Back problems are very common. According to statistics, more than 30% of the population is faced with pain. About 80% of them suffer from pain of varying intensity throughout their entire adult life.
Pain in the lumbar region is more common than in other segments of the spine. This is due to the fact that the lower back has the greatest load, and the risk of developing pathological processes in this area is higher. Pain in the lumbar region can be associated not only with diseases of the spine, but also with pathologies of internal organs. Before treating back pain, it is important to find out how it develops.
Causes of the pain syndrome
90% of lumbar spine pain is associated with congenital and acquired vertebral diseases.
The most common causes are:
- osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region;
- protrusions and intervertebral hernias;
- spondylosis;
- spondyloarthrosis.
Congenital anomalies that cause pain:
- irregular shape of the vortex processes;
- splitting of the vertebrae;
- congenital curvature of the spine.
Neurological causes of loin pain:
- compression of nerve roots;
- Lumboischialgia (occurs when the sciatic nerve is damaged);
- Multiple sclerosis.
Pain in the lower back can be reflective and symptomatic of non-spinal disorders:
- Urinary tract and genital infections;
- kidney disease;
- nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis (stones in the kidneys and bladder);
- Tumors in the gastrointestinal tract;
- hemorrhoids;
- neoplasms in the uterus in women;
- radiculitis;
- as a complication after previous virus infections.
Sometimes severe back pain in the lumbar region occurs against the background of physiological changes:
- during menstruation;
- after the birth;
- during pregnancy;
- as a result of rapid weight gain.
The provoking factors for lower back pain can be:
- hypothermia;
- weakening of the immune system and the body against the background of infectious lesions;
- irregular physical activity;
- work related to a long stay in a sitting position (office workers, vehicle drivers);
- excessive stress, which leads to compression fractures of the spine, tears and stretching of the back muscles;
- weight training (bodybuilding, bodybuilding, shot put);
- inappropriate nutrition - lack of vitamins and elements necessary for bone tissue (phosphorus, calcium, fluoride), excessive consumption of high-calorie foods;
- curvature of the spine (stooping, kyphosis, scoliosis);
- Stressful situations - persistent nervous tension worsens a number of chronic diseases and weakens the body.
Determination of the type of pain
Back pain in the lumbar spine can be of different types:
- acute pain (last up to a month and a half);
- subacute (from one and a half to three months);
- chronic (more than three months).
Types of pain:
- Not specific - there is no clear localization of the pain sensations and the reasons for their occurrence.
- Specific - is a symptom of certain diseases (tumors, hernias, osteoporosis).
Acute pain in the lower back, usually suddenly, occurs in the form of lumbar "lumbago" (lumbago). Pain can radiate to the buttocks, lower extremities, and other parts of the body, mimicking certain diseases.
Depending on what caused the pain in the lumbar spine, it can be of different types (stinging, cutting, pressing, breaking, pain).
At the beginning of the development of the pathological process, the pain is often not pronounced. The patient may feel uncomfortable in the affected area, a feeling of "goose bumps" on the skin. Gradually the symptoms increase and become more pronounced.
Watch out!It is very important not to delay the visit of a specialist. If not treated in a timely manner, the pain will increase, and in the future there may be signs of a disruption in the work of other organs and systems (sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, paresis, restriction in motor activity).
Effective treatments
Before starting any treatment for back pain, you must see a vertebrate or neurologist. He will try to find out the cause of the pain and prescribe the necessary examinations. If necessary, send to other specialists (gastroenterologist, gynecologist, urologist) for consultation.
In addition to questioning the patient and performing a visual examination, it is recommended to make the diagnosis using instrumental methods:
- radiography;
- CT;
- MRI;
- electromyelography.
In addition, a general blood and urine test as well as sampling of material for histological examination may be required.
The following conditions require immediate medical attention:
- for the first time and sudden onset of intense pain in the lower back;
- irradiation of pain in the lower leg and foot, a combination of pain with numbness of the thigh, leg;
- history of trauma;
- urinary and fecal incontinence;
- duration of pain longer than 3 days;
- Presence of an oncological disease;
- Loss of appetite and dramatic weight loss;
- chills and fever;
- presence of bacterial infections;
- Inability to self-service due to pain.
In most cases, pain in the lumbar spine occurs due to damage to the vertebral structures. The cause must be eliminated. The treatment approach must be comprehensive.
Medicines
Medicines are first used to relieve back pain. The doctor prescribes several groups of drugs in the form of injections, tablets, ointments.
Without finding out the cause of the pain, prescribing certain medications (such as NSAIDs or analgesics) can only make the situation worse.
For spinal disorders, it is recommended to use NSAIDs and analgesics to help relieve pain and inflammation.
Muscle cramps are relieved by short-term (up to 5 days) intramuscular or oral administration of muscle relaxants.
The use of ointments for back pain is effective as an additional treatment for back problems. They relieve pain, reduce inflammation and have a warming effect. Ointments are anti-inflammatory, analgesic, combined, irritant, chondroprotective. External remedies should be prescribed by a doctor based on the therapeutic effect that is to be achieved.
Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to provide quick relief from very severe pain. Drugs are injected directly into the lesion. The course of such treatment should not exceed 2-3 injections.
Drug-free therapy
To restore the lower back and strengthen the result of drug therapy, the following measures are recommended:
- massage;
- manual therapy;
- movement therapy;
- reflexology;
- yoga;
- Physiotherapy and other influence methods.
These methods improve blood supply to problem areas, strengthen muscle tissue and ligaments, make them more elastic and relieve pain. Medical interventions cannot be performed independently without the supervision of a specialist. A certain charging mode must be observed.
Helpful hints
Tips:
- With back pain, physical activity should be significantly reduced, and it is better to ensure rest during the first two days of an attack.
- Prolonged bed rest is not recommended in the absence of fractures, high fever, or other exacerbating symptoms. Moderate activity always benefits the spine.
- Taking painkillers is best for unbearable pain. It is better to protect the gastrointestinal tract as much as possible from the effects of drugs.
- It is better to sleep in the fetal position. To relieve the strain on your lower back, you can place a pillow between your legs.
- If you have lower back problems, it is advisable to walk as often as possible to warm up while you work, which requires prolonged sitting.
Prevention of back pain
Pain is a symptom of a malfunction in the body. In order to avoid problems with the lower back, it is necessary to prevent the appearance of provoking factors as much as possible.
The preventive measures include:
- Regular moderate exercise. Physical education should last at least half an hour a day. It is useful to do yoga, swimming, and morning exercise.
- Compliance with the drinking regime. You need to drink up to 2 liters of fluids per day. Most of this should be in the first half of the day. After 8 p. m. , it's best not to drink any fluids at all.
- Eat right. Significantly reduce your intake of fatty, high-calorie foods. Better to use cooked and steamed dishes.
- A routine check-up should be carried out at least once a year.
- 2 times a year for a therapeutic massage.
Pain in the lumbar spine is a signal that there is a problem in the body. The causes of pain can be many. You can not stop it immediately with anesthetic pills, you need to contact a specialist and get an examination. After all, the problem can be hidden not only in the spine, but also in the disruption of the work of other organs and systems. The earlier the cause of the pain is identified and treated, the higher the chance of recovery.