Experiencing a burning sensation in your lower back and abdomen can be alarming and uncomfortable. These sensations can be intense, causing pain in your lower back and abdomen. When experiencing this symptom, someone may panic and assume the worst. Fortunately, burning sensations are not always associated with extreme conditions. The sensation can be caused by several factors, and symptoms range from mild to severe; you should contact your health care provider if your burning sensations are too intense to manage. You should also do this if you are concerned about an underlying condition.
Burning sensation causes in your lower back and abdomen
- Muscle strain — Muscle strain in the lower back and abdomen can cause burning sensations. There are many factors that can cause muscle strain, including injury and overuse. Muscle strain is often associated with weakness, soreness and stiffness in the muscle. If your burning sensation is accompanied by these symptoms, you may be suffering from muscle strain.
- Gastrointestinal issues — Several gastrointestinal issues can cause a burning sensation in the lower back and abdomen. These include acid reflux, gastritis and inflammatory bowel disease. The symptoms of gastrointestinal issues can arise rapidly and often involve a burning sensation. Nausea, vomiting and bloating are other symptoms that can occur with these issues.
- Herniated disc — A herniated disc is a condition affecting the spine. Though they can affect any part of the spine, most disc herniations occur in the lower back. Herniated disc pain often burns or stings, and this pain can spread into the abdomen. Herniated discs can lead to sciatica in the lower back, which can be addressed with physical therapy.
- Kidney stones — Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys, and a burning sensation in the lower back and abdomen is a common symptom. Kidney stones can also cause severe pain and discomfort when they pass through the urinary tract.
- Poor posture — The burning sensation in your lower back and abdomen may not be caused by a specific condition. Burning sensations can also be caused over time by lack of exercise and poor posture.
Alleviating the burning sensation in your lower back and abdomen
The best treatment for your burning sensation will depend on the cause of your symptoms. Some conditions will need medical treatment to adequately address the issue. Regardless of the explanation for your burning sensation, the practices listed below are designed to alleviate your symptoms:
- Rest and stretching — Rest and stretching can help address discomfort in the lower back and abdomen. Muscle strain and overexertion can benefit especially from this option. Rest means more than getting a good amount of sleep; it also means avoiding physical activities that could make the burning sensation worse. When you stretch, start with gentle stretching exercises. You can improve flexibility and range of motion over time.
- Lifestyle changes — Certain lifestyle changes can help alleviate the discomfort of a burning sensation in the lower back and abdomen. A physical therapy specialist can provide guidance on the changes you could make to improve your quality of life. Your physical therapist may suggest increasing physical activity. Another solution might be limiting habits that can damage your health, like smoking. Even small lifestyle changes like drinking more water to stay hydrated may help alleviate pain in your lower back and abdomen.
- Hot or cold therapy — Hot and cold therapy are treatments designed to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. Hot therapy can loosen stiff muscles and relieve tension. Cold therapy helps in areas with swelling or muscle spasms. Usually both hot and cold therapy can be applied in different areas and/or in alternating sessions to target the causes of pain. This treatment option can be completed at home, making it a convenient method for treating burning sensations.
- Manual therapy — Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment method. Your physical therapy specialist strategically manipulates affected areas of your body to mobilize joints and tissue. If your burning sensation is caused by tension or joint immobility, manual therapy can be an effective solution.
Panther Physical Therapy can address the burning sensation in your lower back and abdomen
At Panther Physical Therapy, we offer a range of treatment solutions to address the burning sensation in your lower back and abdomen. If you still aren’t sure what is causing your burning sensation, you can schedule a free screening with our physical therapy specialists. We can answer your questions, discuss treatment options and help find a solution. Panther Physical Therapy offers manual therapy in addition to a range of other treatment options.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment to address your burning sensation.