Mechanical Low Back Pain

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have lower left side back pain, just above the hip region. it's not kidney stone or gall stones cause the pain is not quick, it lasts all day and only goes away when i take Aleve. I assume it is some sort of nerve or inflammation? can you give me an estimate of what it can be? Thanks

Dear Jen: Mechanical low back pain (LBP) is the second most common reason for seeing a physician in the United States. Of the US population, 85% will experience an episode of mechanical LBP at some point during their lifetime. Fortunately, the LBP resolves for the vast majority within 2-4 weeks. Here some useful measures: keep a good posture at all times and practice low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, and bicycling can increase overall fitness without straining the low back. Standing: While standing, keep your head up and stomach pulled in. If you are required to stand for long periods of time, you should have a small stool on which to rest one foot at a time. Do not wear high heels.