Pain in the lumbar spine often indicates the development of a pathology, including the onset of an inflammatory process.
If treatment is not started in a timely manner, symptoms will progress and it will be more difficult to restore health. In this article, you will learn about causes and treatments for low back pain.
Back Pain Characteristics
Depending on the nature, pain is classified into 3 types:
Chronicle.A person feels discomfort during any physical activity - bending over, climbing stairs or twisting the body. During the period of relapses (exacerbations), the pain can intensify and be transmitted to various parts of the body.
Sharp.It occurs when the disc is displaced and is characterized by sharp painful sensations in the lower back. Mobility is limited, the person cannot get out of bed, it is difficult for them to walk or bend over.
Sore.It is accompanied by unpleasant sensations that don't go away for long. As a rule, acute pain signals the development of diseases of the kidneys, of the genitourinary system. It can also be a symptom of osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, spondyloarthritis.
In addition to pain and discomfort in the lumbar spine, the patient may have concomitant symptoms:
- muscle weakness;
- loss of control over urination and defecation;
- numbness in the legs;
- increase in body temperature;
- goosebumps;
- groin/groin pain;
- violation of the menstrual cycle.
If the discomfort does not go away for a long time and the person complains of several symptoms at the same time, it is important to contact a therapist immediately. Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Back Pain Causes
There are two main groups of diseases from which pain syndrome develops in the lower back:
Spine Problems:
Osteochondrosis.Degenerative dystrophic disease in which the intervertebral discs lose their flexibility and ability to function normally. The disease can be resolved at an early stage, subject to timely treatment. Acute pain, aggravated by flexion, indicates the progressive development of the disease.
Spondylosis.Spine disorder in which the intervertebral disc is severely depleted and worn out. The cause of the pathology is trauma and increased stress on the spine. A person with spondylosis has difficulty turning their body. The disease is characterized by a slow course, so the treatment outcome is usually positive.
Scoliosis.Spine curvature, which most often can occur during adolescence due to rapid growth. The disease has 4 stages and can manifest as pain in the lower back.
Lumbago.Sudden pain in the lower back if the person freezes in an uncomfortable position. Mobility with lumbago is also limited.
Osteoporosis.Severe pathology in which the bony vertebrae become porous, lose their density and elasticity. Low back pain can occur when lifting weights, changing body positions, and other loads.
systemic joint disease, in which the person experiences stiffness, pain, and tension in the back muscles of the lower back. These unpleasant sensations can intensify at night and cause frequent awakenings. Pain is relieved with movement and exercise.
Myofascial syndrome.A very common disease that develops from prolonged uncomfortable posture or after physical exertion. A distinguishing feature is the presence of trigger points (pain) in the lower back or buttocks. When pressed on them, a sharp pain occurs.
Internal organ diseases:
Appendicitis attack.Depending on the functioning characteristics of the human body, pain may arise on the right side and be transmitted to the lower back.
Inflammation of the kidney.The main symptom in the case of kidney failure is a pulling and unpleasant pain in the lower back. It can also be accompanied by the appearance of edema and an increase in body temperature.
pancreatitisWith the development of this disease, the person may experience nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. If the low back pain is precisely caused by pancreatitis, the pain will not increase when palpating the spine.
Cholecystitis.The pain is located in the right hypochondrium as it radiates to the lower back. Lumbago and discomfort in the lumbar region indicate involvement of spinal nerve fibers in the pathological process.
endometriosisA gynecological disease, in which the cells inside the lining of the walls of the uterus grow beyond their boundaries. The woman is experiencing pain in her lower back.
Obesity.Excess weight puts unnecessary pressure on the lower back and intervertebral discs. As a result, they deform and collapse. A person feels discomfort when walking for a long time or climbing stairs.
Oncology.Low back pain may occur if there is a benign or malignant tumor. It "absorbs" a lot of calcium, there is a deficiency in bone structures, they become thinner.
Physiological Causes of Back Pain
Hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to fresh air in cold climates can cause numbness in the lower back. At the same time, discomfort increases when bending, moving and turning. Sometimes it can give way in the leg or buttock.
