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Lower back pain

When the lower back hurts, one's life becomes miserable because of the immense discomfort it causes.Meanwhile, there is no person whose lumbar pain has not been a symptom occurring at least once in their life.Lower back pain can occur for different reasons and in different ways.In its manifestations, the pain is sudden and increasing, shooting and aching.However, there is one thing in common - if left untreated, it will get worse.

Causes of back pain in the lumbar region

Every day, the human spine is exposed to stress of varying intensity, from insignificant to significant.At the same time, it does not always succeed in compensating the loads and distributing them to the surrounding tissues without damaging itself, resulting in microtraumas.It should be noted that the lumbosacral spine is often subject to overload.In addition, there are many other reasons why the lower back can hurt.These include infection, genetics, organ damage, etc.

back pain while sitting

Why does the lower back hurt (female reasons):

  1. Inflammatory diseases manifest as lower back pain or cause complications that lead to this symptom:
    1. Vulvitis - inflammation of the external genitalia;
    2. Colpitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina;
    3. Adnexitis - inflammation of the appendages of the uterus;
  2. During pregnancy, the load on the spine in general, and the lower back in particular, increases.Usually, the lower back does not hurt after giving birth.It should also be noted that during pregnancy there may be an impetus for the development of a mature disease;
  3. Abortion.The procedure damages the internal membranes, which leads to local inflammation.In addition, abortion is accompanied by severe psychological stress;
  4. Pain during menstruation, or in scientific language algodysmenorrhoea.The menstrual cycle is a process associated with hormonal changes in the body.It is also accompanied by the shedding of the endometrial layer (the lining of the uterus), which causes blood loss and leads to intense contractions of the uterus to remove the "garbage".This can cause stomach and lower back pain;
  5. Climax.Problems related to the body's hormonal balance can lead to poor circulation in the pelvic organs.Because of this, bone density decreases and osteoporosis develops;
  6. Suspicion.Although this trait is common to both sexes, it is more common in women;
  7. Large bust size;
  8. Wearing high heels and heavy handbags can also cause back pain.

Why does the lower back hurt (men's reasons):

  1. Prostatitis.Inflammation of the prostate sometimes causes pain in the lumbar region;
  2. Epididymitis.Inflammation of the epididymis can be reflected in discomfort in the lower back;
  3. Men over 50 are at increased risk of genital cancer.What could be the cause of lower back pain?
examination by a doctor for lower back pain

Why does the lower back hurt (common causes):

Low back pain can occur due to many pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.However, in addition to diseases affecting the spine (spondyloarthrosis, osteochondrosis, osteoporosis, osteomyelitis...) and injuries, there may be a number of reasons:

  1. Anomalies or defects of the skeleton: kyphosis, scoliosis, lordosis, spina bifida, wedge-shaped vertebrae, etc.It should be noted that in ≈50% of cases the causes of the defect are unknown, in ≈10% environmental effects, in ≈19% - multiple genetic factors.In most cases there is no treatment, sometimes surgical correction is acceptable;
  2. Appendicitis.Inflammation of the vermiform appendix of the appendix (appendix) causes sudden sharp abdominal pain that may radiate to the lumbar region;
  3. Cholecystitis.Lower back pain can be caused by inflammation of the gallbladder;
  4. Acute pancreatitis.pancreatitis characterized by belt pain;
  5. Cystitis.Cystitis causes discomfort in the pelvic area;
  6. Diseases of the small intestine can cause pain in this area due to their close location to the nerve fibers of the lumbosacral region.Enteritis (gastroenteritis, enterocolitis, gastroenterocolitis), intestinal enzymopathies, diverticulosis;
  7. Kidney.Lower back pain often accompanies diseases of these organs.Pyelonephritis, kidney prolapse, kidney failure, urolithiasis, amyloidosis, lupus nephritis, etc.;
  8. Excess weight increases the load on the spine and leads to its gradual destruction;
  9. Tuberculous tissue damage;
  10. Ankylosing spondylitis;
  11. Inflammation of the lower back muscles as a result of a viral or bacterial infection;
  12. malignant tumors that develop or metastasize in the lower back;
  13. Benign formations that grow on or compress nerve fibers;
  14. Spinal epidural abscess.Purulent inflammation of the spinal column;
  15. Abdominal or pelvic adhesions after surgery.This is the proliferation of connective tissue during the healing process of wounds after surgery.For example, adhesion of the intestine to organs or the abdominal wall after laparotomy;
  16. Hypothermia, stress, poor nutrition, injury;
  17. Due to other diseases.

"Improper posture is the main reason why a child may have back pain."

