Often pain in the lumbar spine indicates the development of a pathology, including the appearance of an inflammatory process.
If treatment is not started in a timely manner, symptoms will progress and it will be more difficult to regain health. In this article, you will learn about the causes and treatments for 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: bending over, climbing stairs, or twisting the body. During the period of relapses (exacerbations), the pain can intensify and spread to various parts of the body.
Acute.It occurs when the disc is displaced and is characterized by sharp pain 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.
Pain.It is accompanied by unpleasant sensations that do not go away for a long time. As a rule, aching pain indicates the development of diseases of the kidneys, genitourinary system. It can also be a symptom of osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, spondyloarthritis.
In addition to pain and discomfort in the lumbar spine, the patient may experience concomitant symptoms:
- muscular weakness;
- loss of control over urination and defecation;
- numbness in the legs;
- increased body temperature;
- shaking chills;
- groin / crotch pain;
- violation of the menstrual cycle.
If the discomfort does not go away for a long time and a person complains of several symptoms at once, it is important to immediately contact a therapist. 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 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 in the initial stage, subject to timely treatment. Sharp pains, aggravated by bending, indicate the progressive development of the disease.
SpondylosisSpinal disorder in which the intervertebral disc wears out and wears severely. The cause of the pathology is trauma and increased stress on the spine. A person with spondylosis has trouble turning the body. The disease is characterized by a slow course, so the result of treatment is usually positive.
Scoliosis.Curvature of the spine, which can most often occur during adolescence due to rapid growth. The disease has 4 stages and can manifest as pain in the lower back.
Lumbago.Sudden stabbing pain in the lumbar spine, in the event that a person freezes in an awkward position. Mobility with low back pain is also limited.
Osteoporosis.A serious pathology in which the bone vertebrae become porous, lose their density and elasticity. Low 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 with movement and exercise.
Myofascial syndrome.A fairly common disease that develops due to prolonged awkward posture or after physical exertion. A distinctive feature is the presence of trigger points (pain) 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 occur in the lower back.
Inflammation of the kidneys.The main symptom in kidney failure is a pulling and unpleasant pain in the lower back. 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 an upset stomach. If the low back pain is caused precisely by pancreatitis, the pain does not increase when palpating the spine.
CholecystitisThe pain is localized in the right upper quadrant, while it radiates to the lumbar area. Low back pain and discomfort in the lower back indicate the involvement of the fibers of the spinal nerves in the pathological process.
EndometriosisA gynecological disease, in which case the cells inside the lining of the uterine walls grow beyond its limits. The woman feels pain in the lumbar region.
Obesity.Excess weight puts unnecessary strain 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, there is a deficiency in bone structures, they become thinner.
Physiological causes of back pain.
Hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to fresh air in cold weather can cause numbness in the lower back. At the same time, discomfort increases when bending over, moving and turning. Sometimes it can give in the leg or buttock.
Critical days. During the menstrual cycle, approximately 50% of women experience unpleasant, tight sensations in the lower abdomen, which extend to the lower back. As a general rule, the discomfort disappears after the cycle is finished.
Excessive load. Extreme weight lifting and excessive stress on the lower back cause painful sensations.
Climax. During menopause, the level of estrogen, a hormone that regulates recovery processes, decreases in a woman's body. Bone tissues lose their ability to fully recover. They become brittle.
Uncomfortable shoes. Wearing high heels and tight shoes will compress the blood vessels in your legs. As a result, painful back pain occurs.
Lack of physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise contribute to chronic low back pain. Muscles atrophy and lose their natural elasticity.
Diagnostics
First, the doctor interviews and examines the patient. She prescribes the passage of a general chemical analysis (blood and urine donation). To get a general picture and exclude serious pathological changes, it is recommended to go through:
CONNECTICUT.A modern diagnostic method with which you can detect the development of pathology at an early stage. Clearly visualize all bone structures.
Magnetic resonance.Shows the state of soft tissues and cartilage. Also, with the help of MRI, tumors, intervertebral hernias and changes in blood vessels are diagnosed.
Bone scan.It provides information on 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 state of internal organs, as well as detect inflammatory processes.
Based on the data obtained, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes a 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 general rule, complex therapy is most effective. They usually recommend:
- avoid lifting heavy objects;
- take vitamins of group B and calcium;
- wear a support bandage;
- swimming, moving more, or taking a course in medical gymnastics;
- taking 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 nerves are pinched, passive rest is recommended. For some muscle spasms, massage and moderate exercise. Also, treatment methods include:
Physiotherapy.It includes a series of methods of physical impact on the affected area. With its help, microcirculation improves, edema 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 pinched and helps to relax the spasmodic muscles. It also tones up those places that, on the contrary, are very relaxed.
Acupuncture.Helps relieve pain through the use of 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 provoked the infringement of the spinal root and the appearance of radicular pain.
What to do for severe low back pain
For acute low back pain that cannot be tolerated, a block is administered to the patient. 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, a specialist can prescribe antibiotics, immunomodulators and chondroprotectors.
With severe back pain, don't self-medicate or put up with it. This can have fatal consequences, including disability or death.
Prevention and prognosis
Try to keep 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 the 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 workable exercise from yoga, fitness, or Pilates and do it at home.
Carry weights in your backpack. This will help to evenly distribute the load 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 take 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 during this time you feel comfortable and can fully relax. Buy products at an orthopedic salon after consulting a salesperson.
In order not to hurt 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.