Often, pain in the lumbar spine indicates the development of pathology, including the appearance of an inflammatory process.
If treatment is not started on time, the symptoms will progress and it will be harder to regain health. In this article, you will learn about the causes and treatments of lumbar spine pain.
Characteristics of back pain
Depending on the nature, pain is classified into 3 types:
Chronic.A person experiences discomfort during any physical activity - when he bends, climbs stairs or twists his body. During the period of relapse (worsening), the pain may intensify and be given to different parts of the body.
Sharply.It occurs when the disc is displaced and is characterized by acute painful sensations in the lower back. Mobility is limited, the person cannot get out of bed, it is difficult for him to walk or bend over.
It hurts.It is accompanied by unpleasant sensations that do not disappear for a long time. Painful pain usually signals the development of kidney disease, genitourinary system. It can also be a symptom of osteochondrosis, spondyloarthritis, spondyloarthrosis.
In addition to pain and discomfort in the lumbar spine, the patient may have accompanying symptoms:
- muscle weakness;
- loss of control over urination and defecation;
- numbness in the legs;
- increased body temperature;
- chills;
- 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 once, it is important to consult a therapist immediately. Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Causes of back pain
There are two main groups of diseases that cause the pain syndrome to develop in the lumbar region:
Spine problems:
Osteochondrosis.A degenerative-dystrophic disease in which the intervertebral discs lose flexibility and the ability to function normally. The disease can be resolved at an early stage, subject to timely treatment. Sharp pains, intensified by bending, indicate the progressive development of the disease.
Spondylosis.Spinal 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 the body. The disease is characterized by a slow course, so the outcome of treatment is often positive.
Scoliosis.Curvature of the spine, which can most often occur in adolescence due to rapid growth. The disease has 4 stages and can manifest as lower back pain.
Lumbago.Sudden shooting pain in the lumbar spine, in case the person freezes in an awkward position. Lumbago mobility is also limited.
Osteoporosis.A serious pathology in which the bony vertebrae become porous, losing density and elasticity. Lower back pain can occur when lifting weights, changing body position and other loads.
Systemic joint disease, in which a person experiences stiffness, pain and tension in the back muscles in the lumbar region. These unpleasant sensations can intensify at night and cause frequent awakenings. The pain is relieved by movements and exercise.
Myofascial syndrome.Quite a common disease that develops due to prolonged uncomfortable posture or after physical exertion. A characteristic feature is the presence of trigger (painful) points in the lower back or buttocks. When they are pressed, sharp pain occurs.
Diseases of internal organs:
Appendicitis.Depending on the characteristics of the functioning of the human body, pain may appear on the right side and give the lower back.
Inflammation of the kidneys.The main symptom in case of impaired renal function is traction and unpleasant pain in the lumbar region. It may be accompanied by edema and fever.
PancreatitisWith the development of this disease, a person may feel nausea, vomiting and upset stomach. If the pain in the lower part of the back is caused by pancreatitis, the pain does not increase when palpating the spine.
Cholecystitis.The pain is localized in the right hypochondrium, while radiating to the lower back. Lumbago and discomfort in the lower back indicate the involvement of spinal nerve fibers in the pathological process.
EndometriosisGynecological disease, in the case where the inner cells of the layer of the walls of the uterus grow outside its boundaries. The woman feels pain in the lumbar region.
Obesity.Being overweight puts unnecessary stress 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 can occur if there is a benign or malignant tumor. It "absorbs" a lot of calcium, the bone structure is missing, they become thinner.
Physiological causes of back pain
Hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to fresh air in cold weather can cause numbness of the lower back. At the same time, the discomfort increases when bending, moving and turning. Sometimes it can give a leg or butt.
Critical days. During the menstrual cycle, about 50% of women feel uncomfortable and pulling sensations in the lower abdomen, which extend to the lumbar region. The discomfort usually passes after the end of the cycle.
Excessive load. Extreme weight lifting and too much stress on the lumbar region lead to painful sensations.
The 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 brittle.
Inappropriate shoes. Wearing high heels and tight shoes will constrict 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 lower back pain. Muscles atrophy and lose their natural elasticity.
Diagnosis
First, the doctor interviews and examines the patient. It prescribes the passage of a general chemical analysis (blood and urine donation). To get a general picture and rule out 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. Clearly visualizes all bone structures.
MRI.It shows the condition of soft tissues and cartilage. Also, with the help of MRI, tumors, intervertebral hernias and changes in blood vessels are diagnosed.
X-ray.It provides information about changes in the structure of the spine bones, shows the presence of bruises, microcracks and helps to detect pathologies of the spine.
Ultrasound.It allows you to determine the condition of internal organs, as well as detect inflammatory processes.
Based on the data obtained, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment. If necessary, an examination is offered by other specialists: gynecologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist.
How to cure low back pain
Methods of treatment depend on the disease and are prescribed individually. As a rule, complex therapy is the most effective. They usually recommend:
- avoid lifting heavy loads;
- take B vitamins and calcium;
- use a wearing bandage;
- swimming, moving more or attending a medical gymnastics course;
- take corticosteroids to relieve severe inflammation (as directed by your doctor);
- muscle relaxants to relieve cramps.
Depending on the cause of the disease, the doctor may prescribe bed rest or, conversely, an increase in physical activity. For example, if the nerves are tight, passive rest is recommended. For some muscle cramps, massage and moderate exercise. Also, treatment methods include:
Physiotherapy.It includes numerous methods of physical impact on the affected area. It improves microcirculation, eliminates edema and cramps, and it is possible to achieve an anti-inflammatory effect.
Manual therapy.A type of alternative medicine used to treat the musculoskeletal system. The specialist finds a place where the nerves are constricted and helps the cramping muscles to relax. It also tones those places that are, on the contrary, very relaxed.
Acupuncture.Helps relieve pain by using special needles. They are injected into active points on the body and spine. The muscles are relaxed and the lower back becomes healthier.
When conservative therapy fails, a neurosurgeon should be consulted. Surgery is most often prescribed for intervertebral hernias, which has led to spinal root disorders and the appearance of radicular pain.
What to do with severe lower back pain
For acute low back pain that cannot be tolerated, the patient is given a blockade. A procedure in which a doctor injects a painkiller into an area where pain occurs or where a nerve fiber passes. This radical method temporarily relieves pain. In addition, the specialist may prescribe antibiotics, immunomodulators and chondroprotectors.
With severe back pain, do not self-medicate or endure. This can lead to fatal consequences, including disability or death.
Prevention and prognosis
Try to maintain a balance between work and play. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity are the main causes of back pain.
If you work at a computer or drive all day, try to find time to exercise or go for a walk. It is not necessary to spend two hours in the hall. You can choose a doable exercise from yoga, fitness or Pilates at home.
Carry weights in your backpack. This will help you distribute the load evenly on your back and not tear it off. 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 undergo a massage course of at least 10 sessions. This will help relieve muscle cramps and promote overall health.
Get an orthopedic mattress and pillow. In a dream a person spends ⅓ his life. Be sure to feel comfortable during this time and you can completely relax. Buy products in an orthopedic salon after consulting the seller.
In order not to harm yourself, be careful with the methods of traditional medicine and self-medication. If you need specialist help, you can contact our clinic. To schedule an appointment, leave a request or call.