Lower Back Pain & Water Contamination
Lower back pain and water pollution are interconnected issues. In the United States, lower back pain is a widespread issue, frequently cited as a reason for medical visits. Research suggests that a substantial number of adults will experience this type of pain at some point in their lives, often due to muscle strain or conditions such as lumbar herniated discs or degenerative disc disease. However, water contaminants that negatively affect bone health and density may also play a role in exacerbating this condition. Contaminants that reach the spinal column can cause nerve-related problems, and long-term consumption of water contaminated with harmful substances like fluoride or arsenic can result in various health issues, including headaches, a weakened immune system, and lower back pain. Even low-level exposure to pollutants over time can be detrimental to one’s health. Drinking water may contain several contaminants associated with back pain, such as:
- Bromate
- Chlorite (which may affect the nervous system and is linked to back pain)
- Haloacetic acids
- Total Trihalomethanes
- Chlorine dioxide
- Cadmium (which can cause kidney damage, manifesting as back pain)
- Fluoride (which can lead to bone damage, bone pain, and tenderness, potentially causing back pain)
- Mercury (which can damage the kidneys)
- Lead (which can damage the kidneys)
- Alachlor (which can damage the kidneys)
- 2,4-D (which can damage the kidneys)
- Dalapon (which can damage the kidneys)
- Acrylamide (which may cause nervous system damage, potentially presenting as back pain)
- Xylenes (total)
- Toluene
If contaminated drinking water is suspected to be a cause of lower back pain, it is crucial to test potential sources of contamination to confirm the levels of contaminants. Local and state health departments can help identify possible sources. Contaminated water can lead to kidney infections, which may cause lower back pain, and early testing is essential if this is believed to be the source. Lower back pain is classified as either acute or chronic, with acute pain being of short duration, lasting from a few days to weeks. If left untreated, acute lower back pain can intensify, while chronic lower back pain lasts for three months or more.