The lower back is called the lower back - from the area where the ribs end to the coccyx (the lowest protruding vertebrae).Most often, when a person has "back pain", we are talking about the lower back.And if 20 years ago pain in the lower part of the back tormented mainly elderly people, now even very young patients turn to specialists for help with their backs.
Why does the lower back suffer so often?The fact is that the center of gravity of the human body is located exactly at the level of the lumbar part of the spine, and it carries almost the entire load when walking.This is one of the disadvantages of upright walking - vertebrates that move on 4 limbs do not have such problems.
Causes of lower back pain - what you need to know
Statistical studies tell us the following about the frequency of causative factors for lower back pain:
- 91% of calls are problems with the spine and the muscular framework of the back.
- 5% of complaints refer to diseases of the urinary system.
- 4% - pathologies of other organs (reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract).
Types of lower back pain
Often, back problems appear unexpectedly - like a bolt from the blue.Such acute pain in the lower back is called "lumbago", and earlier you could hear the term "lumbago".The name itself speaks of the sharp, bursting nature of the sensations.During an attack of lumbago, any movement only increases the torture, and the patient involuntarily finds himself in a tight position, freezing in one position.Lumbago lasts for a few minutes and then disappears.
If the pain is of a long-lasting and painful nature, then we are talking about lumbonia.These are low-intensity, but constant painful sensations in the lumbar region, which intensify during physical activity or hypothermia.
And there is also a condition when there is no pain in the back itself, but the person feels stiffness and discomfort.In this case, additional diagnostics by an expert is required.Depending on how lower back pain manifests itself, treatment approaches differ.
Lower back pain as a symptom of disease?
Back pain itself can signal very different pathological conditions, and often understanding the real cause is not so easy.
For example, there is such a thing as dislocated pain.It indicates a situation in which the back hurts in the right, left or lower part of the back - and the person thinks that the cause of his pain is in the spine.However, after research, it turned out that one of the internal organs (kidneys, intestines or organs of the reproductive system) is to blame.The human body is very complex and confusing.Let's look at some possible causes of lumbar back discomfort.
Musculoskeletal disorders that cause lower back pain
The link between spinal disease and lower back pain is direct and unequivocal.It was mentioned earlier that spinal pathologies are the most common cause of back pain and account for more than 90% of all visits.
Protrusions and herniations of intervertebral discs are rightfully in the first place in terms of frequency.In such destructive pathologies, the intervertebral disc initially moves slightly outwards, prolapses (disc protrusion), and as the disease progresses, the integrity of the disc is impaired so that the inner part (nucleus pulposus) comes out of the surrounding fibrous ring.
Protrusions most often occur due to traumatic disc damage or osteochondrosis.
Another painful consequence of osteochondrosis is compression and pinching of the sciatic nerve.The pain is sharp and shooting - lumbago.
As a result of this compression, the nerve can become inflamed.The general name of such a disease is radiculitis, and if the inflammation refers to the sciatic nerve, then it is designated by the more specific term "sciatica".Sciatica pain is concentrated in the lumbar region and spreads to the buttocks and thigh along the sciatic nerve.
Now about the disease that leads to the development of all of the above - osteochondrosis.Pain in the lower back with osteochondrosis is a sharp shooting or dull pain.With the development of the disease (2nd and 3rd degree), neurological symptoms appear - numbness, a feeling of pins and needles in the lower extremities.In the morning, a person is tormented by a feeling of stiffness.The work of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and reproductive system is disturbed.
The main goal in the treatment of osteochondrosis is to relieve pain and stop the destruction of vertebrae and intervertebral discs.It is important to understand that the earlier you start treatment, the better the prognosis.
Pain in the kidneys, urinary tract and lower back
You may have heard.that the pain in the lower back is the result of diseased kidneys.In some cases this is indeed true.We recommend that you consult a urologist if you are concerned about the following symptoms:
- Frequent painful urination, change in urine color.
- Deterioration of health, indifference to life.
- Hyperthermia is an elevated temperature.
- Decreased appetite, feeling nauseous.
- Arterial hypertension.
Pain varies.For example, in an exacerbation of chronic pyelonephritis, the pain seems to drag and surround the lower back, and the renal colic is acute and short-lived.
It is characteristic that the pain in kidney pathology is concentrated on one side - since one kidney is involved in the inflammatory process.This is how a kidney stone (stone) appears in the kidney or ureter.
Another important diagnostic criterion is that in nephropathies the pain intensity does not change with a change in body position.However, as you understand, it is better to leave the right to make an accurate diagnosis to a specialist.