Critical days. During the menstrual cycle, about 50% of women experience unpleasant, pulling sensations in the lower abdomen, which extend to the lower back. As a rule, the discomfort disappears after the end of the cycle.
Excessive load. Extreme weight lifting and a lot of stress on the lower back lead to painful sensations.
Climax. During menopause, the level of estrogen, a hormone that regulates recovery processes, decreases in a woman's body. Bone tissue loses the ability to fully recover. They become fragile.
Inconvenient shoes. Wearing high heels and tight shoes compresses the blood vessels in your legs. As a result, lower back pain occurs.
Lack of physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise contribute to chronic low back pain. Muscles atrophy and lose their natural elasticity.
Diagnosis
First, the doctor interviews and examines the patient. It prescribes the passing of a general chemical analysis (blood and urine donation). To obtain a general picture and exclude serious pathological changes, it is recommended to go through:
CT.A modern diagnostic method with which you can detect the development of pathology at an early stage. It clearly visualizes all bone structures.
Magnetic resonance.Shows the status of soft tissue and cartilage. Furthermore, with the help of MRI, tumors, intervertebral hernias and changes in blood vessels are diagnosed.
X-ray.Provides information about changes in the bone structure of the spine, shows the presence of bruises, micro-cracks and helps detect spinal pathologies.
Ultrasound.Allows you to determine the state of internal organs, as well as detect inflammatory processes.
Based on the data obtained, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment. If necessary, he offers to be examined by other specialists: gynecologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist.
How To Cure Low Back Pain
Treatment methods depend on the disease and are prescribed individually. As a rule, complex therapy is more effective. They generally recommend:
- avoid weight lifting;
- take group B vitamins and calcium;
- wear a support bandage;
- swimming, moving more or taking a course in medical gymnastics;
- take corticosteroids to relieve severe inflammation (as directed by a physician);
- muscle relaxants to relieve spasms.
Depending on the cause of the illness, the doctor may prescribe bed rest or, conversely, increased physical activity. For example, if the nerves are pinched, passive rest is recommended. For some muscle spasms, massage and moderate exercise. In addition, treatment methods include:
Physiotherapy.Includes various methods of physical impact on the affected area. With its help, microcirculation improves, edema and spasms disappear and it is also possible to obtain an anti-inflammatory effect.
Manual therapy.A type of alternative medicine used to treat the musculoskeletal system. The specialist finds the place where the nerves are pinched and helps the spasmodic muscles relax. It also tones up those places that are otherwise very relaxed.
Acupuncture.Helps relieve pain with the use of special needles. They are injected into active points in the body and spine. The muscles are relaxed and the lower back is healthier.
When conservative therapy fails, it is necessary to consult a neurosurgeon. Most of the time, the operation is prescribed for intervertebral hernias, which lead to spinal root infraction and the occurrence of radicular pain.
What to do for severe low back pain
For acute low back pain that cannot be tolerated, the patient is given a block. A procedure in which a doctor injects a pain reliever into an area where pain occurs or where a nerve fiber is passing through. This radical method temporarily relieves pain. In addition, the specialist can prescribe antibiotics, immunomodulators and chondroprotectors.
With severe back pain, do not self-medicate or support. This can lead to fatal consequences, including disability or death.
Prevention and prognosis
Try to maintain a balance between work and play. Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity are the main causes of back pain.
If you work at your computer or drive all day, try to find time to exercise or take a walk. It is not necessary to spend two hours in the corridor. You can choose a viable yoga, fitness or Pilates exercise and do it at home.
Carry weights in your backpack. This will help evenly distribute the load on your back and not tear it. When lifting something heavy, bend your legs, not your back. If you need to reach from above, use a ladder or chair.
Get a massage. Visit a massage therapist twice a year and take a massage course of at least 10 sessions. This will help relieve muscle spasms and promote overall health.
Get an orthopedic mattress and pillow. In a dream, a person spends ⅓ of his life. Make sure that during this time you feel comfortable and can fully relax. Purchase products at an orthopedic salon after consulting a seller.
To avoid getting hurt, be careful with traditional medicine and self-medication methods. If you need expert help, you can contact our clinic. To make an appointment, leave a request or call.