According to statistics, about 80% of people living on the planet have back problems. For possible reasons, methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention - read the article.
Everyone has experienced low back pain at least occasionally. But if it occurred earlier in the elderly, today the pain in the lumbar spine often bother young people. Sharp or aching pains, which last only a few minutes or bother a person for weeks or even months - back pain - can appear for a variety of reasons. Often a person gets used to his condition. Unpleasant sensations are a part of life. But the visit to the doctor is still delayed, which reduces the chances of recovery.
Causes of low back pain - what you need to know
- Most often the cause of low back pain is degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine - joints, intervertebral discs, ligaments, periarticular muscles.Osteochondrosis, spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis, osteoporosis, protrusion and herniation of the intervertebral disc - these and other diseases of the spine acquired over time are always accompanied by painful manifestations. At the same time, it is important to determine the reasons that led to these violations. There are ten theories on the origin of these diseases. Excess weight has a negative effect on the spine, as a result of which the vertebrae are under increased stress, which leads to premature wear and tear. Poor posture or position of the body during work will lead to muscle overload, as a result - pinching of the nerves, displacement of the vertebrae. With a strong muscle overload, during weight lifting or unsuccessful movement, sprains and microtraumas are inevitable.
- However,back pain may be secondary, and not necessarily associated with pathology of the spine.An infectious process can be the cause. For example, in brucellosis, damage to the vertebrae leads to sclerotic changes and the appearance of osteophytes (growths) that compress nerve tissue. With tuberculosis, the vertebral bodies are destroyed. With osteomyelitis, due to the accumulation of purulent contents, the structures of the spine are compressed. In all cases, pain appears in the lumbar spine.
- Tumors(osteoblastoma, myeloma, osteosarcoma, metastases to the spine, etc. ) - benign or malignant, usually accompanied by pain in the lumbar region of varying intensity, not suitable forpain relievers.
- The many diseasesof internal organs are one of the common causes of back pain.Rheumatoid arthritis,ankylosing spondylitis, pyelonephritis, cystitis, urolithiasis, inflammation of the appendages, prostate disease, as well as problems with the intestines and even the lungs.
5 common causes of back pain
The back can rightly be called an indicator of the condition of the body. Almost all problems in the body are accompanied by pain. Lower back pain can be of a very different nature: painful or sharp, appearing after sleep or prolonged stay in one position.
Sudden, sudden pain often prevents a person from moving. The intensity of painful manifestations depends on the cause of the origin of the pain. The most common are:
1. Lumbago, also called lumbago
This is one of the most common types of back pain. Appears with physical exertion or an uncomfortable body position. Although it can happen for no apparent reason. Searing, burning pain does not allow the person to stand up. When you try to change the position of the body, even when you cough, the sensations only intensify. The sharp pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours, or even several days, but in some cases it can stop suddenly.
2. Sciatica (neuralgia of the sciatic nerve, lumbosacral radiculitis)
Sciatica manifests as a throbbing pain, tingling, numbness. The pain often spreads along the sciatic nerve to the buttock, along the back of the leg. The sensations can be so intense that a person is unable to sit, walk, or bend over.
3. Low back pain with osteochondrosis
This is the most common type. Most often, it develops gradually and intensifies with any movement, even when sneezing or coughing. In addition, the sensitivity of certain areas of the lower body or legs may be altered.
4. In case of illness
Pain in the lumbar region in various diseases is very characteristic. Painful, dull in nature, it can give to the lower abdomen, the area near the navel, in the hypochondrium. However, with renal colic, a person experiences very severe pain and urgent medical attention is needed.
5. Muscle spasms
Muscle spasms appear when the case is not in the correct position for a long time. As a result, the mobility of the spine is limited. This triggers the so-called 'vicious circle', when back pain is caused by muscle spasm which in turn leads to pain again. This state can last for a long time and cause quite tangible suffering to a person.
What to do in case of acute low back pain?
Acute low back pain occurs in a wide variety of conditions. Intervertebral protrusion and hernia, osteochondrosis, lumbago and sciatica, injuries and disorders of the vertebral circulation. As well as various diseases of the pelvic organs and the abdominal cavity. It is almost impossible to determine for yourself the cause of the appearance of painful sensations, therefore a person should be taken to a specialist.
- If you suspectinjury to the spineor vertebrae, it is important to restrict movement before the medical team arrives.
- Stretchof muscles or ligaments. In the first few minutes, you can apply cold, which will prevent the growth of puffiness and reduce pain.
