Recommend
Official site Optimove

Lower back hurts

When the lower back hurts, a person's life becomes miserable because of the colossal discomfort it causes.Meanwhile, there is no person whose lumbar pain was not a symptom that appeared at least once in their life.Lower back pain can occur for a variety of reasons and in different ways.In its manifestations, the pain is sudden and increasing, bursting and painful.However, there is a common feature - if left untreated, it will get worse.

Causes of back pain in the lumbar region

The human spine is exposed to stress of varying intensity every day, 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 harming itself, which is why it gets microtraumas.It should be noted that the lumbosacral spine is often subject to overload.In addition, there are a number of other reasons why your lower back may hurt.These include infections, genetics, organ damage, etc.

lower back pain when sitting

Why does the lower back hurt (female causes):

  1. Inflammatory diseases manifest as pain in the lower back or give complications that lead to this symptom:
    1. Vulvitis – inflammation of the external genitalia;
    2. Colpitis – inflammation of the vaginal mucosa;
    3. Adnexitis – inflammation of uterine appendages;
  2. During pregnancy, the load on the spine in general, and especially on the lower back, is particularly increased.As a rule, the lower back stops hurting after childbirth.It should also be noted that during pregnancy there may be an incentive for the development of mature disease;
  3. Abortion.The procedure damages the internal membranes, which leads to local inflammation.In addition, abortion is accompanied by serious psychological stress;
  4. Pain during menstruation or, scientifically speaking, algodimenorrhea.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 pain in the stomach and lower back;
  5. Climax.Problems with the hormonal balance in the body can lead to poor circulation of organs in the pelvic area.Because of this, bone density decreases and osteoporosis develops;
  6. Suspiciousness.Although this quality is common to both sexes, in the vast majority of cases it is characteristic of women;
  7. Large breast size;
  8. High heels and carrying a heavy bag can also cause lower back pain.

Why does the lower back hurt (male causes):

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

Why does the lower back hurt (common causes):

Pain in the lower back can occur due to many pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.However, in addition to diseases that affect the spine (spondyloarthrosis, osteochondrosis, osteoporosis, osteomyelitis...) and injuries, there are many causes:

  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% - multiple environmental factors, in -≈9% - multiple factors.In most cases there is no treatment, sometimes surgical correction is acceptable;
  2. Appendicitis.Inflammation of the vermiform appendix (appendix) causes sudden sharp pain in the abdomen, which may radiate to the lumbar region;
  3. Cholecystitis.Pain in the lower back can be a consequence of inflammation of the gallbladder;
  4. Acute pancreatitis.Inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by pain in the waist;
  5. Cystitis.Bladder inflammation causes discomfort in the pelvic region;
  6. Diseases of the small intestine, due to the proximity of the nerve fibers of the lumbosacral region, can cause pain in this area.Enteritis (gastroenteritis, enterocolitis, gastroenterocolitis), intestinal enzymopathies, diverticulosis;
  7. Kidneys.Pain in the lower back 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 muscles of the lower back 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 nerve fibers or compress them;
  14. Spinal epidural abscess.Purulent inflammation of the spinal space;
  15. Abdominal or pelvic adhesions after surgery.It is the proliferation of connective tissue during the healing process of postoperative wounds.For example, intestinal adhesions to organs or the abdominal wall after laparotomy;
  16. Hypothermia, stress, poor nutrition, injuries;
  17. Due to other diseases.

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

Types of back pain in the lumbar region

Pain is a mental and physiological reaction of the body to strong irritation of nerve nodes in organs and tissues.Pain is the most common reason for patients to go to the hospital, and it is often the first sign of illness and warns of it.Pain is a signal of damage that helps to trigger protective (for example, muscle spasm to limit the mobility of the affected part of the body when the nerve is pinched) and compensatory body mechanisms (for example, fibrosis in the last stage of osteochondrosis).There are many 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 musculoskeletal system as a result of degenerative changes (for example, osteochondrosis) or trauma.In the second case, it is caused by a pathology (for example, cholecystitis that radiates to the lower back) that is not directly related to the spine and the muscles of the lumbar part, so it can be very diverse.

The nature of 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.As a rule, removing the source of persistent pain is complicated or impossible.The second type includes acute organic diseases, injuries and individual physiological characteristics of the body.Periodic pain disappears after removing the cause.

Referred pain is when sensations do not match the true source of pain (original source, site of damage).For example, pain that radiates into the leg, when the nerve roots are compressed in the lumbosacral spine, is called projected.And after damage to internal organs, pain occurs, called referred pain, which is localized in a certain dermatome in accordance with the Zakharyin-Ged zones.

Depending on the location, the pain can be somatic superficial (damage to the skin), somatic deep (disorders of the musculoskeletal system and tissues), visceral (damage to organs inside the body).

