Low pain is the symptom that is rarely paid.Most people associate it with work in a sitting position, lifting weights or osteochondrosis and are not in a hurry to see a doctor.In fact, this condition can point out kidneys from the kidneys, liver or intestines, and problems with the musculoskeletal system will not pass by themselves.Only a timely inspection of a specialist and a complete examination will help identify the cause of pain and choose the right treatment.
general information
The lower back is an area undergoing a significant load due to the vertical position.The spine is represented by five large vertebrae, which are also reinforced by the muscle frame.9 out of 10 cases of pain in this area are caused precisely by the pathology of the musculoskeletal system: osteochondrosis, muscle spasm, hernia of the intervertebral disc, pinching of the nerve root.
The remaining 10% of the cases are associated with diseases of the internal organs located in the projection of the lower back: kidneys, genitorerinary system, intestines, liver.Even a doctor, during the examination, cannot always determine the cause of the pain, which is why this condition requires an in -depth and instrumental laboratory diagnosis.
Types of pain
The first thing the doctor asks is the nature of the sensations.Depending on the cause that caused it, lower back pain can be:
- Acute: generally arises strongly, characterized by a high intensity;The duration of the sensations does not exceed 1.5 months;
- Subacute: lasts 6 to 12 weeks;
- Chronicle: sensations of any intensity that lasts 12 weeks or more;
- Transfer (variable): appears periodically;
- painful;
- silly;
- Strong and medium intensity, low.
This division is conditional.Depending on the situation and the circumstances, the nature and duration of the sensations may vary.It is important to describe them as fully as possible.
Reasons
The reasons why the back begins to hurt in the lower back.Most often, provocative factors are used:
- hypothermia;
- Halterophilia;
- Unequal load distribution (in the context of pregnancy, posture disorders, pathology of the musculoskeletal system);
- infectious lesion;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- inflammatory process, including autoimmunes;
- Long stay in an uncomfortable position;
- change in the composition of bone tissue (osteoporosis);
- Volumetric process: benign and malignant tumors, abscesses;
- hormonal changes (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause);
- Kidney diseases (urolithiasis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, abscesses);
- pathology of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Uterus diseases and appendages in women, prostate in men, etc.
Diseases
Low pain can be a symptom of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system and internal organs.The doctor's main task is to discover what has exactly caused the condition to deteriorate and take the necessary measures.
Here are the most common pathologies.
Ankylosing spondylitis
It is a systemic inflammatory disease, in which individual vertebrae in a single conglomerate occur.At the same time, the calcium deposit in the ligaments stabilizing the spine occurs, as a result of which the affected area almost completely loses mobility.
The distinctive characteristics of lower back pain with ankylosing spondylitis include:
- an increase in intensity at rest, in particular with prolonged conclusion in the horizontal position;
- constraint of movements in the lumbar region;
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar column
It is a very common disease, in which intermittent discs are thinner, playing the role of shock absorbers.As a result, nerve roots and surrounding muscles cramps causing intense pain are irritated.At the late stage of the disease, an intervertebral disc hernia is formed, which can press the spinal cord, improving pain.
With osteochondrosis, pain intensifies:
- when lifting a sedentary or horizontal position;
- When you try to lie on the stomach;
- With inclinations.
If the disease causes the formation of a massive hernia, pain in the lower back is often accompanied by numbness and weakness of one or two legs.
The curvature of the spine in the lumbar region (cyphosis, scoliosis)
Pain in this pathology occurs in the middle and end of the development of the disease.Disfort generally occurs by the end of the day and is often accompanied by the fatigue of spinal muscles.Pain is more often caused by cramps in the spine muscles, and it is also possible to explore the muscles to elimination (gluteal muscles and periosemcts of the upper and lower limbs).
Spondylrosis
It is a dystrophic degenerative disease of cartilage, covering the intervertebral discs.It is gradually thinner and destroyed, bone growth (osteophytes) appear around the area of the lesion.Due to a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, the narrow vertebral canal, the nerve roots and the spinal cord are irritated.
Pain with this pathology:
- Intensified after the load (long -term stay in a standing position, walking) and passes after rest;
- Accompanied by stiffness of the movements, first in the morning, then constant;
- It can be given to the thigh and the hip joint area.
The muscles of the lesion area are spasmodic and constantly in tension, which also improves pain.
Uroline disease
An attack on the Urolithiasis is characterized by severe lumbar pain of the affected kidney.At the same time, the sensations do not change according to the installation, a person cannot find a position in which he is at least a little weakened.The attack is often accompanied by a reduction in the amount of urine and a color change in reddish.