- For a seizure caused bydiseases of the spine, first of all, you should take the most comfortable position. Most often, a person experiences relief from lying on their back on a hard surface with their legs slightly elevated. If you cannot see a doctor immediately, you can take pain reliever.
- If the back pain is a symptom ofinternal diseases, the patient chooses the position most comfortable for them. It is important to remember that if the cause of lower back pain is not known, it is better to refuse warming compresses and ointments. Indeed, in the presence of an inflammatory process, they can aggravate the situation.
Methods for diagnosing low back pain
There are many conditions in which low back pain occurs. To determine their origin and prescribe treatment, you need the help of a doctor. The cause of their appearance is not always diseases of the spine. In this case, the localization of painful sensations is first of all important. For example, low back pain on the right or on the left may indicate urological pathologies, intestinal diseases: appendicitis, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, obstruction, etc. In some cases, there may be pain above the lower back, for example, with hepatitis, cholecystitis or taking toxic drugs. If the back hurts under the lower back, such localization may indicate diseases of the genitals, for example, the appendages of the uterus in women or the prostate in men.
Start with a visit to a therapist or neurologist who will order the necessary tests. In some cases, it may be necessary to see a urologist, orthopedist, traumatologist, infectious disease specialist and other narrow specialists. Thanks to the diagnostic methods that exist today, it is possible to accurately determine the cause of pain in the lumbar spine. Radiography of the lumbosacral spine is the most accessible method of examination, which allows to determine the violation of structures, the presence of an inflammatory process, osteoporosis and associated disorders. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging are the most effective diagnostic methods, thanks to a layered image of internal structures, even the smallest violations can be detected. In addition, a wide variety of laboratory tests may be prescribed - depending on the symptoms.
Back pain treatment
The patient should be kept at rest in all situations. However, the treatment tactics are chosen based on the disease that caused the pain in the spine.In case of dystrophic and functional changesof the spine, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants are prescribed to relieve muscle spasms, as well as drugs that improve nutrition and tissue regeneration. The appointment of physiotherapeutic procedures (electrophoresis, phonophoresis, magnetotherapy), as well as massage, acupuncture and therapeutic exercises are very effective. In some cases, such as hernias or injuries, surgical treatment is indicated.
To reduce pain, relieve excessive tension and muscle spasms, it is recommended to wear a special bandage. It is used in addition to drug therapy for osteochondrosis, radiculitis, trauma and in the postoperative period. But a specialist should choose a model, since various options of corsets are on sale.
If low back pain is a symptom ofdiseases of internal organs, the treatment is selected taking into account the existing pathology: antibacterial agents in the presence of an infectious process, surgical treatment - for a tumor, intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, etc. . . .
What to do in case of lower back pain?
We are so willing that when health problems arise we try to get rid of painful sensations on our own. Especially in cases where movement is not restricted, the condition does not get worse and after taking the pain reliever the pain seems to subside. But you should know that only trauma is the only cause of back pain that a person can determine relatively accurately on their own. In other cases, it is better to entrust the diagnosis to a specialist. But there are situations when emergency medical care is needed immediately:
- disability or limited movement;
- decreased sensitivity in certain areas of the body, tingling in the limbs;
- urinary or fecal incontinence;
- severe pain, fever, nausea, etc.
How to maintain mobility for many years, or a little about prevention
Many back illnesses do not appear suddenly. And serious diseases, accompanied by pain in the lower back, are quite possible to prevent. What is needed for this?
- Treat existing diseases in a timely manner and undergo regular preventive examinations.
- Physical activity should correspond to age, weight, general condition of the body. If it is impossible to avoid lifting weights, the load should be lifted with your back straight. In addition, there are special devices for carrying weights, and you can also use a corset to support your back.
- A straight gait, refusal of the heels, the right position when working seated will prevent deformities of the spine.
- Inactivity and poor nutrition will certainly lead to excess weight - the main culprit in almost all illnesses, including the spine. Correcting your diet, exercising regularly, swimming in the pool, even walking in the fresh air will save you many problems. In addition, an active lifestyle is an effective way to deal with stress - the main problem of a modern person. But frequent stressful situations can rightly be called the main risk factor in the development of many pathologies.
Unfortunately, the urge to self-medicate is ineradicable. Many recipes, allegedly miraculous rubs and widely advertised ointments often prove to be unnecessary when used uncontrollably. Remember, self-medication is a waste of time and money! By refusing the help of specialists, we risk acquiring an advanced form of the disease. Therefore, if you are concerned about lower back pain, don't procrastinate, make an appointment with your doctor!