Often, lumbar spine pain indicates the development of pathology, including the onset of an inflammatory process.
If treatment is not started in time, the symptoms will progress and it will be more difficult to restore health. In this article, you can learn about the causes and treatments for lumbar spine pain.
Characteristics of back pain
Depending on the nature of the pain, it can be divided into 3 types:
Chronic.A person experiences discomfort during any physical activity - bending, climbing stairs, or twisting the body. During relapses (exacerbations), the pain may increase and occur in different parts of the body.
Sharp.Occurs when the disc is moved and is characterized by acute painful sensations in the lower back. Mobility is limited, one cannot get out of bed, have difficulty walking or bending down.
Sore.It is accompanied by unpleasant feelings that do not go away for a long time. As a general rule, painful pain indicates the development of kidney disease, the urogenital system. It can also be a symptom of osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, spondyloarthritis.
In addition to lumbar spine pain and discomfort, the patient may experience concomitant symptoms:
- muscle weakness;
- loss of control of urination and defecation;
- numbness in the legs;
- increased body temperature;
- chills;
- lumbar / lumbar 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 see a therapist immediately. Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Causes of back pain
There are two groups of diseases that cause pain syndrome in the lumbar region:
Spine problems:
Osteochondrosis.Degenerative-dystrophic disease in which the intervertebral discs lose their elasticity and normal function. The disease can be resolved in the initial stages depending on timely treatment. Acute pain exacerbated by bending indicates progressive progression of the disease.
Spondylosis.Spine disease in which the intervertebral disc is severely depleted and worn out. The pathology is caused by trauma and increased stress on the spine. A person with spondylosis has difficulty turning the body over. The disease is characterized by a slow course, so the outcome of treatment is often positive.
Scoliosis.The curvature of the spine, which can most commonly occur during adolescence due to rapid growth. The disease has 4 stages and can present as pain in the lower back.
Lumbago.Sudden shooting pain in the lumbar spine, in which a person freezes in an awkward position. Mobility with lumbago is also limited.
Osteoporosis.A serious pathology in which bony vertebrae become porous lose their density and elasticity. Lower back pain can occur with weight lifting, posture, and other loads.
Systemic joint disease, in which a person experiences stiffness, pain, and tension in the back muscles of the lumbar region. These discomforts can intensify at night and cause frequent awakening. The pain is relieved by movement and exercise.
Myofascial syndrome.It is a fairly common disease that develops due to prolonged uncomfortable posture or after physical exertion. Its distinguishing feature is the presence of triggering (pain) points in the lower back or buttocks. Pressing on them causes sharp pain.
Diseases of the internal organs:
Attack of appendicitis.Depending on the characteristics of the functioning of the human body, pain may appear on the right side and occur in the lower back.
Inflammation of the kidneys.In case of impaired renal function, the main symptom is prolonged and unpleasant pain in the lumbar region. It can also be accompanied by the appearance of edema and an increase in body temperature.
PancreatitisWith the onset of the disease, a person may experience nausea, vomiting and upset stomach. If the lower back pain is caused exactly by the inflammation of the pancreas, the pain does not increase when the spine is palpated.
Cholecystitis.The pain is localized in the right hypochondrium while radiating to the lower back. The lumbago and discomfort in the lower back indicate that the fibers of the spinal nerves are involved in the pathological process.
EndometriosisGynecological disease in which the inner cells of the uterine wall layer exceed its boundaries. The woman feels pain in the lumbar region.
Obesity.Being overweight puts unnecessary strain on the lower back and intervertebral discs. As a result, they deform and collapse. A person feels uncomfortable when walking or climbing stairs for a long time.
Oncology.Low back pain can occur in benign or malignant tumors. A lot of calcium "sucks up", there is a deficiency in the bone structures, they become thinner.
Physiological causes of back pain
Hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to fresh air may cause numbness in the lower back. However, discomfort is increased when bending, moving and turning. Sometimes you can put it in your legs or buttocks.
