Diabetic lower back pain is common in individuals who have issues maintaining normal levels of blood glucose. There are numerous reasons why someone could experience pain in the lumbar region. Injury is often responsible for the condition sometimes referred to as Lombago and according to the Diabetic Support Program staff, about 80% of the population will experience lower back pain, whether it be stiffness, limited range of motion, or acute pain.
For Diabetics, the root cause is typically not any form of trauma, but simply another complication of their disease, such as Diabetic Neuropathy, or nerve damage. At least 70% of Diabetics develop some degree of nerve damage, according to the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet. People with numerous instances of Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) are especially prone to Diabetic Neuropathy and resulting Diabetic lower back pain.
High levels of blood sugar are toxic and can damage the nerves, organs, and tissues in the body. Excess glucose remaining in the bloodstream and not removed by insulin for fuel causes a hostile environment. Scientists at the Mayo Clinic believe that the extra blood glucose disrupts the normal functions of blood vessels and nerves. They theorize that the sugar damages the small blood vessels that supply nerves with oxygen and nutrients. Without vital nourishment, the vessels cannot perform properly, will constrict and eventually die. In addition, the excess sugar interferes with the nerves’ ability to transmit signals. This action could cause sensitivity in some nerves, which can cause Diabetic lower back pain for which there is no overt reason.
Diabetic Lower Back Pain – Radial Pain
Diabetic lower back pain can be experienced in the hips, legs, and feet as well as other areas of the body. Often times, pain radiates from one part of the body to another. Radial pain is often seen in overexerted muscles, when pain results in an adjacent muscle versus the muscle that was overtaxed. In addition, Lombago, or back pain, is a type of musculoskeletal disorder that affects the soft tissue. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it can have a downward spiral effect on otherwise healthy muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. An individual may feel stabbing, throbbing, or burning sensations, as well tingling, prickling, and no sensation at all. This pain can be felt in the back and surrounding areas.
Diabetic Lower Back Pain – Exercise
Having Diabetic lower back pain may make any form of exercise tough at times. Removing oneself from physical activities can have a cyclical effect on the condition. For instance refraining from exertion due to pain can exacerbate stiff muscles and joints, leading to muscle atrophy (loss), which has the potential to cause more pain. Researchers believe that continuing to exercise is extremely beneficial to people enduring Diabetic lower back pain. Resistance training, swimming, and yoga are popular activities for those with back pain as resistance can strengthen the muscles, swimming is low impact, and yoga targets the core while imparting emotional well-being.
