According to statistics, almost every second middle-aged and elderly person goes to the doctor complaining of back pain in the lumbar region. Up to 80% of people experience such an unpleasant sensation 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 prolonged treatment and is forced to limit his usual activities.
Causes of low back pain.
There are many different reasons and factors that cause back pain, especially in the lower back. Some diseases are more common, others are quite rare, but it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner to determine the true cause and help relieve 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 located in the muscles that run alongside the spine and may be associated with spasms in these muscles. Painful sensations can move to the buttocks and, very rarely, to the leg.
herniated disc
A herniated disc is characterized by a prolapse of the inner part of the disc into the spinal canal, often resulting in severe, excruciating back pain in the lumbar region. A displaced and damaged disc in the lumbar region forms a hernia when it ruptures. The reason is that the structure of the disc degenerates (ages) to such an extent that the cartilage covering literally cracks, crumbles, and the dense gel (nucleus pulposus) inside the disc is pushed into the spinal canal. A herniated disc puts pressure on the spinal nerves, often causing pain.
Disc degeneration and aging (osteochondrosis)
The discs between the vertebrae are strong, elastic cartilages that absorb impacts between the vertebrae. As a result of the aging process, the intervertebral discs begin to shrink, lose their elasticity and flatten. When osteochondrosis is present, pain occurs along the spine, most often in the lower back, which requires treatment.
Not all people who have disc degeneration have back pain. However, in those people who have ruled out all other possible back problems, the pain may be due to degenerative changes in the discs (osteochondrosis).
Spondylarthrosis (osteoarthrosis of the intervertebral joints)
Not long ago it was believed that osteoarthritis was caused by wear and tear of the joints over time. However, scientists now consider it a joint disease. Factors such as genetics, weight, injuries, sedentary lifestyle, excess stress on the back, and other factors are believed to contribute to this process. Spondyloarthrosis is one of the common diseases that causes lower back pain.
spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal itself or a narrowing of the lumen of the openings where spinal nerves exit the spine. This condition usually develops with age, against the background of pronounced degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine and leads to significant pain syndrome that is difficult to treat with the possible development of disability.
spondylolysis
This term refers to a congenital or acquired condition, a cleft, crack, or stress fracture in one of the vertebrae. In some cases, a stress fracture weakens the bone so much that it cannot maintain its proper position in the spine. The vertebra begins to shift or slide, causing back pain mainly in the lumbar area.
Osteoporosis
Today, osteoporosis is a pressing problem for many women over 50 and for 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 rarefaction and fragility arise, as a result of which it loses its strength and the vertebra can break due to a fall or clumsy movement when lifting a heavy object. In some cases, back pain can be caused by osteoporosis itself, even in the absence of a vertebral fracture.
Stress
When it comes to back pain, stress is one of the common factors that can trigger back pain. When stressed, muscles become more toned and spasm, making movement in the lower back difficult and causing pain.
Other factors
Certain conditions can also contribute to back pain, including:
- infections with bone destruction (osteomyelitis),
- malignant oncology, especially if metastases have occurred in the bones of the spine,
- psoriasis, especially with arthritis,
- fibromyalgia.
Sometimes low back pain is referred, that is, it arises against the background of pathology in other organs and tissues, but is felt in the spine:
- urinary tract infections,
- diseases of the abdominal organs, kidneys and pelvic organs.
posture 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 recurring in the future.
But how do the abdominal muscles affect the lower back? It's simple. The torso is a unique muscular corset that supports the body, and if the muscles in the front (abdomen) are weak, guess which ones take the greatest load? It is true that the lumbar muscles of the lower back of the body suffer more than others. Weak abdominal muscles end up creating additional tension around the back, which overloads the psoas muscles and causes pain. Most people living with chronic back pain can reduce it by strengthening their core muscles. Performing a series of exercises daily can improve the condition.
Low back pain during pregnancy
For the first time, women may experience lower back pain when having a baby. This is due to a change in the center of gravity, a change in posture and an increased deviation of the spine in the lumbar region. This condition is not dangerous, but it can later predispose to changes in posture, muscle tension and pinched nerves. To avoid back problems or reduce discomfort when spinal pain has already occurred, mainly in the lower back, treatment consists of wearing a support bandage, comfortable low-heeled shoes, and often resting in a lateral position.
Types of back pain sensations in the lumbar region.
Back pain can be acute if it comes on suddenly and does not last more than 2 to 3 weeks. If the sensations last months or even years, it is already a chronic pain syndrome. According to the sensations that arise we can distinguish:
- Intense, burning, sharp and almost unbearable pain. It is typical of hernias, radiculitis, lumbago (lumbago in the back).
- Dull, painful, explosive or vague pain. It often occurs with an injury, muscle inflammation or strain, or problems with the soft tissues surrounding the spine.
- Chronic pain can be of different nature; With movement or an uncomfortable position, it usually intensifies into a burning, aching, or throbbing sensation. When resting, wearing corsets or certain body positions, they weaken.
Diagnosis of low 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 views: direct and lateral). This helps identify bone abnormalities, vertebral and joint deformities.
- Computerized optical topography of the spine to evaluate postural disorders, determine the degree of spinal deformation and pelvic distortion.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the informative and most prescribed method for diagnosing spinal diseases. MRI can detect damage to intervertebral discs, joints, spinal cord, vertebrae, and other structures.
- ENMG (electroneuromyography) - to evaluate 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 individually prescribed by a doctor and may include:
- Pain relievers, decongestants and anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and vitamins (pills, ointments, injections, droppers);
- physiotherapeutic techniques (intrastitial electrical stimulation, carboxytherapy and ozone therapy, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, amplipulse therapy);
- kinesio tape,
- massages, manual therapy and osteopathy;
- acupuncture;
- physiotherapy and other methods.
In difficult cases, in the absence of effect of conservative therapy, surgical treatment may be indicated. These can be disc replacement operations, hernia removal, fusion of vertebrae (spinal fusion), vertebroplasty, etc.
Prevent back pain
To prevent the onset and progression of back pain, it is necessary to monitor your posture, immediately consult a specialist at the first appearance of back pain, regularly undergo preventive procedures on the recommendation of a doctor, lead an active lifestyle and perform special physical exercises. exercises and, if possible, avoid excessive physical activity and injuries.
Which doctor should I contact?
If you have back pain, especially in the lower back, you should consult a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, consultation with a physical therapist, neurosurgeon, or urologist or gynecologist may be necessary.
Frequently asked questions
How to determine if your back or kidneys hurt?
Very often there are situations when the spine imitates kidney diseases and vice versa, when kidney diseases disguise themselves as pathology of the spine. To clarify the cause of the pain, it is necessary to consult a doctor and, if necessary, conduct an additional examination.
What is the best sleeping position if you have lower back pain?
If you have lower back pain, it is recommended to sleep on a medium-firm 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 (inflammatory, neoplasms, etc. ) can cause referred pain in the lumbar area.
Is it possible to do exercise therapy if you have severe lower back pain?
If there is severe pain in the lower back, at the first stage of treatment it is recommended to first achieve a reduction in pain and only then start performing active therapeutic exercises.
Can playing sports cause lower back pain?
If possible. Especially when traumatic sports are practiced, without meeting the requirements for safe training, and also without prior warm-up.