Critical days. During the menstrual cycle, about 50% of women experience discomfort and pulling sensations in the lower abdomen that extend to the lumbar region. As a general rule, the discomfort resolves after the cycle is completed.
Excessive load. Extraordinary weight lifting and excessive strain on the lumbar region cause painful feelings.
Climax. During menopause, the level of estrogen in a woman’s body decreases, which regulates recovery processes. Bone tissues lose their ability to fully recover. They become fragile.
Uncomfortable shoes. Wearing high heels and tight shoes will compress the blood vessels in your legs. This results in painful lower back pain.
Lack of physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise contribute to chronic lower back pain. Muscles atrophy and lose their natural elasticity.
Diagnostics
First, the doctor asks and examines the patient. It has a general chemical analysis (donation of blood and urine). To get an overall picture and to rule out serious pathological changes, it is recommended to go through:
CT.A modern diagnostic method by which you can detect the development of pathology at an early stage. Displays all bone structures clearly.
MRI.Shows the condition of soft tissues and cartilage. MRI is also used to diagnose tumors, intervertebral hernias, and changes in blood vessels.
X-ray.It provides information about changes in the bone structure of the spine, shows the presence of bruises, microcracks and helps to detect pathologies of the spine.
Ultrasound.It makes it possible to determine the condition of the internal organs as well as to detect inflammatory processes.
Based on the data received, the doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. If necessary, offer to be examined by other professionals: gynecologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist.
How to cure low back pain
Methods of treatment depend on the disease and are prescribed individually. As a general rule, complex therapy is most effective. In general, the following are recommended:
- avoid heavy lifting;
- take group B vitamins and calcium;
- use a support bandage;
- swimming, multiple movements or medical exercises;
- taking corticosteroids to relieve severe inflammation (as directed by your doctor);
- muscle relaxants to relieve cramps.
Depending on the cause of the disease, your doctor may prescribe bed rest or, conversely, increase your physical activity. For example, if nerves are in need, passive rest is recommended. For some muscle cramps, massage and moderate exercise. The methods of treatment are as follows:
Physiotherapy.It includes a number of methods that have a physical impact on the affected area. It improves microcirculation, eliminates edema and cramps, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Manual therapy.A type of alternative medicine used to treat the musculoskeletal system. The specialist will find the place where the nerves are constricted and help the spasmodic muscles to relax. It also gives voice to places that, on the contrary, are very calm.
Acupuncture.Using special needles will help relieve pain. They are injected into the active points of the body and spine. The muscles relax and the lower back becomes healthier.
If conservative therapy fails, a neurosurgeon should be consulted. The operation is most commonly prescribed for intervertebral hernias, which has led to spinal cord injury and the occurrence of radical pain.
What to do in case of severe low back pain
In the case of acute low back pain that cannot be tolerated, the patient is blocked. A procedure in which a doctor injects painkillers into an area where pain occurs or where nerve fiber passes through. This radical method temporarily relieves pain. In addition, one skilled in the art may prescribe antibiotics, immunomodulators, and chondroprotectors.
Do not self-medicate or suffer from severe back pain. This can lead to fatal consequences, including disability or death.
Prevention and prognosis
Try to balance work and play. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity are the main causes of back pain.
If you work at the computer all day or drive all day, try to find time to exercise or walk. It is not necessary to spend two hours in the room. You can choose a workable exercise from yoga, fitness or Pilates and perform it at home.
Carry weights in your backpack. This helps distribute the load evenly on your back and does not break it. If you are lifting something heavy, bend your legs, not your back. If you need to reach from above, use a ladder or chair.
Take a massage. Visit a massage therapist twice a year and take part in a massage session with at least 10 sessions. This helps relieve muscle cramps and promotes overall health.
Get an orthopedic mattress and pillow. In a dream, a person spends his life ⅓. Make sure you feel comfortable during this time and can fully relax. Buy products at an orthopedic salon after consulting with the seller.
In order not to harm yourself, be careful with traditional methods of medicine and self-healing. If you need special help, contact our clinic. Leave a request or call for an appointment.