Lower back pain is one of the most common and therefore many people do not pay attention to it. However, pain in the lumbar region can not only limit a person's mobility, but also indicate a disease of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity. Therefore, if you experience some discomfort in your back, it is important to seek help from a doctor who will conduct an examination and prescribe an effective treatment.
Types of pain
The first thing a doctor is interested in when examining a patient is the intensity and frequency of pain. Depending on the cause, pain in the lower back may be as follows:
subacute - starts suddenly and can last from 6 to 12 weeks;
acute – occurs suddenly, characterized by high intensity, can last about 1. 5 months;
variable (transient) – occurs periodically;
chronic - can have a weak or strong intensity, lasting from 12 weeks or longer;
dull;
sick;
weak, moderate intensity, strong.
Pain may vary depending on the cause. In this case, the duration and intensity of the sensation may vary. Therefore, when visiting a doctor, it is important to describe your feelings as accurately as possible.
Common causes of back pain
In the lumbar region there are the following systems that can cause pain:
Musculoskeletal– pain usually occurs as a result of a spinal injury, as well as damage or strain to the muscles of the lower back.
Digestion– pain in the lower back is usually "shoot", which is provoked by disturbances in the functioning of the gallbladder, pancreas, intestines, liver, and stomach. This is observed with gastritis, the presence of stones in the bile ducts, hangovers, pancreatitis, poisoning, stomach ulcers, and various forms of obstruction.
nervous– pain occurs as a result of hernia formation, neuropathy, pinched nerves, curvature of the spine, protrusions and inflammatory processes occurring in the vertebrae.
Sexuality and urination– pain syndrome develops if a person has urolithiasis, problems with the bladder and kidneys, lesions on the ovaries and uterus of various types.
The most common disease that causes back pain
Curvature of the spine (scoliosis, kyphosis)
In this case, a person experiences 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 may be accompanied by back muscle fatigue. The pain syndrome manifests itself in the form of spasms of the periarticular muscles in the lower and upper parts, as well as the spinal muscles and gluteal muscles.
Ankylosing spondylitis
It is an inflammatory systemic disease, which is characterized by the fusion of individual vertebrae into a whole. In parallel, there is an accumulation of calcium in the ligaments that stabilize the spinal column. This can lead to a complete loss of mobility.
Ankylosing spondylitis is accompanied by the following lower back pain:
stiffness of movement in the lumbar region;
a strong 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, which is caused by the affected kidneys. The pain does not go away and does not subside, even if the person changes the position of the body. Usually, attacks are accompanied by a change in the color of urine (it becomes red) and a decrease in its quantity.
Pain syndrome may be caused by:
inflammatory process in the pancreas;
intestinal obstruction;
painful menstruation (algomenorrhea);
osteomyelitis;
pregnancy;
appendix.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
One of the most common diseases, characterized by thinning of the intervertebral disc, which acts as a shock absorber. This leads to spasm of the surrounding muscles and irritation of the nerve roots, which causes 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, which leads to increased lower back pain.
The pain syndrome worsens if a person:
get up from a lying or sitting position;
leaning to the side;
try lying on your stomach.
If, as a result of the development of the disease, a large hernia has formed in the spine, the pain in the lumbar region will only increase. 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 disc. Tissue becomes thinner over time, which leads to its destruction; osteophytes (certain bony growths) form around the lesion. This leads to a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, narrowing of the spinal canal, which causes irritation of the nerve roots and the spinal cord itself.
Pain with spondyloarthrosis is as follows:
at the initial stage it only appears in the morning, then it becomes permanent;
increases after physical activity (after walking, standing) and decreases after rest;
may be accompanied by pain in the hip and thigh joints.
The pain syndrome with spondyloarthrosis is increasing due to muscle spasms that are constantly under tension. Relieving lower back pain in this case is very difficult.
Which specialist should you call when your lower back hurts?
Since the organs in the abdominal cavity are located relatively close to each other, the symptoms of the disease can be mixed. Moreover, pain that is present for a long time can become a belt. Therefore, before treatment, it is important to undergo diagnostics; one of the specialists can refer you for an examination:
Neurologist– when the patient experiences acute pain with "shooting" in the spine, which is accompanied by a partial loss of sensitivity and mobility. When the pain worsens after changing body position or resting for a long time.