Excessive exercise and lower back pain
Our spine is adapted to physical activity.Therefore, the appearance of back pain after going to the gym should alert you.Normally, pain in the back muscles due to the accumulation of lactic acid disappears within 1-2 hours, and if this does not happen, pathology should be suspected.
The cause of pain in the spine after playing sports can be old injuries or hidden problems with the intervertebral discs - for example, a bulging disc.In this case, the cessation of physical exercise will not lead to a cure, but will only hide the course of the destructive disease of the spine.
In addition, back pain after exercise is characteristic of myofascial syndrome.It does not pose a threat to life, but significantly reduces its quality.
At the same time, physical activity can also contribute to the disappearance of back pain - for example, an overweight patient is more likely to get rid of back pain as a result of weight loss.
Remember that constant and periodic pain in the lower back after physical activity should be a reason to consult a doctor.
Hypothermia and lower back pain
Prolonged exposure to cold air and wind can lead to hypothermia.If the lower back is not protected from harmful environmental factors, an unpleasant condition such as myositis can occur.This is the name for skeletal muscle inflammation.The pain is of a painful nature, and during palpation (palpation) there is tightening of the back muscles.
Features of lower back pain in women and the mechanism of their occurrence
It's no secret that women's well-being is closely related to their hormonal levels, which go through dramatic changes not only throughout life, but also every month.Therefore, every month at a certain stage of the menstrual cycle, women may experience excruciating pain in the lower back.Unfortunately, this is a variant of the physiological norm.
And during pregnancy, discomfort in the lower back is considered normal - if it disappears after rest.After all, during this period, significant hormonal changes occur in the female body, the uterus expands - which changes the deflection in the lower back and shifts the center of gravity.In addition, the weight of a pregnant woman naturally increases, which also increases the stress on the spine.
If we talk about other causes of pain in the lumbar region in women, back pain can indicate the approach of menopause.This is due to a decrease in estrogen levels and changes in a number of other sex hormones.
Therefore, the diagnosis of the causes of pain in the lower back in women should be carried out especially carefully in order not to miss important symptoms of serious diseases and not to write off the pathological causes of pain in the lower back in women.Indeed, among such terrible diseases can be a cyst, apoplexy or inflammation of the ovaries, and even tumors of the cervix.Ignoring and untimely diagnosis of such conditions can lead to infertility and critical complications.
What diseases can cause lower back pain?
Symptoms, nature of pain |
Possible diagnosis of MR |
| Pain in the lower back when coughing, sneezing, bending. | Protrusion (bulging) of the intervertebral disc L1/L2 (L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5) vertebra |
| Numbness, tingling not only in the back, but also in the buttocks and lower extremities. | Symmetrical dorsal (posterior) protrusion of the L1/L2 (L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5) vertebrae |
| Weakness in leg muscles, motor reflexes worsen. | Dorsal (posterior) median disc protrusion of L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae |
| Sharp, shooting pains;the patient cannot even stand upright during the attack. | Circular ridges of L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae |
| Staying in one position for a long time causes pain. | Diffuse protrusions of L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae |
| Symptoms may be absent for a long time and are discovered by chance. | Medial disc protrusion of L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae |
| Sharp, stabbing pain in the lower back - also called "lumbago". | Disc herniation of L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae |
| Pain in the leg extending below the knee, "pins and needles" feeling in the leg. | Dorsal disc herniation of L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae |
| It is often asymptomatic, and patients report only mild discomfort. | Schmorl hernia of L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 vertebrae |
| The work of the intestines, bladder and reproductive system is disturbed. | Paramedian disc herniation of L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 vertebrae |
| In the early stages, the course is asymptomatic.Pain occurs when the tumor spreads beyond the disc. | Hemangiolipoma and hemangioma of the body of the L1 vertebra (L2, L3, L4, L5) |
| The pain depends on the degree of displacement of the vertebra.If there are changes in the joints, movement disorders are observed. | Retrolisthesis and antelisthesis of the L1 vertebra (L2, L3, L4, L5) |
| The pain is intermittent at first and then becomes constant.It increases with physical activity. | Ventral wedge deformity of L1 vertebrae (L2, L3, L4, L5) |
| Aching pain in the lower back, left or right, along the spine.Numbness, "pins and needles" feeling.Muscle tension. | MR image, signs of degenerative-dystrophic changes (osteochondrosis) of the lumbar spine |
| Rsharp pain from exertion or careless movement.Changes in gait, dysfunction of the genitourinary system. | Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine 1st degree (2nd degree, 3rd degree) |
| Pain in the buttocks and legs, discomfort from long sitting on a chair and long walking. | Spondyloarthrosis of the lumbar spine 1st degree (2nd degree, 3rd degree) |
What to do if you have lower back pain?
