Often, pain in the lumbar spine indicates the development of pathology, including the onset of the inflammatory process.
If not treated in time, the symptoms will get worse and it will be difficult to recover. In this article, you will learn about the causes and treatment of low back pain.
Characteristics of back pain
Depending on the nature, pain is classified into 3 types:
Chronic.A person feels discomfort during any physical activity - when bending over, climbing stairs or twisting. During a relapse (a flare), the pain may increase and spread to different parts of the body.
Sharp.It occurs when the disc is displaced and is characterized by acute pain in the lower back. Mobility is limited, the patient cannot get out of bed, walk or bend very hard.
Hurting.Accompanied by unpleasant sensations that do not go away. As a rule, pain signals the development of diseases of the kidneys, genitourinary system. It can also be a symptom of osteonecrosis, spondylosis, spondylitis.
In addition to pain and discomfort in the lumbar spine, patients may experience the following symptoms:
- muscle weakness;
- loss of control when urinating and defecating;
- foot numbness;
- increased body temperature;
- chills;
- groin/crotch pain;
- violation of the menstrual cycle.
If the discomfort does not go away for a long time and a person complains of several symptoms at once, it is important to immediately contact a therapist. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Causes of back pain
There are two main groups of diseases caused by pain syndromes that develop in the low back:
Spine problems:
Bone tumor.A degenerative-dystrophic disease in which the intervertebral discs lose their flexibility and ability to function normally. The disease can be cured in its early stages, with timely treatment. Severe pain, aggravated by bending over, indicates a progressive progression of the disease.
Spondylolisthesis.A spinal disorder in which the discs are severely degraded and worn. The cause of the pathology is trauma and increased stress on the spine. People with cervical spondylosis find it difficult to turn. The disease is characterized by a slow progression, so the treatment results are usually positive.
Scoliosis.Curvature of the spine, which can often occur in adolescence due to rapid growth. The disease has four stages and can present with pain in the lower back.
Back pain.Sudden pain in the lumbar spine, in case a person is frozen in an uncomfortable position. Mobility with low back pain is also limited.
Osteoporosis.A serious disease in which the bony vertebrae become spongy, losing their density and elasticity. Lower back pain can occur when lifting weights, changing body positions, and other loads.
Whole body joint disease, in which, a person feels stiffness, pain, and muscle tension in the back in the lumbar region. These unpleasant sensations can increase at night and cause frequent awakenings. Pain is relieved with movement and exercise.
Myofascial syndrome.A fairly common disease that develops as a result of an uncomfortable posture for a long time or after physical exertion. A distinctive feature is the presence of trigger points (pain) in the lower back or in the buttocks. When pressing on them, a sharp pain occurs.
Diseases of internal organs:
Intestinal pain.Depending on the operational characteristics of the human body, the pain can appear on the right side and be given to the lower back.
Kidney disease.The main symptom in the case of impaired kidney function is a feeling of pulling pain and discomfort in the lower back. It may also be accompanied by the appearance of edema and an increase in body temperature.
PancreatitisWith the development of this disease, a person may experience nausea, vomiting and stomach discomfort. If low back pain is precisely due to pancreatitis, the pain does not increase with palpation of the spine.
Cholecystitis.The pain is localized in the right hypogastrium, while it radiates to the lower back. Low back pain and discomfort in the lower back suggest the involvement of spinal nerve fibers in the pathological process.
Endometrial optimismA gynecological disease, in which the inner cells of the wall of the uterus grow beyond its limits. Woman with pain in the lumbar region.
Fat.Excess weight puts unnecessary stress on the lower back and discs. As a result, they deform and collapse. A person feels discomfort when walking for long periods of time or climbing stairs.
Cancer.Low back pain can occur if a benign or malignant tumor is present. It "absorbs" more calcium, bone structures are deficient, they become thinner.
Physiological causes of back pain
Hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to fresh air in cold weather can cause numbness in the lower back. At the same time, discomfort increases when bending, moving, and turning. Sometimes she can put it on her legs or on her butt.
