Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints and is therefore simply ignored by many people. However, pain in the lumbar region can not only limit a person's mobility, but also indicate diseases of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity. Therefore, at the slightest discomfort in the back, it is important to consult a doctor who will conduct an examination and prescribe effective treatment.
Types of pain
The first thing that interests a doctor when examining a patient is the intensity and frequency of pain. Depending on the cause, lower back pain can be of the following nature:
subacute – begins abruptly and can last 6 to 12 weeks;
acute – occurs suddenly, is characterized by high intensity and can last about 1. 5 months;
variable (temporary) – occurs periodically;
chronic – may be mild or severe in intensity, lasting 12 weeks or longer;
boring;
Pain;
weak, medium intensity, strong.
The pain can vary depending on the cause. In this case, the duration and intensity of the sensations may vary. Therefore, it is important that you describe your feelings as accurately as possible when visiting a doctor.
Common causes of back pain
In the lumbar region there are the following systems that can cause pain:
Musculoskeletal system– Pain usually occurs as a result of a spinal injury and damage or strain to the muscles of the lower back.
Digestive– Pain in the lower back usually "shoots", which is provoked by dysfunctions of the gallbladder, pancreas, intestines, liver and stomach. This is seen with gastritis, the presence of stones in the bile ducts, poisoning, pancreatitis, poisoning, Stomach ulcers and various forms of obstruction have been observed.
Nervous– Pain occurs due to the formation of a hernia, neuropathy, pinched nerve, curvature of the spine, bulging and inflammatory processes in the vertebrae.
Sexual and urinary– Pain syndrome occurs when a person suffers from urolithiasis, problems with the bladder and kidneys, lesions of the ovaries and uterus of various types.
The most common diseases that cause back pain
Spinal curvatures (scoliosis, kyphosis)
In this case, a person feels pain when the disease occurs in the middle and late stages. As a rule, the pain syndrome manifests itself at the end of the working day and can be accompanied by fatigue in the back muscles. The pain syndrome is manifested by spasms of the periarticular muscles of the lower and upper extremities, as well as the spinal and gluteal muscles.
Ankylosing spondylitis
It is an inflammatory systemic disease characterized by the fusion of individual vertebrae into a whole. At the same time, there is an accumulation of calcium in the ligaments that stabilize the spine. This can lead to complete loss of mobility.
Ankylosing spondylitis is accompanied by the following lower back pain:
Stiffness of movements in the lumbar region;
a sharp increase in intensity when a person rests for a long time.
Urolithiasis disease
Attacks manifest themselves in the form of severe pain in the lumbar region caused by the affected kidney. The pain does not go away or subside even if the person changes his posture. Typically, attacks are accompanied by a change in the color of urine (it becomes red) and a decrease in its quantity.
The pain syndrome can have the following causes:
inflammatory process in the pancreas;
intestinal obstruction;
painful menstruation (algomenorrhea);
osteomyelitis;
Pregnancy;
Appendicitis.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
One of the most common diseases characterized by thinning of the intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers. This leads to spasms in the surrounding muscles and irritation of the nerve roots, resulting in severe pain. If the disease is diagnosed at an advanced stage, it is most likely accompanied by a herniated disc, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and leads to increased pain in the lower back.
The pain syndrome intensifies if a person:
rises from a lying or sitting position;
leans to the side;
tried to lie on his stomach.
If, as a result of the development of the disease, a massive hernia has formed in the spine, the pain in the lumbar region only intensifies. In addition, the pain syndrome may be accompanied by weakness or numbness in one or both legs.
Spondyloarthrosis
It is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the cartilage tissue that covers the intervertebral discs. Over time, the tissue becomes thinner, leading to its destruction; osteophytes (specific bone growths) form around the lesion. This leads to a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, a narrowing of the spinal canal, which leads to irritation of the nerve roots and the spinal cord itself.
Pain in spondyloarthrosis is of the following nature:
in the initial stage it occurs only in the morning, later it becomes permanent;
increases after physical activity (after walking, standing) and decreases after rest;
may be accompanied by pain in the hip joint and thigh.
The pain syndrome in spondyloarthrosis is aggravated by muscle spasms that are constantly under tension. In this case, it is extremely difficult to relieve lower back pain.
Which specialist should you contact if your lower back hurts?
