Low back pain is one of the most common health problems.The causes of pain are different: from simple physical overstrain after an uncomfortable body position to serious disorders in the human body.
Types of painful sensations
The lower back is the lower part of the back that begins at the ribs and ends at the tailbone.Lower back pain can manifest itself in different ways: it can be sharp or throbbing, aching or burning, it can be concentrated in one place or extend to the entire back.
Depending on their duration, lower back pain is classified into:
- periodic, associated with physical activity, overwork, body characteristics or internal diseases;
- permanent or chronic, caused by irreversible pathology in diseases of the musculoskeletal system or in diseases of the blood vessels of the legs.
The latter type often accompanies inflammatory or degenerative processes in bone or cartilage tissue, which are not completely curable, they can only be reduced or stopped for a short time.
Why does discomfort appear?
Pain in the lumbar region is a consequence of a person walking upright, in which a significant load falls on the lumbar spine.The base of the spine is made up of bone tissue and around it are nerve roots that send pain signals.
If a person sits in the same position for a long time, “lumbago” occurs when he stands, which does not allow him to straighten up.The reason may be pinching of nerve endings near the spine, swelling of muscles, intervertebral discs or ligaments.
To diagnose the problem, it is necessary to undergo an external examination of the spine by a doctor and additional examinations:
- X-ray examination;
- computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Main reasons
Low back pain is divided into 2 groups according to their origin:
- primary, caused by the development of pathologies in the spine, functional changes in muscles, joints, discs, ligaments and tendons;
- secondary, associated with damage to the spine, as well as various infections and diseases of the internal organs located in the pelvic region.
The most common causes of pain in the lumbar region include the following diseases:
- Lumbago.It manifests itself as sharp and sudden pain in the lumbar region due to pathological changes in the vertebrae.
- Osteochondrosis.Includes a number of diseases of an inflammatory or dystrophic nature, which are manifested by impaired elasticity and strength of the intervertebral discs, loosening of the surface of bone and cartilaginous tissues with nerve damage.Protrusion of the intervertebral disc refers to one of the stages of osteochondrosis, during which protrusion of cartilage occurs.
- Sciatica.Occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed or compressed;The pain starts in the lower back and radiates down the back of one leg.
- Lumbar radiculitis.This can occur when bending, sneezing or laughing, it is caused by inflammation of the nerve endings and can lead to impaired sensitivity and loss of ability to move.
- Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine to one side, which is manifested by asymmetry in shoulder height, poor posture and the formation of a hump.The cause of the disease is a decrease in the functions of skeletal muscles and bones.
- Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic disease accompanied by loss of joint mobility due to the growth of connective tissue in the lumbar region and other areas.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joints, particularly the hip.
People who spend a long time in an uncomfortable body position (sitting at a computer or leaning over flower beds), which causes muscle contractures and spasms, are predisposed to spinal diseases.
Diseases of internal organs can also cause lower back pain:
- most often, pain occurs in the kidneys (pyelonephritis, renal failure, stones, colic);
- diseases of the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract (cholecystitis, pancreatitis, appendicitis, adhesions after surgery) - often resulting in shooting pain in the lumbar region;
- if the lungs are affected (pneumonia), there may be a feeling of pain in the lower back, especially when coughing;
- bone tuberculosis and other infections;
- growing tumors, benign or malignant, which increase towards the nerve fibers of the back.
In men
Periodic lower back pain can occur in men during intense physical activity, when working in the cold or in a strong draft.
In addition, pain is characteristic of some male diseases:
- with prostatitis, they appear occasionally and radiate to the back, which is accompanied by general weakness and fever;
- with epididymitis (inflammatory process of the epididymis) are localized in the groin with a return to the lower back.
In women
Pain in the lumbar region in women can occur against the background of gynecological diseases or accompany certain physiological processes in the body:
- in the event of inflammation of the appendages (adnexitis), they begin in the lower abdomen then radiate towards the back;
- during the childbearing period, they can hurt in the lower back and radiate to the spine under the pressure of the growing fetus (from the 5th month of pregnancy), if there is a risk of miscarriage, they appear in the form of contractions;
- During menopause, the pain changes location, moving from the head to the chest or lower back;They are caused by fluctuations in estrogen levels in the blood and poor circulation to the pelvic organs.
Women suffer from back pain and increased distrust.Those associated with nervous stress are treated by psychological correction.
Pain relief methods
For lower back pain, after clarifying the cause and diagnosing the underlying disease, the neurologist prescribes painkillers in the form of ointments, tablets or injections.Their use makes the patient feel better in order to relieve negative feelings and lead a normal life.
Main groups of painkillers:
- pain relievers;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in tablet form;
- steroid hormonal medications;
- injections to relieve spasms and inflammation;
- muscle relaxants that help reduce skeletal muscle tone;
- chondroprotectors are used for spinal hernia;
- ointments, gels and suppositories;
- medicinal patches and stickers.
Medicines help not only relieve pain, but also normalize blood circulation and restore nervous tissue.
All drugs have side effects and contraindications, so they are used only after consulting a doctor.
In particularly severe cases, narcotics are used to reduce pain by acting on the nervous system.However, when consumed over a long period of time, they can be addictive.
Treatment
After determining the cause of lower back pain, complex therapy for the underlying disease is carried out.
With the permission of the attending physician, it is possible to use alternative methods:
- therapeutic massage courses;
- manual therapy, which must be carried out exclusively by highly qualified specialists to avoid complications;
- acupuncture (helps relieve muscle tension and pain);
- physiotherapy and yoga.
To get rid of lower back pain, folk recipes are also used:
- Tea made from birch leaves and lingonberries.The dry mixture is brewed with boiling water and drunk in small portions throughout the day.
- A butter-based ointment with chopped garlic cloves and ginger root.It should be applied to the sore spot.
Prevention
To avoid unpleasant pain in the lower back, you must adhere to the basic rules of prevention:
- sleep on a semi-rigid mattress in the correct physiological position;
- when sitting in one position for a long time, do not get up suddenly;you need to take breaks, warm up or exercise;
- avoid sudden movements and bending;
- perform a daily set of special gymnastic exercises to train all parts of the spine (only with the permission of a doctor).