According to statistics, almost every second person in middle and old age comes to see a doctor with complaints of back pain in the lumbar region. Up to 80% of people experience such unpleasant sensations at least once in their lives.
All over the world, pain in the lumbar spine leads to the fact that a person loses mobility, undergoes long-term treatment and has to limit his usual activities.
Causes of back pain
There are many different causes and factors that cause back pain, especially often in the lower back. Some diseases are more common, others are quite rare, but it is important to consult a doctor in time to determine the real cause and help relieve the pain.
Muscle and ligament injuries
One of the causes of low back pain is tension and damage to the muscles and ligaments that support the back. The pain is usually localized to the muscles that run next to the spine and may be associated with spasms in these muscles. Painful sensations can move to the buttocks, and very rarely - down the legs.
Herniated disc
A herniated disc is characterized by prolapse of the inner part of the disc towards the spinal canal, which often causes severe and unbearable back pain in the lumbar region. A misplaced and damaged disc in the lumbar region forms a herniation when it ruptures. The reason is that the structure of the disc deteriorates (aging) to such an extent that the cartilage shell is completely cracked, disintegrated and the solid gel (nucleus pulposus) inside. the disc is pushed out into the spinal canal. A herniated disc puts pressure on the spinal nerves, often causing pain.
Disc degeneration and aging (osteochondrosis)
Intervertebral discs are strong, elastic cartilage shock absorbers between the vertebrae. As a result of the aging process, the intervertebral disc begins to shrink, lose its elasticity, and flatten. When osteochondrosis is present, pain occurs along the spine, most often in the lower back, which requires treatment.
Not everyone with disc degeneration experiences back pain. However, in those who have ruled out all other possible back problems, the pain may be caused by degenerative changes in the disc (osteochondrosis).
Spondyloarthrosis (osteoarthrosis of intervertebral joints)
Not long ago, it was believed that osteoarthritis was caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. However, scientists now consider it a joint disease. Factors such as genetics, weight, injury, sedentary lifestyle, excessive pressure on the back and other factors are believed to contribute to this process. Spondyloarthrosis is one of the common diseases that cause back pain.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal itself or a decrease in the lumen of the opening through which the spinal nerves leave the spinal column. This condition usually develops with age, against the background of significant degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structure of the spine and leads to a significant pain syndrome that is difficult to treat with the possibility of disability development.
Spondylolysis
This term refers to a congenital or acquired condition, crack, crack or fracture due to stress on one of the vertebrae. In some cases, a stress fracture weakens the bone so that it cannot maintain its proper position in the spine. The spine begins to shift or slide, causing back pain especially in the lower back.
Osteoporosis
Today, osteoporosis is an urgent problem for most women over 50 and some men. This is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone tissue without having time to create new, young bone. Against the background of the loss of bone tissue, its rarity and fragility arise, due to which it loses its strength and the vertebrae can break from a fall or an awkward movement, lifting a heavy object. In some cases, back pain can be caused by osteoporosis itself, even without a vertebral fracture.
Pressure
When it comes to back pain, stress is one of the common factors that can trigger back pain. When stressed, muscles become tighter and spasms occur, making it difficult to move the lower back and causing pain.
Other factors
Certain conditions can also contribute to back pain, including:
- infection with bone destruction (osteomyelitis),
- malignant oncology, especially if metastases have occurred in the spinal bones,
- psoriasis, especially with arthritis,
- fibromyalgia.
Sometimes lower back pain is referred to, that is, it occurs against the background of pathology in other organs and tissues, but is felt in the spine:
- urinary tract infection,
- diseases of the abdominal organs, kidneys, and pelvic organs.
Postural problems
Back pain usually occurs as a result of strenuous daily activities. Often, back pain, especially in the lower back, can be caused by poor posture and weak abdominal muscles. These are exactly the areas that need to be addressed and strengthened to relieve discomfort and prevent pain from returning in the future.
But how do the abdominal muscles affect the lower back? It's easy. The body is a single muscle corset that supports the body, and if the muscles in the front (stomach) are weak, guess which one receives the increased load? It is true that the lumbar muscles in the back of the lower body suffer more than others. Weak abdominal muscles eventually create additional tension around the back, which strains the psoas muscle, causing pain. Most people with chronic back pain can reduce it by strengthening their core muscles. Doing a set of exercises every day can improve the situation.