Low pain can also be a consequence:
- Algomene (painful menstruation);
- pregnancy;
- pancreatic inflammation;
- osteomyelitis;
- intestinal obstruction;
- appendicitis, etc.
Pain in various back parts
The location of pain can say a lot about their cause.Pain in the upper part of the lumbar region can be a consequence:
- vertebral column diseases;
- injuries;
- Muscle spasm in the bottom of their overvoltage;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- tumors;
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
If the epicenter is located at the lower back, the list of probable reasons includes, in addition to the vertebral diseases:
- renal pathology (pyelonephritis, urolithiasis);
- intestinal disturbance (constipation, flatulence);
- spasms or inflammatory processes in pelvic organs (salpingoboophoritis, endometrite);
- physiological causes, especially pregnancy;
- Pinch the sciatic nerve.
The displacement of the pain on the right or on the left may indicate the lesion of the corresponding spine of the spinal cord, the kidneys.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of lower back pain requires a complete examination.The first step in the search for reason is the survey.The doctor clarifies:
- Location of pain;
- its character and duration;
- causes that cause an attack or improve pain;
- Circumstances in which the condition improves (a certain pose, immobility, taking medication, etc.).
Data on injuries and diseases, already identified, chronic pathologies are collected without fault.Another possible diagnostic search at the discretion of the doctor includes:
- General blood and urine test: helps to identify the inflammatory process in the body, renal pathology;
- Biochemical blood test to identify signs of kidney lesions, pancreas, liver and gallbladder, etc.;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs and the basin, in men - ultrasound of the prostate gland;
- Kidneys ultrasound;
- radiography, CT or MRI of the lumbar column;
- X -Ray of the chest.
In the event of suspicion of any pathology after a diagnosis and an inspection of reviews, more targeted tests, exams and consultations with narrow specialists are prescribed.They allow you to clarify or refute the diagnosis.
Treatment
The treatment of pain in the lower back depends on its cause.A neurologist, a urologist, a gynecologist and a surgeon can engage in a pathology.If we are talking about diseases of the musculoskeletal system, doctors use medical, non-drug and surgical methods to improve the patient's condition.
Drugs
The most common way to eliminate low back pain is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).They are prescribed in the form of tablets, intravenous and intramuscular injections, rectal suppositories, as well as creams, ointments and plaster for local use.The decision on the dosage of the product, as well as the duration of the course, are taken by the doctor, because the uncontrolled use of these drugs can cause unpleasant side effects.
If NSAIDs are ineffective, doctors prescribe hormonal drugs (corticosteroids).They also stop the inflammatory process and help reduce pain.
The third group of drugs that improve the patient's condition is antispasmodic.They eliminate muscle cramps in the lower back.
In addition, they can be named:
- decongestants to reduce the edema of a pinching root;
- B vitamins to improve nervous conduction;
- sedatives.
Non -drug methods
Non -medicinal treatment completes medicinal patterns.Depending on the clinical situation, it may include:
- Physiotherapeutic procedures (magnetotherapy, laser effect, electrophoresis, etc.);
- Physiotherapy exercises: The exercise course is developed individually in accordance with main and related diseases;Gymnastics must be done regularly, not only in the clinic's office, but also at home, only in this case, it has an effect;
- General reinforcement and therapeutic massage (carried out outside of exacerbations);
- acupuncture;
- Manual therapy and osteopath assistance.
Surgical treatment
The help of the surgeon is necessary if the attending physician on the basis of the general image reveals one of the indications for surgical processing.The presence of an intervertebral disc hernia is not an indication for surgical treatment, whatever its size.According to the indications, doctors can remove the hernia from the intervertebral disc, eliminate the compression of the spinal cord roots, remove the tumor, etc.The decision to carry out a particular operation is taken individually.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent lower back pain is to adjust your lifestyle in order to save the kidneys, spine and pelvic organs, but if pain occurred, this should be the reason for an extraordinary call to a specialist:
- Avoid hypothermia;
- prevent hypodynamia;
- Playing sports at an amateur level (swimming is particularly beneficial affects the state of the spine and back muscles);
- Straight and balanced to eat: prevent overeating, minimize fatty, spicy and too salty foods;
- exclude alcohol and nicotine;
- Drink at least 1.5 liters of pure water per day without taking into account tea, coffee or juices;
- Keep the body mass index at a normal level: excess weight does not affect the state of the spine and the deficiency can cause renal veneration.
If a person has already diagnosed the pathology of the musculoskeletal system, preferably at least twice a year, according to European recommendations for the rehabilitation of the pathology of the spine, to take preventive courses in accordance with the appointment of a doctor.