Often the pain in the lumbar spine 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 will learn about the causes and treatments for lumbar spine pain.
Characteristics of back pain
Depending on the nature of the pain is classified into 3 types:
Chronic.A person experiences discomfort during any physical activity - when he bends down, climbs stairs or twists his body. During the period of relapses (exacerbations) the pain may intensify and be attributed to different parts of the body.
Sharp.This occurs when the disc is displaced and is characterized by sharp painful sensations in the lower back. Mobility is limited, a 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. As a rule, the pain in the pain signals the development of kidney disease, 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 concomitant symptoms:
- muscle weakness;
- loss of control over urination and defecation;
- tingling in the legs;
- fever;
- chills;
- groin / crotch pain;
- menstrual irregularities.
If the discomfort does not go away for a long time and a person complains of several symptoms at once, 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 the pain syndrome develops in the lumbar region:
Spine problems:
Osteochondrosis.Degenerative-dystrophic disease in which the intervertebral discs lose their flexibility and ability to function normally. The disease can be resolved at an early stage, with timely treatment. Acute pain aggravated by bending indicates 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 result of treatment is often positive.
Scoliosis.Spinal curvature, which can most often occur in adolescence due to rapid growth. The disease has 4 stages and can manifest as pain in the lower back.
Lumbago.Sudden shooting pain in the lumbar spine in case a person freezes in an awkward 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 position and other loads.
Systemic joint diseasein which a person experiences stiffness, soreness and tension in the muscles of the back in the lumbar region. These unpleasant sensations can intensify at night and cause frequent awakenings. The pain is relieved with movement and exercise.
Myofascial syndrome.Quite a common disease that develops due to prolonged uncomfortable posture or after exercise. A distinctive feature is the presence of trigger (pain) points in the lower back or buttocks. When pressed on them, sharp pain occurs.
Diseases of the internal organs:
Attack of appendicitis.Depending on the characteristics of the functioning of the human body, the pain may appear on the right side and be attributed to the lower back.
Inflammation of the kidneys.The main symptom in case of impaired renal function is pulling and unpleasant pain in the lumbar region. It may also be accompanied by swelling and fever.
PancreatitisWith the development of this disease, a person may experience nausea, vomiting and upset stomach. If the low back pain is caused by pancreatitis, the pain does not increase on palpation of the spine.
Cholecystitis.The pain is localized in the right hypochondrium as it radiates to the lower back. Lumbago and lower back discomfort indicate the involvement of spinal nerve fibers in the pathological process.
EndometriosisGynecological disease in which the inner cells of the layer on the walls of the uterus grow outside its borders. The woman is experiencing pain in the lumbar region.
Obesity.Excess weight puts unnecessary stress on the lower back and intervertebral discs. As a result, they deform and collapse. One feels discomfort when walking or climbing stairs for a long time.
Oncology.Low back pain can occur if there is a benign or malignant tumor. It "absorbs" a lot of calcium, there is a deficiency in bone structures, they thin out.
Physiological causes of back pain
Hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to fresh air in cold weather can provoke tingling in the lower back. At the same time, the discomfort increases when bending, moving and turning. Sometimes it can give in the legs or in the buttocks.
Critical days. During the menstrual cycle, about 50% of women experience unpleasant and pulling sensations in the lower abdomen that extend to the lumbar region. As a rule, the discomfort disappears after the end of the cycle.
Excessive load. Extreme weight lifting and too much stress on the lumbar region lead to painful sensations.
Climax. 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 fully recover. They become fragile.
Uncomfortable shoes. Wearing high heels and tight shoes will compress the blood vessels in your feet. As a result, lower back pain occurs.
Lack of physical activity. 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 a general chemical analysis (donation of blood and urine). 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. It clearly visualizes all bone structures.
NMR.Shows the condition of soft tissues and cartilage. Also, MRI diagnoses tumors, intervertebral hernias and changes in blood vessels.
X-rays.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 allows you to determine the condition of the internal organs, as well as to detect inflammatory processes.
Based on the data obtained, the doctor diagnoses and prescribes treatment. If necessary, he offers to be examined by other specialists: gynecologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist.
How to cure low back pain
Treatment methods depend on the disease and are prescribed individually. As a rule, complex therapy is the most effective. They usually recommend:
- avoid heavy lifting;
- take B vitamins and calcium;
- use a supportive bandage;
- swimming, more exercise or taking a medical gymnastics course;
- take corticosteroids to relieve severe inflammation (as directed by a doctor);
- muscle relaxants to relieve spasms.
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 pinched, passive rest is recommended. For some muscle spasms, massage and exercise. Also, treatment methods include:
Physiotherapy.It includes a number of methods for physical impact on the affected area. With its help the microcirculation is improved, the swelling and spasms 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 finds the place where the nerves are compressed and helps the spasmodic muscles to relax. Tones and those places that, on the contrary, are very calm.
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 stronger.
When conservative therapy fails, it is necessary to consult a neurosurgeon. The operation is most often prescribed for intervertebral hernias, which has led to a violation of the spinal root and the appearance of radicular pain.
What to do in case of severe lower back pain
In case of acute low back pain that cannot be tolerated, the patient is given a blockade. A procedure in which a doctor injects a pain reliever 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.
In case of severe back pain, do not self-medicate and do not endure. This can lead to fatal consequences, including disability or death.
Prevention and prognosis
Try to maintain a balance between work and play. Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity are the main causes of back pain.
If you work on the computer or drive all day, try to find time to exercise or take a walk. You do not need to spend two hours in the hall. You can choose a doable exercise from yoga, fitness or Pilates and do it 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.
Have a massage. Visit a masseur twice a year and undergo 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 you feel comfortable during this time and you can relax completely. Buy products in an orthopedic salon after consultation with a seller.
In order not to harm yourself, be careful with the methods of traditional medicine and self-medication. If you need help from a specialist, you can contact our clinic. To make an appointment, leave a request or call.