When you have pain in your lower back, the discomfort can vary in intensity and nature.The cause may be muscle fatigue, but most commonly lower back pain is the first sign of serious illness.
Regardless of the duration and intensity of symptoms, pathological conditions are a reason to consult a doctor.A medical expert will perform a thorough diagnosis of the spine and abdominal organs and then prescribe effective back treatment.
In this article, we will tell you in detail all the causes of lower back pain, what each type of pain means (severe, acute, etc.), when to see a doctor, how to treat it (pills, injections, ointments, patches), photos.I promise it will be fun.
reason
According to statistics, more than 85% of the world's population has experienced low back pain.This is caused by the heavy load that the lumbar spine bears every day.When standing, the pressure on the intervertebral disc is approximately 100 kg; in a horizontal position, the load is reduced to 50 kg, and if the posture is impaired, the load can reach 220 kg.
Sometimes, low back pain is caused by overloading or maintaining abnormal postures for long periods of time.The main characteristic of this pain is the absence of accompanying symptoms, such as worsening of the general condition, hyperthermia, and spread of the pain response to adjacent parts of the body.
In most cases, pain indicates a pathological process that affects not only the spine, but also the internal organs.The main causes of lower back pain include:
- osteochondrosis;
- old wounds;
- pancreatitis;
- Radiculitis;
- Infections (tuberculosis, brucellosis);
- Malignant tumors and their metastasis;
- Curvature of the spine - scoliosis, increased lumbar lordosis or thoracic kyphosis;
- Kidney disease - pyelonephritis, kidney stones;
- Wright syndrome;
- Spondylolisthesis;
- Abscess in epidural area;
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Intervertebral hernia.
Atypical factors causing pain reactions include intestinal or genitourinary disorders.
among women
Due to physiological characteristics and hormonal fluctuations, there are many specific causes of back pain in women:
- Adnexitis (inflammation of the ovaries);
- Ectopic pregnancy;
- Proliferation of cells in the lining of the uterus (endometriosis).
Many women experience lower back pain during menstruation and during inflammation of the pelvic organs.Hormonal changes during menopause lead to a loss of calcium and a breakdown in the mineral composition of bone tissue, leading to the development of osteoporosis.
Like the femur and pelvic bones, the vertebrae are also affected by osteoporosis, and even minor trauma can lead to pathological fractures of the spine.
among men
Due to the nature of their work, men often engage in strenuous physical activities, which leads to premature wear and tear on the lumbar spine.Excessive tension gradually leads to morphological changes in the cartilaginous disc, which explains the frequent formation of hernias in men.The main symptom of lumbar hernia is severe pain in the waist, manifesting as low back pain.
Unique causes of pain in men are:
- ankylosing spondylitis;
- Spondylolisthesis – sliding between vertebrae;
- sciatic nerve compression;
- Inflammatory process of the prostate.
Negative effects of stress and a sedentary lifestyle cannot be ruled out.Lack of adequate physical activity can lead to impaired nutrient and gas exchange of spinal tissues.As a result, metabolic processes are disrupted, leading to irreversible changes that cause pain.
Classification of pain
Pain symptoms are divided into several types based on the nature, intensity, duration and cause of the pain.
- Pain is considered acute if the discomfort bothers the patient for no more than one and a half months.
- The syndrome lasts from 6 weeks to a year and is diagnosed as a subacute condition.
- Pain syndromes become chronic if they persist for more than a year.
Low back pain can be divided into 3 types depending on the location:
- Localized - Occurs at the site of the disease, most commonly after injury to the back muscles, tendons, or bones.
- Reflection - is the result of somatic pathology, when there are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, gastric ulcers), pain is felt in the lower back.
- Projection - Neurogenic response when pain impulses travel along nerve trunks to parts of the body.One example is when the sciatic nerve is pinched, causing pain to radiate down the entire leg.
The nature of the pain varies, from a mild ache to a sharp rush.This characteristic depends on the disease that is the underlying cause of the symptoms.
powerful
Severe pain occurs when pain receptors in the paravertebral tissue are stimulated or when the large nerve trunks of the spinal cord are compressed.One of the main causes of severe pain is the degenerative changes in stages 3-4 of osteochondrosis.
