80% of people in the world have experienced pain in the lumbar spine at least once. Their causes can vary from so-called psychosomatic, when aching pain in the lumbar region is provoked by stress, to a diagnosis of cancer that is more devastating and difficult to treat.
How to understand when discomfort and back pain speak of a sore spine, and when it indicates an unhealthy condition in other organs? And how not to miss the perfect time to see a doctor for pain in the spine in the lumbar region?
Causes of back pain in the lumbar region
In the lumbar region there are several organs and systems at once - these are the digestive, urinary, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems, and several glands that affect a person’s well -being. Fortunately, most of the pathologies that make themselves felt with aching pain in the waist and lower back can be treated and are not life -threatening. Only every 20th case of pain in the lumbar region requires surgical intervention or complex therapeutic measures.
Consider the causes of pain in the spine in the lumbar region in more detail. This includes:
- overstrain of the back muscles, in particular, the lumbosacral region;
- spasms of muscles and internal organs;
- the presence of inflammation or abscesses;
- hormonal disorders;
- heart disease;
- stomach or intestinal diseases (gastritis, peptic ulcer, etc. );
- postural disorders;
- neuralgia, incl. psychogenic character;
- osteochondrosis, spinal canal stenosis, spinal hernia and other spinal pathologies;
- kidney disease or internal genital organs;
- obesiti;
- pregnancy;
- metastasis neoplasm.
The nature of pain in lumbar osteochondrosis
It is necessary to distinguish between primary pain in the lumbar vertebrae (related to degenerative-dystrophic, inflammatory processes and spinal injuries) and secondary pain, "reflected" that occurs as a result of functional disorders of muscles and internal organs. Primary pain pain in the lumbar region appears to be spontaneous and is rarely accompanied by additional symptoms (usually already in the final stages, for example, with extended protrusion of the intervertebral disc). Secondary pain is almost always accompanied by bloating, changes in urination and defecation (it is rare, frequent, painful or has other unusual features), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. The type of pain in the lumbar can also tell a lot about the problem:
- paroxysmal ("cum inside") - disease of the kidneys and pelvic organs;
- increased daily - inflammatory processes (for example, in the passage of coccygeal epithelium), abscesses, cysts;
- sharp stabs (especially after injury) - rupture of internal organs (liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, etc. ) or ducts, internal bleeding, stomach or intestinal ulcers, blockage of the ducts by missed thrombus (immediately see a doctor for such pain! );
- periodic shooting - characteristic of squeezing the roots of the spine (radicular syndrome), may be accompanied by spasms;
- persistent dull - indicates disease of the liver, kidneys, spleen, some endocrine glands;
- pulling, exacerbated by movement - injury of the spine and adjacent tissues.
Localization of lumbar pain
- Pain in the lumbar region and above the sacrum can occur as a result of trauma, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system, as well as injury, oncology, or too much energy. Often this zone manifests itself after unsuccessful sports activities, especially with poorly delivered attacks, dysfunctional falls, and non -adherence to exercise techniques.
- Below the waist (above the tailbone) is often sore from too much load when lifting weights, standing or long walks, with bruises on ice and other hard surfaces. Sometimes the cause of back pain in the lumbar region can be an infection or hypothermia. The most common pain is caused by working or resting in an uncomfortable and non -physiological posture - for example, from spending time in front of a computer or driving in a half -bent "banana" position. Less common pain is caused by disorders in the function of the intestine and genitourinary system (constipation, cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis, dysmenorrhea). "Low" localization of pain can also indicate problems with the hip joint, especially in the elderly or athletes.
- If there is pain on the left side of the spine, this does not exclude problems with it - for example, scoliosis and / or osteochondrosis, impaired blood circulation, and even an infection of the spinal canal.
- Particularly characteristic of infection and osteochondrosis is a persistent aching pain, which increases with little physical effort.
- If the pain syndrome subsides periodically and still gives the patient rest, it may be intervertebral disc displacement, pinched nerve roots, or sciatica. Also, pain in the lumbar region can cause diabetes or hypothermia.
- If a patient often feels that he or she has been "awake" and feels pain after a few hours of sedentary activity, the pain may indicate an improper lifestyle that has not yet developed into pathology, but requires immediate change - not just pain relief in lumbar osteochondrosis. , but complex therapy.
Please note that pain can be given to the lower back in case of serious pathology of the heart and digestive organs. If at the same time it hurts under the left shoulder blade and on the side, it is important to exclude a heart attack immediately. If, however, a sharp attack of pain is tortured - "as if they were cut alive" - stomach or intestinal ulcers.
Low back pain - diagnosis
Doctors have identified more than 120 causes that can cause acute and chronic back pain. The most common are.
- Diseases resulting from degenerative-dystrophic and other lesions of the vertebral and hip joints. For example, osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis, spondylosis, vertebral hernia, spinal stenosis, kyphosis, scoliosis, protrusion, facet syndrome, sciatica, lumbago, neurogenic disorders, hormonal spondylopathy.
- Autoimmune diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis, Bechterew's disease.
- Inflammatory diseases. Spondyloarthropathies, incl. psoriatic and reactive arthritis.
- Traumatic defeat. Spondylolisthesis, damage to muscles and ligaments, bruising, dislocation, subluxation and vertebral fractures.
Less commonly, neoplasms and metastases to the spine, osteomyelitis, angina pectoris, cholecystitis, abdominal aortic aneurysms, myocardial infarction, duodenal ulcers and other diseases can be the cause of low back pain.
