming it will resolve on its own.
However, “toughing it out” can often turn a minor strain into a chronic issue. Understanding the specific lower back pain reasons for men is the first step toward fixing the problem rather than just living with it.
1. Muscle Strain or Overuse
Heavy lifting, contact sports, sudden movements, and poor body mechanics can easily strain the muscles and ligaments in the lower back. Fortunately, the back muscles have a rich blood supply, meaning they have a high capability to heal on their own.
Treatment is largely supportive, including short-term rest, ice or heat application, and gentle stretching. For pharmaceutical relief of back pain in men, standard medications such as NSAIDs or muscle relaxants are often effective during the acute phase to manage symptoms while the body heals.
2. Disc-Related Pain
Discs are flexible structures located between the vertebral bones that absorb shock. However, with age or trauma, these discs can tear or herniate, irritating the nerves lying behind them and causing pain that radiates down the leg.
Initial treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. If the pain fails to resolve, you may benefit from non-surgical back pain treatment options such as epidural steroid injections or disc radiofrequency ablation before considering surgery.
3. Facet Joint Arthritis
Facet joints connect the vertebrae of the spine and provide stability. Years of repetitive motion or past trauma can cause inflammation and degenerative changes in these joints.
This condition is typically treated with posture correction and physical therapy. When conservative measures fail, radiofrequency ablation of the facet joints is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide significant relief.
4. Sciatica (Nerve Compression)
Patients with sciatica often present with pain radiating from the back into the buttocks or legs. When exploring what are the causes of back pain in men, it is important to realise that sciatica is often a symptom rather than a standalone disease. It typically results from compression of the nerve roots exiting the spinal canal, caused by disc herniation or tight muscles.
If rest does not resolve the inflammation, a thorough evaluation is required to determine the specific cause.
5. Sacroiliac Joint Pain
The Sacroiliac Joint connects the pelvis to the spine. Injury or uneven movement here can cause significant discomfort, often presenting as deep buttock pain. Treatment generally includes physical therapy and joint injections. For recalcitrant cases, radiofrequency ablation can be a useful option.
Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs
While back pain is common, certain symptoms require immediate attention. If you have a history of cancer or trauma, or if you experience sudden weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, seek urgent medical help immediately.
For other persistent issues, if your pain limits your daily function or does not improve after a week of self-care, it is time to consult a back pain specialist.
Start Your Road to Recovery
If you are experiencing persistent aches, early diagnosis is key to getting your life back on track. Dr. Christopher Liu provides comprehensive back pain treatment in Singapore that focuses on identifying the root cause of your discomfort to prevent future relapses.
Secure your appointment with Dr. Christopher Liu at Alleviate Pain Clinic now to find the right solution for your back pain.