Morphological changes affect cartilage tissue and bone structure.Gradual softening of the intervertebral discs leads to the formation of spinal hernias.Protrusions directly into the spinal canal area or nerve root exit can cause pain along with impaired sensitivity of the innervation of the affected area.
If load distribution on the vertebrae is incorrect due to cartilage disc degeneration, marginal osteophytes can develop on the vertebral body.When the space between the vertebrae is severely reduced, the growth can put pressure on the soft tissue structures.
Severe pain in the early stages of the disease forces patients to visit a doctor for a diagnosis, which facilitates treatment and guarantees a good outcome.
A common cause of severe pain is sciatica in the lumbosacral region.The pain syndrome is caused by inflammation of the lumbar spinal cord roots.Symptoms are characterized by irradiation of the buttocks and lower limbs.
constant
Chronic pain has subsided.This pain is not dependent on physical activity and remains in a calm state.This symptom occurs with spondylosis and is often accompanied by leg muscle weakness, paralysis, and loss of skin sensitivity.Ankylosing spondylitis, metabolic disorders, and various types of tumors also come with constant, debilitating pain.
sharp
Sciatica, or lower back pain, can cause sudden pain that forces a person into forced postures.Typically the patient stands in a flexed position holding the lower back with one hand.Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed.A sharp painful impulse spreads down the back of the thigh, calf and to the toes.
The most common cause of low back pain is an intervertebral hernia, which occurs when pressure is placed on the roots of the spine.Low back pain refers to "low back pain" in the lower back, most often caused by strenuous physical activity.In this case, the pain is not only concentrated in the back, but also spreads to the right or left lower limb.
muscular
The causes of muscle fiber spasm in the lumbosacral region are:
- unusual physical activity;
- Sudden movements causing muscle strain;
- static tension in unusual positions;
- Curvature of the spine - scoliosis;
- Muscle Imbalances in Neurological Disorders.
Additionally, myofascial pain may occur after physical activity.This pain is caused by the buildup of lactic acid in the muscle fibers.
pain
Myositis causes unpleasant pain when the back muscles become inflamed.Pancreatitis presents as girdle pain in the lower back.Pelvic organ disease in men (inflammation of the prostate) and women (injury of internal reproductive organs) with a pulling sensation.
Pregnant women complain of pain during the second half of pregnancy.These manifestations are due to increased body and abdominal weight as the fetus grows.In this condition, muscle tension occurs in the lower back, causing a moderate pain response.
acute
Acute pain syndrome is the result of pathological conditions:
- Injuries – Bruises, vertebral subluxations, compression fractures;
- low temperature;
- lift heavy objects;
- Steep slopes.
Acute pain can be caused by renal colic.In order to identify the cause and effectively eliminate the pain syndrome, a detailed diagnosis and a visit to a medical specialist are required.
When to see a doctor?
If pain symptoms persist for more than 3 days, you should not postpone seeing your doctor.One warning sign is a fall on your back, which can lead to serious injury.The spread of painful impulses into the buttocks, thighs, and calves should not be ignored.
If there is a burning and stinging sensation on the skin, a loss of sensation in the legs and groin area, the large nerves are involved in the pathological process.Severe cases can cause disruption of urination and bowel movements.All of the above signs indicate the presence of a serious pathology that must be diagnosed and treated immediately.
Which doctor saw you?
Treatment of low back pain is a complex task, its implementation requires consultation with a highly specialized doctor.The initial diagnosis is made by a therapist, who refers the patient to other specialists for consultation:
- See a traumatologist - if a back injury is suspected;
- Orthopedic surgeon - examines joints and the entire musculoskeletal system;
- Chiropractors who treat the spine;
- Neurologist – eliminate neurological symptoms;
- If surgical intervention cannot be avoided, contact a neurosurgeon;
- Rheumatologist – Treats autoimmune diseases.
Urologists and gynecologists may perform additional tests in women if the function of the pelvic organs is disturbed.Treatment strategies for low back pain are based on a set of diagnoses.
What to do if it hurts: First aid
The purpose of pre-medical action is to relieve the condition and maximize pain relief before seeking medical help.First aid algorithms include the following measures:
- Take rest and bed rest to remove pressure from your lower back.To do this, place the patient on a hard surface.If a back injury is suspected, do not allow the victim to move.
