Often, pain in the lumbar spine indicates the development of a pathology, including the onset of an inflammatory process.
If treatment is not started on time, symptoms will progress and it will be more difficult to restore health. In this article, you will learn more about the causes and treatments for lumbar spine pain.
Features of back pain
Depending on the type, pain is divided into 3 types:
Chronic.A person feels discomfort with any physical activity - when bending, climbing stairs or twisting the body. During the period of relapses (exacerbations), the pain may increase and spread to different parts of the body.
Sharp.It occurs when the intervertebral disc is displaced and is characterized by acute painful sensations in the lower back. Mobility is restricted, a person cannot get out of bed, it is difficult for them to walk or bend over.
Pain.It is accompanied by unpleasant sensations that do not go away for a long time. As a rule, aching pain signals the development of diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system. It can also be a symptom of osteochondrosis, spondyloarthritis, spondyloarthritis.
In addition to pain and discomfort in the lumbar spine, the patient may experience accompanying symptoms:
- Muscle weakness;
- Loss of control over urination and bowel movements;
- Numbness in the legs;
- increased body temperature;
- Chills;
- Groin / crotch pain;
- Violation of the menstrual cycle.
If the symptoms do not go away for a long time and a 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.
Causes of Back Pain
There are two main groups of diseases due to which a pain syndrome in the lumbar area develops:
Spine Problems:
Osteochondrosis.Degenerative-dystrophic disease in which the intervertebral discs lose their flexibility and normal functionality. The disease can be resolved at the initial stage with timely treatment. Sharp pain, worsened by bending over, indicates the progressive development of the disease.
Spondylosis.A spinal disorder in which the intervertebral disc is very exhausted and worn. The cause of the pathology is trauma and an increased load on the spine. A person with spondylosis has difficulty turning the body. The disease is characterized by a slow course, so the result of treatment is often positive.
Scoliosis.Curvature of the spine, which most often occurs in adolescence due to its rapid growth. The disease has 4 stages and can manifest as lower back pain.
Lumbago.Sudden sharp pain in the lumbar spine that causes a person to freeze in an uncomfortable position. Mobility with lumbago is also limited.
Osteoporosis.A serious pathology in which the bone vertebrae become porous, lose their density and elasticity. Lower back pain can occur when lifting weights, changing body positions, and performing other loads.
Systemic joint diseasewhere a person experiences stiffness, pain, and tension in the muscles of the back in the lumbar area. These unpleasant sensations can worsen at night and cause frequent awakenings. Movement and movement relieve the pain.
Myofascial Syndrome.A fairly common disease that develops from prolonged uncomfortable posture or after physical exertion. A special feature are trigger points (pain points) in the lower back or in the buttocks. When pressing on it, there is a sharp pain.
Internal organ diseases:
Attack of appendicitis.Depending on the functional characteristics of the human body, pain may appear on the right side and appear in the lower back.
Inflammation of the kidneys.The main symptom of impaired kidney function is a pulling and unpleasant pain in the lumbar area. It can 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 upset stomach. If lower back pain is being 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 the fibers of the spinal nerves in the pathological process.
EndometriosisA gynecological condition in which the inner cells of the layer of the uterine wall grow beyond their limits. The woman has lumbar pain.
Obesity.Being overweight puts unnecessary strain on the lower back and intervertebral discs. This causes them to deform and collapse. A person feels uncomfortable walking for a long time or climbing stairs.
Oncology.Low back pain can occur when there is a benign or malignant tumor. It "absorbs" a lot of calcium, the bone structures are lacking, they are becoming thinner.
Physiological causes of back pain
Hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to fresh air in cold weather can cause lower back numbness. At the same time, the discomfort increases when bending, moving and turning. Sometimes it can give way in the leg or buttocks.
Critical days. During the menstrual cycle, around 50% of women experience uncomfortable and tugging sensations in the lower abdomen that extend to the lumbar region. The symptoms usually go away after the cycle ends.
Excessive stress. Extreme weight lifting and too much strain on the lumbar spine lead to painful sensations.
Climax. During menopause, levels of estrogen, a hormone that regulates recovery processes, decrease in a woman's body. Bone tissue loses its ability to fully recover. You become brittle.
Uncomfortable shoes. Wearing high heels and tight shoes compresses the blood vessels in the legs. As a result, painful back pain occurs.
Lack of physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to chronic back pain. Muscles atrophy and lose their natural elasticity.
diagnosis
First, the doctor questions and examines the patient. He orders a general chemical analysis (blood and urine donation) to be carried out. To get a general picture and exclude serious pathological changes, it is recommended to go through:
CT.A modern diagnostic method that allows you to identify the development of a pathology at an early stage. It clearly visualizes all bone structures.
MRI.Shows the condition of the soft tissues and cartilage. MRI can also be used to diagnose tumors, intervertebral hernias and changes in blood vessels.
Roentgen.Provides information about changes in the bone structure of the spine, shows the presence of bruises, microcracks and helps in the detection of diseases of the spine
Ultrasonic.Allows you to determine the state of internal organs and identify inflammatory processes.
Based on the data received, the doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. If necessary, he offers to be examined by other specialists: gynecologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist.
How to cure back pain
Methods of treatment depend on the disease and are prescribed individually. As a rule, complex therapy is most effective. They usually recommend:
- avoid heavy lifting;
- take vitamins of group B and calcium;
- use a support bandage;
- swim, exercise more, or take a medical gymnastics class
- Taking corticosteroids to relieve severe inflammation (as prescribed by a doctor);
- Muscle relaxants to relieve cramps.
Depending on the cause of the illness, the doctor can prescribe bed rest or, conversely, an increase in physical activity. For example, if nerves are pinched, passive rest is recommended. For some muscle spasms, massage and moderate exercise. Treatment methods also include:
Physical therapy. Involves a number of methods of physical action on the affected area. With its help, microcirculation improves, edema and cramps disappear, and it is also possible to achieve 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 pinched and help the spasmodic muscles relax. It also sounds the places that, on the contrary, are very relaxed.
Acupuncture.Helps relieve pain by using special needles. They are injected into active points on the body and spine. The muscles relax and the lower back becomes healthier.
When conservative therapy fails, it is necessary to consult a neurosurgeon. Most often, the operation is prescribed for intervertebral hernias, which led to the violation of the root of the spine and the appearance of radicular pain.
What to do if you have severe back pain lower
In the case of acute, intolerable lower back pain, the patient is given a block. A procedure in which a doctor injects a pain reliever into an area that is in pain or where a nerve fiber runs. This radical method temporarily relieves pain. In addition, a specialist can prescribe antibiotics, immunomodulators and chondroprotectors.
If you have severe back pain, do not take or endure self-medication. This can be fatal, including disability or death.
Prevention and prognosis
Try to keep a balance between work and play. Sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity are the main causes of back pain.
If you work on 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 hall. You can choose a workable exercise from yoga, fitness, or Pilates and do it at home.
Carry weights in your backpack. This will help 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 masseur twice a year and do 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 you feel comfortable during this time and that you can relax completely. After consulting a seller, buy products from an orthopedic salon.
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 make an appointment, leave a request or give us a call.