Pain in the lumbar spine in women
In women, acute and subacute back pain (periodic or lasting up to 12 weeks) may indicate minor hormonal disturbances or natural physiological processes - during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause. But more often than not, he declares himself this way:
- lumbar osteochondrosis - women who live on the heel for a long time, often carry a load of more than 5 kg, are forced to be in a prone position for a long time when doing professional or home work;
- arthritis is an inflammatory disease to which young women are vulnerable. It can be provoked by lower back injuries, genitourinary infections, hypothermia due to insufficiently warm but fashionable clothing, as well as heredity (e. g. , the presence of rheumatoid arthritis in relatives);
- arthrosis is an age -related disease that often occurs after the age of 40 in response to hormonal changes in the body;
- complementary inflammation (adnexitis);
- cervical or ovarian cancer;
- torsion of ovarian cysts;
- endometriosis.
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of back pain:
- appear after injury;
- occurs in the medical history of patients with oncological and precancerous conditions (e. g. , cervical dysplasia);
- accompanied by an increase in temperature;
- accompanied by unexplained weight loss;
- causing difficulty urinating and defecating;
- accompany spotting;
- associated with numbness or stiffness in the legs, changes in gait.
Pain in the lumbar spine in men
Men experience lower back pain less often than women. Often, as in women, their cause lies in osteochondrosis or kidney disease. Among the gender -specific diseases that cause pain in the spine in the lumbar region, we can name:
- epididymitis (inflammation of the seminal attachment);
- prostatitis;
- orchitis (swelling of the testicles);
- testicles and other oncological diseases of the genitals;
- prostate cancer.
Often, lower back pain on the strong side occurs due to a vertebral or inguinal hernia. These diseases are particularly prevalent in men over the age of 40 who are actively engaged in physical labor or working in uncomfortable positions. In women, this pathology is less common.
Treatment of back pain
Treatment of back (lumbar) pain requires therapeutic effects on the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, nerve fibers and muscles. Along with relieving pain in the lumbar spine, it is necessary to slow down the degenerative processes in the spine, if any, relieve inflammation, restore blood microcirculation and nerve impulse conduction. Treatment is prescribed exclusively by a doctor or immediately by a group of specialists - neurologists, traumatologists, gynecologists, orthopedists, rheumatologists and other doctors, depending on the primary and corresponding diagnosis.
In more than 98% of cases related to spinal diseases, treatment is carried out conservatively - surgery can be waived even in the case of a hernia.
Medical approach
With the help of medications, the pain can be completely eliminated within a few months (for example, pain in the spine in the lumbar region is treated for 3-4 months with root compression, hernia). Then, depending on the diagnosis, therapy is completed or carried out periodically, in the course - to maintain remission.
In the treatment of back (lumbar) pain helps:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, ointments, injections.
- Hormone preparations (in the form of blockages and drops).
- Analgesic for pain relief.
- Chondroprotectors.
- Heating preparations, for example, ointments based on bee and snake venom, mustard plaster.
- Venotonics and angioprotectors.
- Anticonvulsants, anxiolytics and antidepressants.
Physiotherapy for back pain
Used to treat low back pain:
- massage (classic, cupping, hydromassage);
- phonophoresis;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetotherapy;
- laser therapy;
- diadynamic therapy;
- electrical neuromyostimulation;
- manual therapy;
- acupuncture;
- balneology procedures and mud therapy;
- kinestherapy.
Exercise therapy for lumbar pain
A set of exercises for pain in the lumbar region is performed daily and only when reaching remission! With the worsening of the disease, any burden can only worsen the condition. Before doing any exercise, you should consult with an exercise therapy instructor.
- Kneel and place your right foot forward (feet on the floor, knees bent at right angles). To maintain balance, pull your left leg to the buttocks with your left hand and feel the tension on the muscles. 10 times on each side.
- Crawling, looking straight ahead. Bend and arch your back - a "cat" exercise.
- Lie on your back and, placing your feet below your knees, pull your knees to your chest and lock in this position for a few seconds. 10 times.
- The starting position is the same. Cross your legs (at weight) and stretch the muscles well, supporting the bottom of the leg below the knee with both hands.
- Stand on all fours, raise your left hand and right leg perpendicular to the floor. Repeat for the other side. 10 times.
A set of exercises for pain in the lumbar region with a massage roller is also recommended. For example: place a roller under the sacrum and pull the knee to the chest while the other leg is on the floor. Repeat 10 times for each leg. If the tension is not enough, place your hands behind your head and/or move your bent knees slightly to the side.
How to take care of your back - a doctor's recommendation
We recommend you 10 simple tips to protect your lower back.
- To keep your back healthy, it is important to avoid serious physical (as well as mental and emotional) overwork and hypothermia. If you have to work for a long time in cold conditions or in a room with sudden temperature changes, get high -quality thermal underwear.
- Carry out timely treatment for pain in the spine in the lumbar region.
- If you have been diagnosed with early stages of osteochondrosis, have a congenital or acquired defect of the musculoskeletal system, use orthoses - special bandages and corsets that help soothe your back. If you carry a heavy backpack, get one that is designed to protect your back from back pain symptoms.
- Also, don’t forget to take chondroprotectors for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes for at least 3-6 months a year.
- Balance your diet so that your body gets enough vitamins and minerals, as well as protein.
- Make the bed properly. The mattress should not be too soft or too hard, the length of the bed should be slightly greater than your height. Pillow height is also important for pain relief in lumbar osteochondrosis - it is best to buy an orthopedic one. If pets force you into an uncomfortable sleeping position, don’t leave them in bed.
- During sitting work, make sure your elbows are on the table, at a comfortable height, and chair seating allows you to keep your hamstrings perpendicular to the floor.
- If you have been diagnosed with a spinal disease, keep a rational job, which will reduce professional stress on the lower back.
- Try not to abuse alcohol, coffee and cigarettes.
- Maintain a normal level of physical activity (at least in the form of 15-minute exercise for back pain 3-4 times a day).
Health to your back!