- Apply cold compresses to the affected area.To do this, use a heating pad filled with ice and frozen foods that have been wrapped in a cloth to prevent hypothermia.The cold compress time should not exceed 15 minutes and can be reused after 3-4 hours.
- Severe pain is an immediate sign to contact a doctor, so the patient must be rushed to a medical facility as soon as possible.
General and topical pain relievers should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.Self-medication is harmful to your health and can lead to serious complications.
Uncontrolled use of analgesics can reduce pain, complicating diagnosis.In addition, the course of the disease worsens with the development of inflammatory processes or acute conditions affecting the function of internal organs.
best medicine
The most effective way to treat back pain is medication.Doctors prescribe medications that not only relieve pain symptoms but also eliminate the cause.
A neurologist or surgeon uses local blockade to relieve acute, severe pain.At home, the medication comes in the form of tablets, ointments, or injections.
Tablet
For symptomatic treatment, the following drugs are prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can effectively relieve pain and inflammation.
- Glucocorticoids are used when NSAIDs are ineffective.
- Muscle relaxant, used to treat pain caused by back spasms.
- B vitamins improve the nutrition of muscle tissue and nerve cells.
- Chondroprotectants inhibit joint and spinal degeneration.
injection
For severe diseases, injectable drugs are needed to achieve rapid treatment results.Basic standards for use of injectables:
- The time before the drug takes effect is shortened;
- The drug is not broken down by gastric juices;
- For use in patients with contraindications to taking painkillers.
The procedure must be performed by qualified professionals; self-injection is not recommended.The selection and dosage prescription of the drug are the responsibility of the attending physician, taking into account the extent of the disease and the presence of concomitant diseases.
ointment
Topical treatments can help improve home conditions.Depending on the active ingredients, the ointment eliminates pain, reduces swelling and inflammation:
- Anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic properties.
- It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-edema effects.
- Stimulating ointments and creams have a warming effect.
- Cooling medications used to relieve pain.
When using warming agents for topical treatment, it is important to remember that their use is strictly prohibited during inflammation and during the first two days after injury.
Plaster
This is the most convenient local remedy.The advantage of the patch is that you simply apply it to the painful area and wait for the results.The product is effective the entire time it is on the skin.List of most effective patches:
- A patch containing an anesthetic that is effective in combating inflammation and mild pain.It cannot be used for more than 5 days.The patch is valid for 12 hours.
- NSAID patches.It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.The usage time shall not exceed 10 days.The effect of one patch is 24 hours.
How to treat it at home
Home remedies include strict compliance with your doctor's prescriptions.After the acute phase is over, massage is recommended to normalize muscle tone and improve blood circulation in the waist.
Therapeutic exercises can help reduce pain, strengthen your back muscles, and restore mobility to your spine.The physical therapist individually selects a set of exercises based on the patient's general functional status and age.
Traditional medicine is used as a complement to primary treatments.Cabbage and honey have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.To do this, wash a cabbage leaf and apply liquid honey and apply it to the sore area.Secure the compress with plastic wrap and cover with a warm blanket.The process can last up to 12 hours.
Vacuum massage cups are an effective treatment that can be used at home.Due to the vacuum created during cupping, blood circulation increases, toxins are eliminated and congestion disappears.This allows patients to recover faster.
If you are seriously considering treating your lower back yourself, physical therapy equipment can help you tremendously.With their help, many diseases of the musculoskeletal system can be cured in a short time.
prevention
To prevent lower back pain, it's important to follow simple advice:
- Eat right and live an active lifestyle;
- engage in strenuous physical exercise;
- Avoid heavy objects;
- Carry out routine treatment of chronic diseases;
- Wear quality shoes;
- Correct deformities of the spine and feet.
- In case of pain syndrome, annual preventive courses of massage and exercise therapy are performed.
No matter the cause, low back pain at any age should not be ignored.Most often, painful symptoms are the result of spinal pathology, chronic injury, or physical illness.
When you have lower back pain, consulting your doctor as early as possible will help you get effective treatment that can speed recovery and restore back mobility.