Types of back pain in the lumbar region

Pain is the body's mental and physiological reaction to severe irritation of nerve endings in organs and tissues.Pain is the most common reason patients go to the hospital and is usually the first sign and warning sign of illness.Pain is a sign of damage, which promotes defensive (for example, muscle spasms that limit the mobility of the affected body part when a nerve is pinched) and compensatory mechanisms of the body (for example, fibrosis in the last stage of osteochondrosis).There are different classifications of pain.

back pain in the lumbar region

Based on the location of the sensation, the reasons why the lower back hurts so much can be divided into 2 types: primary and secondary (reflected, projected).In the first case, pain is caused by damage to the locomotor system as a result of degenerative changes (such as osteochondrosis) or trauma.In the second case, it is caused by a pathology (for example, cholecystitis radiating to the lower back) that is not directly connected to the spine and muscles of the lumbar region, so it can be very multifaceted.

The nature of the pain is constant (otherwise chronic) and periodic (otherwise acute).The first type is associated with irreversible processes of circulatory disorders, nerve damage or damage to the musculoskeletal system.Eliminating the source of persistent pain is usually difficult or impossible.The second type includes acute organ diseases, injuries and individual physiological characteristics of the body.Intermittent pain disappears after the cause is eliminated.

We refer to pain if the sensations do not coincide with the real source of the pain (the original source, the place of damage).For example, pain radiating into the leg when nerve roots are compressed in the lumbosacral spine is called projection.And after damage to the internal organs, pain occurs, so-called referred pain, which is localized in a certain dermatome according to the Zakharyin-Ged zones.

According to localization, the pain can be somatic superficial (skin damage), somatic deep (disorders of the locomotor system and tissues), visceral (damage to internal organs).

Depending on the nerves involved, the pain can be neuropathic, when the peripheral nerves are damaged, or central, when the central nervous system is damaged.

Diseases characterized by chronic back pain

Here they are:

  1. Intervertebral osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is one of the most common causes of lower back pain.It is a complex disease consisting of inflammation and tissue destruction, compression of nerves and blood vessels.You have extensive symptoms;
  2. Lumbago.Shooting pain in lower back.In most cases, it is the result of osteochondrosis and its complication - disc herniation.Therefore, the treatment is similar;
  3. Osteoporosis.A chronic progressive metabolic disease of the bones, in which their bone density decreases and their fragility increases.In other words, thinning of the bones.It is the leading cause of hip fractures in older people.The disease deforms the skeleton, joints and cartilage.It is typical for women during menopause.Osteoporosis risk assessment: Everyone who has ever broken a bone with minor force (e.g. vertebra, hip) must be assessed.
  4. Scoliosis.The curvature of the spine, which results in asymmetry of the shoulders, poor posture, damage to the movement functions of the skeleton, protruding ribs on the left or right side;
  5. Rheumatoid arthritis.Women are more prone to the disease.It most often develops during menopause.It is a systemic chronic disease that affects the muscles, ligaments and cartilage in the degenerative-dystrophic process.The causes of the disease are autoimmune processes;
  6. Ankylosing spondylitis or ankylosing spondylitis.A disease with a progressive decrease in joint mobility.It is more common in men.It is a chronic inflammation of the joints that leads to fibrosis, i.e. the proliferation of connective tissue.It is mainly localized in the spine.It is accompanied by pain, eye damage and reduced growth.It leads to a complete loss of joint mobility;
  7. Spondylosis.A chronic disease of the spine, which manifests itself in changes in the fibrous tissue of the intervertebral space and the formation of spinal bone growths (spondylophytes or osteophytes) on the sides of the vertebrae.More often it is a consequence of old age;
  8. Phlebothrombosis.Partial or complete blockage in the deep veins of the leg due to blood clots.It is formed by a simultaneous combination of 3 factors: pathology of the walls of blood vessels, thickening and slowing of blood flow.Long-term wearing of high-heeled shoes increases the risk of developing pathology.Phlebothrombosis is extremely dangerous because it is practically asymptomatic until the severe stage;
  9. Thrombophlebitis.Partial or complete cessation of blood circulation in the superficial veins due to blood clot formation caused by pathological changes resulting from inflammation of the vein.Most often, the disease is a consequence of varicose veins.Phlebothrombosis can be a further development of this disease;
  10. Arteriosclerosis.Slowing or stopping of blood flow in a blood vessel due to cholesterol plaques.The disease is characteristic of older men;
  11. Osteomyelitis.Purulent-necrotic process in bones, bone marrow and surrounding tissues.The cause is a bacterial infection.The patient's condition worsens over several days.requires immediate treatment;
  12. Different leg lengths.More than 3 cm.The disease develops due to atrophy of the muscles of one of the legs.
spinal damage as a cause of low back pain

These diseases and many others are the reason why the lower back hurts constantly.All of them require urgent and serious treatment.However, it is often symptomatic and aims to slow down the further development of the disease.

What to do if your lower back hurts

"If you have low back pain on a regular basis, this is a sign that you should take it seriously and get it checked out urgently."