If the symptoms of back pain in the lumbar region do not disappear or decrease within 3 days, you should consult a doctor.What to do before visiting the doctor?
What you can do yourself for lower back pain
If the cause of the pain is unknown:
- take a temperature to detect inflammation in the body.
- determine accompanying symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea or other)
- call the doctor at home or go to the emergency room.
If the cause of the pain is known (bruise, sprain or lower back injury):
- take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) - diclofenac, ibuprofen or another.
- local application of cold will help reduce swelling and dull pain.
- tightly tighten the lumbar area with a towel or orthopedic belt to fix the injured area in one position.
- Consult a doctor for a complete diagnosis and determine further treatment tactics.
What not to do for lower back pain
- Under no circumstances should you heat the painful area of the back!Heat will increase blood flow and, if there is inflammation, it will worsen the situation: it will increase the pain and lead to the spread of the infectious process.For the same reason, visits to baths and saunas should be avoided.
- You cannot relieve pain for a long time if you have persistent and unexplained back problems.Ignoring the underlying cause can only worsen the course of the disease and lead to serious complications.
- You can not try to straighten the vertebrae yourself or massage the back roughly.Without diagnosis, such actions can cause displacement of the vertebrae and cause unnecessary additional injuries.
Which doctor should I consult for pain in the lumbar region?
It happens that a person is happy to go to a specialist, but does not know which doctor to turn to with a complaint of pain in the lower back.Let's clarify this question a bit.
First of all, you should make an appointment with a general practitioner.He will carry out a differential diagnosis and determine which doctor should continue the treatment.it could be:
- Neurologist – for neurological symptoms and nerve involvement in the process.
- Urologist - if diseases of the urinary system (kidney) are suspected.
- Gynecologist - for the treatment of diseases of the female reproductive system.
According to the indications, a complete blood count (CBC) and general urinalysis (UCA), X-ray examination of the spine (especially MRI), ultrasound of the pelvic organs, kidneys and other studies can be prescribed.
It is important to remember that self-medication and other home remedies for lower back pain are a waste of money and time.Moreover, by delaying a visit to a specialist, you risk getting an advanced form of the disease, condemning yourself to long-term, expensive and often less successful (than in the early stages) treatment.
How to cure lower back pain: basic treatment methods
Of course, you may have a question: if self-medication is not effective, then how to cure lower back pain?A competent specialist has many techniques in his arsenal, including conservative and surgical treatment.
Conservative treatment consists of the following points:
- Taking anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) and painkillers orally and topically.
- Physiotherapy (shock wave therapy, acupuncture).
- Kinesiotherapy.
- Therapeutic massage.
- Therapeutic exercises and gymnastics.
Physiotherapy procedures and massage must be carried out after the acute phase of the disease, when the pain syndrome is alleviated.
Surgical treatment is indicated in advanced cases of spinal disease, when conservative methods do not give significant results.However, with timely diagnosis and properly prescribed treatment, the need for surgical procedures can be postponed or completely avoided.
Prevention of lower back pain
As a rule, painful sensations in the back and lower back are caused by a careless attitude towards your health.After all, a sedentary lifestyle, burdened by sedentary work and forced prolonged stay in one position, is typical for many of us.Excessive physical activity without preparation (stretching) and lifting weights with incorrect back position are no less harmful.It's no wonder that the majority of the world's population suffers from lower back pain.
Doctor's advice for back pain prevention:
- Watch your posture, keep your back straight.
- Avoid uncomfortable positions in the workplace.You can place a small pillow under your lower back to support your back.Try it!
- When sitting at the table for a long time, it is recommended to get up from time to time (every hour), warming up together or simply walking is ideal.
- It is recommended to sleep on an orthopedic mattress;it is quite hard and at the same time elastic.
- Start your day with exercises to strengthen your back and core muscles.
How to lift weights correctly?
If you need to lift and carry something heavy, you should do it by bending your knees, not your back.That is, you must first sit down, take the load, and then straighten your knees, leaving the back line straight.
Lower back pain: what to do?
Now that you have read about the most common causes of lower back pain, you know what you need to know and what to do, the question is - where to turn?Definitely, when choosing a clinic, preference should be given to a medical center where you can be consistently examined by different specialists.That is, you will not have to go to the other end of the city for additional diagnostics, and a complete comprehensive treatment plan for back pain in the lumbar region will be drawn up in one place.
An equally important role is played by the doctor's qualifications and the availability of appropriate equipment.After all, lower back pain due to osteochondrosis and myositis requires different approaches to therapy.