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

Diseases characterized by chronic low back pain

here they are:

  1. Intervertebral osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is one of the most common causes of pain in the lower back.This is a complex disease consisting of inflammation and tissue destruction, compression of nerves and blood vessels.It has extensive symptoms;
  2. Lumbago.Shooting pain in lower back.In most cases, it is a consequence of osteochondrosis and its complication - disc herniation.Therefore, the treatment is similar;
  3. Osteoporosis.Chronic progressive metabolic disease of bones, in which their density decreases and fragility increases.In other words, bone thinning.It is the leading cause of hip fractures in older people.The disease deforms the skeleton, joints and cartilage.Typical for women during menopause.Osteoporosis risk assessment: Anyone who has ever fractured a bone (eg, vertebra, hip) with minor force should be assessed;
  4. Scoliosis.Curvature of the spine, resulting in shoulder asymmetry, poor posture, impaired skeletal motor function, protruding ribs on the left or right side;
  5. Rheumatoid arthritis.Women are more susceptible to this disease.It most often develops during menopause.This is a systemic chronic disease that involves muscles, ligaments and cartilage in a degenerative-dystrophic process.The causes of the disease are autoimmune processes;
  6. Ankylosing spondylitis or ankylosing spondylitis.A disease with progressive loss of joint mobility.More common in men.This is a chronic inflammation of the joints that leads to fibrosis - that is, the proliferation of connective tissue.Mostly localized in the spine.Accompanied by pain, eye damage and reduced growth.It leads to a complete loss of joint mobility;
  7. Spondylosis.Chronic disease of the spine, which is manifested by 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 the result of age;
  8. Phlebothrombosis.Partial or complete blockage of deep leg veins due to blood clots.It develops with the simultaneous combination of 3 factors: pathology of blood vessel walls, thickening and slowing of blood flow.Long-term wearing of high heels increases the risk of developing pathology.Phlebothrombosis is extremely dangerous because it is practically asymptomatic until the serious stage;
  9. Thrombophlebitis.Partial or complete cessation of blood circulation in superficial veins due to the formation of blood clots caused by pathological changes in the vein as a result of its inflammation.Most often, the disease is a consequence of varicose veins.Phlebothrombosis can be a further development of this disease;
  10. Atherosclerosis.Slowing or stopping blood flow in a vessel due to cholesterol plaques.The disease is typical for 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 lower back pain

These and many other diseases are the reason why the lower back constantly hurts.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 occasional lower back pain, this is a signal that you should take it seriously and undergo an urgent examination."

In the case of sudden pain, the cause of which is unclear, it is necessary to measure the body temperature and observe the symptoms.Such as vomiting, diarrhea, tongue coating, nature and location of pain, etc.Lie on a hard bed or carpet, placing thick pillows under your knees, head and torso.If the pain does not stop for a long time, call a doctor.And in any case, it is necessary to undergo an examination.

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

Exercises that can help relieve pain:

  1. Relaxation.Lie down on the carpet.Place a thick pillow under your torso and head, and a low chair or bedside table under your knees.Relax completely.This will help the body to assume the most natural position for the spine;
  2. Smooth stretching of the lumbosacral region.Gently and carefully lie stomach down on the table, rest 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 at the very edge of the table.In other words, walk up to 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 breath through your diaphragm (belly) and hold your breath for 3-5 seconds, then slowly exhale.Take 7-10 breaths in this manner.Then carefully lift yourself up, using your arms and abdominal muscles, with minimal tension in your lower back.You can repeat the exercise several times;
  3. Relief of the lumbosacral region.Get on all fours.Hands are shoulder-width apart and perpendicular to them.Legs wider than shoulders.The back should remain in a natural position without bending or bending.In this position, take a deep breath through the diaphragm and then exhale as much as possible, imagining the navel extending 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.Do 7-10 such breaths and 2-3 series of exercises;
exercises for lower back pain

What not to do if your lower back hurts:

  • Warm up.This can increase inflammation and make the situation worse;
  • Take painkillers without an established diagnosis.Pain is the body's defense mechanism.There may be no pain, but that doesn't mean the degenerative changes have stopped;
  • Set the bones yourself or even at a chiropractor without examination and diagnosis.Regular adjustment of the vertebrae will further injure the spine.Vertebral displacement does not always occur as a result of an injury.In the case, for example, of advanced osteochondrosis.

"You have to treat the underlying disease first, then the symptoms."

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

  1. Consideration of patient complaints, examination of joint mobility, assessment of the degree 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 just a few common names of medications that are often used to treat lower back pain.However, it is strongly recommended that you do not engage in self-medication and take any medication only after consulting a doctor.

tablets for lower back pain

Treatment for lower back pain aims to relieve inflammation and pain.And for this purpose, the following types of drugs are used:

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

Some of the best pain relievers are ointments, creams and gels:

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

Symptomatic therapy is used only for incurable diseases.Modern medicine has a comprehensive approach to treating lower back pain.Vitamins B1, B6, B12 are added to NSAIDs.It has been proven that the use of high therapeutic doses of vitamin B enhances the action of NSAIDs due to improved regeneration of nerve tissue.Therefore, the optimal addition to NSAIDs is a combined vitamin drug.Therefore, for the most effective pain control, treatment with this drug begins with daily injections for 7-10 days.Physiotherapy procedures, exercise, massage, etc. are added to this.This results in the most effective and long-lasting treatment.

Prevention

Prevention of lower back pain is as follows:

  • Regular physical activity, keeping the body in good shape, developing the muscular frame.If it is not possible to do sports, then 15-minute therapeutic exercises 2-3 times a day will help you not to get sick;
  • Watch your posture;
  • Less stress, more fruits and vegetables.Strong immunity saves you from many diseases;
  • A proper balanced diet containing essential minerals and vitamins;
  • An annual preventive check-up with a doctor is the best prevention for detecting the disease at an early stage;
  • Support of water and salt balance.The human body needs from 1.5 to 4 liters of water per day, depending on body weight, weather and activity.