Back pain during pregnancy
For the first time, women may experience lower back pain when carrying a baby. This is due to changes in the center of gravity, changes in posture and increased deflection of the spine in the lumbar region. This condition is not dangerous, but can later cause changes in posture, muscle tension, and pinched nerves. To prevent back problems or reduce discomfort when pain in the spine, especially in the lower back, has already occurred, treatment involves wearing supportive bandages, comfortable low-heeled shoes and frequent side-lying rest.
The type of sensation for back pain in the lumbar region
Back pain can be acute if it occurs suddenly and lasts no more than 2-3 weeks. If the sensation lasts for months, or even years, this is already a chronic pain syndrome. According to the sensations that arise, we can distinguish:
- The pain is severe, burning, sharp and almost unbearable. It is typical for hernia, radiculitis, lumbago (back lumbago).
- Dull, aching, bursting or vague pain. It often occurs with injury, inflammation or muscle strain, or problems with the soft tissue that surrounds the spine.
- Chronic pain can be of a different nature; with an uncomfortable movement or position, it usually increases to a burning, aching or burning sensation. When resting, wearing a corset, or certain body positions, they become weak.
Diagnosis of back pain
To determine the cause of the pain, your doctor may prescribe:
- A set of laboratory tests to exclude inflammatory processes and pathologies of internal organs.
- X-ray of the spine (often in two projections: direct and lateral). This helps to identify bone abnormalities, deformation of vertebrae and joints.
- Computer optical topography of the spine to assess postural disorders, determine the degree of spinal deformity, and pelvic distortion.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is the most frequently prescribed and informative method for diagnosing diseases of the spine. MRI can detect damage to intervertebral discs, joints, spinal cord, vertebrae and other structures.
- ENMG (electroneuromyography) - to assess the state of neuromuscular transmission, nerve and muscle function.
Treatment of pain in the lumbar spine
A set of procedures for the treatment of back pain is prescribed by the doctor individually and may include:
- Painkillers, decongestants and anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and vitamins (tablets, ointments, injections, droppers);
- physiotherapeutic techniques (intrastitial electrical stimulation, carboxy and ozone therapy, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, amplipulse therapy);
- kinesio recording,
- massage, manual therapy and osteopathy;
- acupuncture;
- physical therapy and other methods.
In difficult cases, if there is no effect of conservative therapy, surgical treatment may be indicated. This can be an operation to replace a disc, remove a hernia, fusion of vertebrae (fusion of the spine), vertebroplasty, etc.
Prevent back pain
To prevent the appearance and development of back pain, it is necessary to monitor your posture, immediately see a specialist at the first appearance of back pain, regularly undergo preventive procedures on the recommendation of a doctor, lead an active lifestyle, engage in special physical exercises, and, if possible, avoid activitiesphysical and excessive injuries.
Which doctor should I contact?
If you have back pain, especially in your lower back, you should see a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, consultation with a physiotherapist, neurosurgeon or urologist, gynecologist may be necessary.
Frequently asked questions
How to determine whether your back or kidneys hurt?
There are often situations when the spine mimics kidney disease and vice versa, when kidney disease masquerades as spine pathology. To clarify the cause of pain, it is necessary to consult a doctor and, if necessary, conduct additional examinations.
What is the best position to sleep if you have back pain?
If you suffer from lower back pain, it is recommended to sleep on a medium-hard mattress in a side-lying position, in the so-called "fetal position. "
Can lower back pain occur due to gynecological diseases?
yes. Some gynecological diseases (inflammation, neoplasms, etc. ) can cause referred pain in the lower back.
Is it possible to do exercise therapy if you have severe back pain?
If there is severe pain in the lower back, at the first stage of treatment it is recommended to first achieve pain reduction and only then start doing active therapeutic exercises.
Can exercise cause back pain?
Yes maybe. Especially when practicing traumatic sports, not complying with the requirements for safe training, and also without pre-warming.