In case of sudden onset of pain, the cause of which is not clear, the body temperature should be measured and the symptoms should be recorded.Examples include vomiting, diarrhea, coating on the tongue, nature and location of pain, etc.Lie on a firm bed or mat and place thick pillows under your knees, head, and torso.If the pain does not subside for a long time, call a doctor.And in any case, you have to undergo an examination.

In case the cause of the pain is known.For example, in the case of a bruise or sprain of the lower back, first aid is provided with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (tablets or better ointments).To reduce swelling, you can take a diuretic once and wrap your lower back with an orthopedic belt or towel to limit mobility.

Exercises that can help relieve pain:

  1. Relaxation.Lie down on the mat.Place a thick pillow under your torso and head, and a low chair or nightstand under your knees.Relax completely.This helps the body assume the most natural position for the spine;
  2. Smooth stretching of the lumbosacral region.Carefully and gently lie on your stomach on the table and place your hands on it to bend with minimal strain on your back.You can also tighten your abdominal muscles.Position yourself so that your sink is on the edge of the table.In other words, approach the table until your hips touch it and lie down.Completely relax the muscles of the back, buttocks and legs.Half of the body hangs from the table in a relaxed state.In this state, take a deep diaphragmatic (abdominal) breath and hold your breath for 3-5 seconds, then exhale slowly.Take 7-10 breaths like this.Then gently rise up, supporting yourself with your hands and abs, with minimal tension on the lower back.You can repeat the exercise several times;
  3. Relief of the lumbosacral region.Get on all fours.The hands are shoulder width apart and perpendicular to them.The legs are wider than the shoulders.The back should remain in a natural position without arching or arching.In this position, take a deep diaphragmatic inhalation, then exhale as much as possible and imagine how the navel extends towards the spine.At the end of exhalation, hold for 2-3 seconds, while tightening the muscles of the buttocks and hips, but not the lower back!Then relax.Take 7-10 such breaths and 2-3 sets of exercises;
lower back exercises

What not to do if your back hurts:

  • Warming up.This can increase inflammation and make the situation worse;
  • Taking painkillers without an established diagnosis.Pain is the body's defense mechanism.There may be no pain, but this does not mean that the degenerative changes have stopped;
  • Adjust the bones yourself or even without a chiropractor examination and diagnosis.Regular adjustment of the vertebrae further injures the spine.Vertebral displacement does not always occur as a result of injury.For example, in advanced osteochondrosis.

"The underlying disease must be treated first, then its symptoms."

Determining the cause of a common symptom such as lower back pain may require extensive examination and consultation with various specialists: neurologist, vertebrologist, gynecologist, etc.If it is not clear which specialist to consult, consult a therapist.The most common testing procedures are:

  1. Consideration of patient complaints, examination of joint mobility, assessment of the extent of degenerative changes;
  2. General analysis of urine and blood;
  3. biochemical blood test;
  4. x-ray examination of the lumbar vertebrae;
  5. Ultrasound of the heart and abdominal organs;
  6. Doppler ultrasound - examination of blood vessels;
  7. CT or MRI.

Treatment of lower back pain

Treatment depends on the diagnosis, because there is no single cure for every disease.This article lists some common names for medications commonly used to treat low back pain.However, it is strongly recommended that you do not self-medicate and take any medication only after consulting your doctor.

tablets for lower back pain

Drug treatment for low back pain is aimed at reducing inflammation and relieving pain.And for this purpose, the following types of drugs are used:

  1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  2. Muscle relaxants;
  3. Narcotic pain relievers;
  4. corticosteroids;
  5. blockades;
  6. Minerals and vitamins.

The best tools for pain relief are ointments, creams and gels:

  • NSAIDs;
  • Ointments containing diclofenac;
  • Combined medicines;
  • Anti-inflammatory ointments;
  • Medicinal plasters.

Symptomatic therapy is only used for incurable diseases.Modern medicine uses a comprehensive approach to the treatment of low back pain.Vitamins B1, B6, B12 are added to NSAIDs.It has been proven that the use of high therapeutic doses of B vitamins enhances the effect of NSAIDs due to better recovery of nerve tissue.Thus, the optimal addition to NSAIDs is a combined vitamin preparation.Therefore, in order to combat the pain most effectively, drug treatment begins with daily injections for 7-10 days.Physiotherapy procedures, exercise therapy, massage, etc. are added to this.Thus, the most effective and longest-term treatment is achieved.

Prevention

Prevention of lower back pain is as follows:

  • Regular physical activity, keeping the body in good shape, developing the muscular skeleton.If it is not possible to do sports, 15-minute therapeutic exercises 2-3 times a day help to avoid the disease;
  • Pay attention to your posture;
  • Less stress, more fruits and vegetables.Strong immunity saves you from many diseases;
  • A properly balanced diet that includes essential minerals and vitamins;
  • An annual preventive examination by a doctor is the best prevention for early detection of diseases;
  • Support of water-salt balance.The human body needs 1.5-4 liters of water per day, depending on body weight, weather and activity.