Surgeon or traumatologist– as a result of a fall, injury or intense sports.
Nephrologist or urologist– with frequent or difficult urination, which is accompanied by pain in the lumbar region, as well as if there is acute pain on one side of the lumbar region.
Gastroenterologist– when the pain syndrome is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, weakness, and disorders of the digestive system. If the pain is present only on one side and is pulling.
Gynecologist– if the pain is felt on one or both sides, it may be accompanied by general weakness and intensify during physical activity. When pain is felt during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
If a person knows the cause of lower back pain, then there is no need to contact a specialist (severe physical activity - the pain usually disappears in a day or two). In other cases, you should pay attention to such symptoms and go to an appointment with a specialist doctor.
How to diagnose back pain - diagnostic methods:
Ultrasound– if there is a suspicion of disease in the pelvic or abdominal organs. It can be prescribed even to children, but it does not always allow one to see the real cause of lower back pain.
X-ray– if the patient has a hernia, injury, scoliosis. But this method allows you to see only bone tissue.
CT– if there is a hernia, neuropathy, protrusion, neoplasm, or spinal injury has been experienced. Computed tomography is suitable for patients who are contraindicated for magnetic resonance imaging.
MRI– indications similar to CT. This method is very accurate and makes it possible to examine the necessary organs in as much detail as possible.
Colonoscopy and gastroscopy– if the patient is diagnosed with a digestive system disease. This exam allows you to get a good look at the abdominal organs and, if necessary, take tissue samples for analysis.
Treatment methods for back pain
The treatment method for back pain is determined by the cause of its occurrence. When musculoskeletal disorders are present, non-drug, drug or surgical treatment may be necessary.
Non-drug treatment methods:
physical therapy - the course of treatment is selected individually based on the existing disease. It is important to do a set of exercises regularly to get the desired effect;
physiotherapy – including laser treatment of lesions, magnetic therapy, electrophoresis and other procedures;
acupuncture;
therapeutic and restorative massage - can be used only if the patient does not experience an exacerbation of the disease;
manual therapy and working with an osteopath.
Non-drug treatments are usually supplemented with drugs.
Drug treatment
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used as the main therapy. These drugs are prescribed in the form of intramuscular and intravenous injections, tablets, ointments and creams, as well as rectal suppositories and topically applied patches.
The dose and duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. Uncontrolled use of the drug can cause side effects.
If taking NSAIDs does not give the desired effect, then the doctor prescribes corticosteroids (hormonal drugs). Taking it allows you to stop the inflammatory process and relieve pain.
If the patient has muscle spasms in the lower back, he is prescribed antispasmodics. Such medicine can relieve muscle spasms in the lower back and improve overall well-being.
Drugs such as:
vitamin B, which helps improve nerve conduction;
a decongestant that relieves swollen, pinched roots;
tranquilizer.
Surgical treatment methods
If the doctor identifies the patient with indications for surgery, then 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 its size. If the patient has indications to remove a hernia, tumor, or there is a need to relieve compression of the spinal cord root, then surgical intervention is performed. The decision on the need to perform any operation is made by the doctor individually, depending on the signs and condition of the patient.
Prevention of lower back pain
Moderate physical activity and a healthy lifestyle are the keys to a healthy spine. It is important to arrange a comfortable bed and constantly monitor your posture. If you spend a lot of time sitting in a sitting position, then you need to get up periodically and do a little warm-up. If you do not like exercise, then it is advisable to walk as much as possible.
Giving up bad habits and maintaining proper nutrition will help prevent the development of internal organ diseases. This is especially important for those who have already been diagnosed with diseases of the pancreas, stomach, kidneys and liver. In addition, you should try to keep your lower back warm at all times. The fact is that cold air can trigger the development of diseases of internal organs and cause nerve inflammation.
If there is a need to lift any heavy object, then this should be done using the legs, while the back should be straight. This will shift the load from the lower back muscles. And finally, do not ignore lower back pain, even if it does not cause severe discomfort. It is better to be examined and start treatment on time than to deal with serious consequences.