Since the organs in the abdominal cavity are quite close to each other, the symptoms of the disease can be mixed. In addition, aching pain that persists for a long period of time can be of a belt-like nature. Therefore, it is important to undergo diagnostics before treatment; one of the specialists can refer you for examination:
neurologist– if the patient feels acute pain with "shooting" in the spine, accompanied by a partial loss of sensitivity and mobility. If the pain increases after a change in posture or after prolonged rest.
Surgeon or traumatologist– due to a fall, injury or intense sport.
Nephrologist or urologist– with frequent or difficult urination, which is accompanied by aching pain in the lumbar area, as well as with acute one-sided pain in the lumbar area.
Gastroenterologist– if the pain syndrome is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, weakness and disorders of the digestive system. If the pain is only present on one side and is of a pulling nature.
gynecologist– If pain occurs on one or both sides, it may be accompanied by general weakness and may increase with physical activity. If pain occurs during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
If a person knows the cause of lower back pain, there is no need to visit a specialist (heavy physical activity - the pain usually goes away in a day or two). In other cases, you should pay attention to such symptoms and make an appointment with a specialist.
How to diagnose back pain – diagnostic methods:
Ultrasonic– if there is suspicion of diseases of the pelvic or abdominal organs. It can even be prescribed to children, but it does not always allow to identify the true cause of lower back pain.
roentgen– if the patient has hernias, injuries or scoliosis. However, this method only allows you to see bone tissue.
CT– if there are hernias, neuropathies, bulges, neoplasms or spinal injuries. Computed tomography is ideal for patients for whom magnetic resonance imaging is contraindicated.
MRI– The indications are similar to CT. The method is very precise and allows the necessary organs to be examined in as much detail as possible.
Colonoscopy and gastroscopy– if the patient is diagnosed with diseases of the digestive system. These exams allow you to take a close look at the abdominal organs and, if necessary, take tissue samples for analysis.
Treatment methods for back pain
Treatment methods for lower back pain depend on the cause of its occurrence. Musculoskeletal disorders may require non-drug, drug or surgical treatments.
Non-drug treatment methods:
Physiotherapy – the course of treatment is selected individually based on existing diseases. It is important to regularly perform a series of exercises to achieve the desired effect;
Physiotherapy – includes laser treatment of the lesion, magnetic therapy, electrophoresis and other procedures;
Acupuncture;
therapeutic and restorative massage – can be used only if the patient does not have an exacerbation of the disease;
manual therapy and work with an osteopath.
Non-drug treatment is usually supplemented with medication.
Drug treatments
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used as the main therapy. The drugs are prescribed in the form of intramuscular and intravenous injections, tablets, ointments and creams, as well as rectal suppositories and patches for topical use.
The dosage and duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. Taking medications uncontrollably can lead to side effects.
If taking NSAIDs does not produce the desired effect, the doctor will prescribe corticosteroids (hormone preparations). By taking it you can stop the inflammatory process and relieve pain.
If a patient has muscle spasms in the lower back, he is prescribed antispasmodics. Such medications can relieve muscle spasms in the lower back and improve overall well-being.
Medications such as:
B vitamins, which help improve nerve conduction;
decongestants that relieve swelling of the pinched root;
Sedatives.
Surgical treatment methods
If the doctor identifies a patient with indications for surgery, the patient undergoes surgery. However, surgery is not prescribed if the patient has a herniated disc, as this is not an indication for surgery, regardless of size. If the patient has indications for the removal of a hernia, a tumor, or the need to relieve compression of the spinal cord root, surgical intervention is performed. The doctor makes the decision about the need for an operation individually, depending on the indications and the patient's condition.
Prevention of lower back pain
Moderate physical activity and a healthy lifestyle are the key to a healthy back. It is important to organize a comfortable place to sleep and constantly monitor your posture. If you spend a lot of time sitting, you need to get up regularly and warm up a little. If you don't like exercising, it is advisable to walk as much as possible.
Giving up bad habits and maintaining proper nutrition will help prevent the development of diseases of internal organs. This is especially important for people who have already been diagnosed with diseases of the pancreas, stomach, kidneys and liver. In addition, you must try to keep your lower back warm at all times. The fact is that cold air can provoke the development of diseases of internal organs and cause inflammation of the nerves.
If it is necessary to lift heavy objects, it should be done with the legs while the back should be straight. This shifts the load from the lower back muscles. And finally, you should not ignore lower back pain, even if it does not cause severe discomfort. It is better to undergo a timely examination and start treatment than to face serious consequences.