According to statistics, almost every second person in middle and old age consults a doctor with complaints of back pain in the lower back. Up to 80% of people experience such an unpleasant feeling at least once in their life.
All over the world, low back pain causes a person to lose mobility, undergo long-term treatment, and is forced to limit their usual activities.
Causes of back pain
There are many different causes and factors that cause back pain, especially often in the lower back. Some diseases occur more often, others are quite rare, but it is important to see a doctor in time to determine the real cause and help relieve the pain.
Damage to muscles and ligaments
One of the causes of lower back pain is strain and damage to the muscles and ligaments that support the back. The pain is usually localized in the muscles that lie near the spine and may be due to spasms in these muscles. Painful sensations can go to the hips, very rarely - to the bottom of the leg.
A ruptured disc
A herniated disc is characterized by prolapse of the inner part of the disc into the spinal canal, often causing severe, excruciating low back pain. When a displaced and damaged disc in the lumbar region ruptures, it creates a hernia. The reason is that the structure of the disc deteriorates (ages) to such an extent that the cartilage shell literally cracks, splits and the dense gel inside (nucleus pulposus) pushes the disc into the spinal canal. A herniated disc puts pressure on the spinal nerves, often causing pain.
Disc degeneration and aging (osteochondrosis)
Intervertebral discs are tough and flexible cartilage shock absorbers between the vertebrae. As a result of the aging process, intervertebral discs shrink, lose elasticity, and become flat. In the case of osteochondrosis, pain occurs along the spine, most often in the lumbar region.
Not everyone with disc degeneration has back pain. However, in people who have ruled out all other possible back problems, the pain may be caused by degenerative changes in the discs (osteochondrosis).
Spondyloarthrosis (osteoarthrosis of the vertebral joints)
Not long ago, osteoarthritis was believed to be caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. But now scientists consider it a joint disease. Genetics, weight, injury, sedentary lifestyle, excessive stress on the back and other factors are believed to affect this process. Spondyloarthrosis is one of the common diseases that cause back pain.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal itself or a reduction in the lumen of the openings through which the spinal nerves leave the spinal column. This condition usually develops with age, against the background of obvious degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine, and causes a 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 crack, crack, or fracture in one of the vertebrae caused by stress. In some cases, a stress fracture weakens the bone so much that it cannot maintain its proper position in the spine. The vertebrae begin to slip or slide, which causes pain mainly in the lower back.
Osteoporosis
Today, osteoporosis is a pressing problem for many women and some men over the age of 50. It is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone tissue before it has time to make new, young bone. Against the background of the loss of bone tissue, its rarity and fragility arise, which loses its strength, and the vertebra can break from a fall or clumsy movement while lifting a heavy object. In some cases, back pain can be caused by osteoporosis itself, even without a spinal fracture.
Stress
When it comes to back pain, stress is one of the common triggers for back pain. During stress, the muscles are more toned and spasms occur, which makes movement in the lower back difficult and causes pain.
Other factors
Certain conditions can also contribute to back pain, including:
- infections that cause bone destruction (osteomyelitis),
- malignant oncology, especially if metastases occur in the bones of the spine,
- psoriasis, especially with arthritis,
- fibromyalgia.
Sometimes it is referred to back pain, that is, it occurs against the background of pathology in other organs and tissues, but is felt in the spine:
- urinary tract infections,
- diseases of abdominal organs, kidneys and pelvic organs.
Posture problems
Back pain usually occurs as a result of strenuous daily activities. Back pain can often be caused by poor posture and weak abdominal muscles, especially in the lower back. These are the things that need to be addressed and strengthened in order to relieve the discomfort and prevent the pain from returning in the future.
But how do abdominal muscles affect the lower back? It's simple. The torso is the single-muscle corset that supports the body, and if the front (abdominal) muscles are weak, guess which one takes more of the load? It is true that the back muscles in the lower back of the body suffer more than others. Weak abs create extra tension around the back, which overworkes the psoas muscles and causes pain. Most people living with chronic back pain can reduce pain by strengthening their core muscles. Performing a series of exercises daily can improve the condition.
Back pain during pregnancy
Women may experience back pain when carrying a baby for the first time. This is due to a change in the center of gravity, a change in posture and an increase in the curvature of the spine in the lumbar region. This condition is not dangerous, but it can be prone to postural changes, muscle tension, and pinched nerves. When pain in the spine, especially in the lower back, is already present, treatment to prevent back problems or reduce discomfort includes a support bandage, wearing comfortable low-heeled shoes, and frequent side-lying rest.
Types of sensations for back pain in the lumbar region
Back pain may be acute if it occurs suddenly and does not last more than 2-3 weeks. If the sensations last for months or even years, this is already a chronic pain syndrome. We can distinguish according to the resulting feelings:
- Severe, burning, sharp and almost unbearable pain. It is characteristic of hernia, radiculitis, lumbago (back lumbago).
- Dull, aching, shooting, or vague pain. This is often caused by injury, inflammation or muscle strain, or problems with the soft tissues surrounding the spine.
- Chronic pain can be of a different nature; with movement or an uncomfortable position, usually aggravated by a burning, aching, or shooting sensation. They weaken when resting, wearing corsets or in certain body positions.
Diagnosis of back pain
To determine the cause of the pain, your doctor may prescribe:
- A series of laboratory tests to rule out inflammatory processes and pathologies of internal organs.
- X-ray of the spine (often in two projections: direct and lateral). It helps to identify bone abnormalities, vertebral and joint deformities.
- Computed optical topography of the spine to assess postural disorders, determine the degree of spinal deformity and pelvic curvature.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is the most prescribed and informative method for diagnosing spinal diseases. MRI can detect damage to the intervertebral discs, joints, spinal cord, vertebrae, and other structures.
- ENMG (electromyography) - to evaluate the state of neuromuscular transmission, the function of nerves and muscles.
Treatment of back pain
A number of procedures for the treatment of back pain are prescribed individually by the doctor and may include:
- Painkillers, decongestants and anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and vitamins (tablets, ointments, injections, drops);
- physiotherapeutic methods (intrastitial electrical stimulation, carboxy and ozone therapy, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, amplipulse therapy);
- kinesio taping,
- massage, manual therapy and osteopathy;
- acupuncture;
- physical therapy and other methods.
In severe cases, when conservative therapy fails, surgical treatment may be indicated. These include disc replacement, hernia removal, vertebral fusion (spinal fusion), vertebroplasty, etc. may be operations.
Prevention of back pain
To prevent the appearance and development 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 with the doctor's recommendation, lead an active lifestyle, and engage in special physical activity. exercise and avoid excessive physical activity and injuries if possible.
Which doctor should I see?
If you have back pain, especially low back pain, you should see a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, consultation with a physiotherapist, neurosurgeon or urologist, gynecologist may be required.
Frequently asked questions
How to determine if your back or kidneys hurt?
Very often there are situations where the spine mimics kidney diseases and vice versa, kidney diseases are masquerading as spine pathology. In order 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 position to sleep if you have back pain?
If you have back pain, it is recommended to sleep in the so-called "fetal position" lying on your side on a mattress of medium firmness.
Can back pain occur due to gynecological diseases?
Yes. Some gynecological diseases (inflammatory, neoplasms, etc. ) can cause referred pain in the lumbar region.
Is exercise therapy possible if you have severe back pain?
If there is severe pain in the lower back, in the first stage of treatment, it is recommended to first achieve pain reduction and only then start active therapeutic exercises.
Can exercise cause back pain?
Yes it is possible. Especially when engaging in traumatic sports, not following the requirements of safe training, as well as without pre-warming.