Important days. During the menstrual cycle, about 50% of women experience discomfort and cramping in the lower abdomen, extending to the waist. As a rule, discomfort disappears after the end of the cycle.
Overload. Lifting weights too much and putting too much stress on the lower back leads to pain.
Culmination. During menopause, the level of estrogen, a hormone that regulates the recovery process, decreases in a woman's body. Bone tissue loses its ability to completely regenerate. They become crispy.
Inconvenient shoes. Wearing high heels and tight shoes will compress the blood vessels in the legs. As a result, severe low back pain occurs.
Lack of physical activity. A sedentary and sedentary lifestyle contributes to chronic low back pain. Muscles atrophy and lose their natural elasticity.
Diagnose
First, the doctor interviews and examines the patient. He prescribes the performance of a general chemical analysis (blood and urine donation). To get a general picture and rule out serious pathological changes, you should go through:
CT.A modern diagnostic method with which you can detect the development of pathology at an early stage. He clearly visualizes all the skeletal structures.
Magnetic resonance imaging.Indicates the state of soft tissues and cartilage. In addition, with the help of MRI, tumors, herniated discs and changes in blood vessels are diagnosed.
X ray.Provides information on changes in the bone structure of the spine, indicates the presence of bruises, small cracks and helps to detect pathologies of the spine.
Supersonic.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 suggests seeing other specialists: gynecologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist.
How to cure low back pain
The method of treatment depends on the disease and is indicated individually. As a rule, complex therapy is the most effective. They usually recommend:
- avoid lifting heavy objects;
- take B vitamins and calcium;
- use a support tape;
- swim, move more, or take a medical fitness course;
- taking corticosteroids to reduce severe inflammation (as prescribed by your doctor);
- muscle relaxants to reduce spasms.
Depending on the cause of the disease, the doctor may prescribe bed rest or, conversely, increase physical activity. For example, if a nerve is pinched, passive rest is recommended. For some muscle spasms, massage and moderate exercise. In addition, treatments include:
Physical therapy.Includes several methods of physical impact on the affected area. With its help, microcirculation improves, edema and spasms disappear, and at the same time an anti-inflammatory effect can be achieved.
Manual therapy.An alternative medicine used to treat the musculoskeletal system. The therapist finds out where the sciatic nerve is pinched and helps the spasmed muscles relax. It also tones places that, on the contrary, are very comfortable.
Acupuncture.Helps relieve pain through the use of special needles. They are injected into active points on the body and spine. The muscles are relaxed and the lower back becomes stronger.
When conservative treatment fails, it is necessary to consult a neurosurgeon. Usually, surgery is indicated for disc herniation, which leads to invasion of the spinal roots and the appearance of lens pain.
What to do when you have severe low back pain?
For intolerable acute low back pain, the patient is given blockade medication. A procedure in which a doctor injects pain medication into the area where the pain occurs or where a nerve fiber passes. This radical method temporarily relieves pain. In addition, the specialist may prescribe antibiotics, immunomodulators, and chondroprotectors.
When you have severe back pain, don't self-medicate or put up with it. This can lead to fatal consequences, including disability or death.
Prevention and prognosis
Try to keep a balance between work and play. A sedentary lifestyle and inactivity are the main causes of back pain.
If you work at a computer or drive all day, try to make time to exercise or go for a walk. It is not necessary to spend two hours in the hall. You can choose a viable exercise from yoga, fitness or Pilates and do it at home.
Carry the weight in your backpack. This will help distribute the load evenly across your back and not cause it to rip. When lifting a heavy object, bend your legs, not your back. If you need to reach from above, use a ladder or chair.
Get a massage. Visit a masseuse twice a year and undergo a massage course of at least 10 sessions. This will help reduce muscle spasms and promote overall health.
Get orthopedic mattresses and pillows. In a dream, a person spends ⅓ of his life. Make sure that during this time you are comfortable and able to fully relax. Buy the product at the orthopedic salon after consulting the seller.
In order not to harm yourself, be careful with traditional medicine methods and self-medication. If you need the help of a specialist, you can contact our clinic. To make an appointment, leave a request or call.