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The lower back hurts

When the lower back hurts, a person's life becomes miserable due to the colossal discomfort it causes.Meanwhile, there is no person whose lower back pain has not been a symptom that has appeared at least once in his life.Back pain can occur for a variety of reasons and in different ways.In its manifestations, the pain is sudden and increasing, excruciating and painful.However, there is one common feature: if left untreated, it will get worse.

Causes of back pain in the lumbar region

The human spine is exposed to stresses of varying intensity every day, from insignificant to significant.At the same time, he is not always able to compensate for the loads and distribute them to the surrounding tissues without damaging himself, as a result of which he receives microtraumas.It should be noted that the lumbosacral spine is often subjected to overload.Additionally, there are a number of other reasons why your lower back might hurt.This includes infections, genetic factors, organ damage, etc.

back pain when sitting

Why does the lower back hurt (female causes):

  1. Inflammatory diseases manifest themselves as low back pain or give complications that lead to this symptom:
    1. Vulvitis – inflammation of the external genitalia;
    2. Colpitis – inflammation of the vaginal mucosa;
    3. Adnexitis – inflammation of the uterine appendages;
  2. During pregnancy, the load on the spine in general, and on the lower back in particular, especially increases.As a rule, the lower back stops hurting after childbirth.It should also be noted that during pregnancy there may be an impulse to the development of a mature disease;
  3. Abortion.The procedure damages internal membranes, causing local inflammation.Furthermore, abortion is accompanied by severe psychological stress;
  4. Pain during menstruation or, in scientific language, algodysmenorrhea.The menstrual cycle is a process associated with hormonal changes in the body.It is also accompanied by rejection of the endometrial layer (uterine lining), which causes blood loss and leads to intense contractions of the uterus to remove the “junk”.This can cause stomach and lower back pain;
  5. Climax.Problems with the hormonal balance in the body can lead to poor circulation of the organs in the pelvic area.Because of this, bone density decreases and osteoporosis develops;
  6. Suspiciousness.Although this quality is common to both sexes, in the vast majority of cases it is characteristic of women;
  7. Large breasts;
  8. High heels and carrying a heavy bag can also cause back pain.

Why does the lower back hurt (male causes):

  1. Prostatitis.Inflammation of the prostate sometimes causes pain in the lumbar region;
  2. Epididymitis.Inflammation of the epididymis can be reflected in discomfort in the lower back;
  3. Men aged 50 and older are at increased risk of genital cancer.What could be the cause of back pain?
examination by a doctor for low back pain

Why does your lower back hurt (common causes):

Low back pain can occur due to many pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.However, in addition to diseases affecting the spine (spondyloarthrosis, osteochondrosis, osteoporosis, osteomyelitis...) and injuries, the causes are numerous:

  1. Skeletal anomalies or defects: kyphosis, scoliosis, lordosis, spina bifida, wedge-shaped vertebrae, etc.It should be noted that in ≈50% of cases the causes of the development of the defect are unknown, in ≈10% - environmental influences, in ≈19% - genetics, in the rest - multiple factors.In most cases there is no treatment, sometimes surgical correction is acceptable;
  2. Appendicitis.Inflammation of the vermiform appendage of the cecum (appendix) causes sudden sharp pain in the abdomen, which may radiate to the lumbar region;
  3. Cholecystitis.Lower back pain may be due to inflammation of the gallbladder;
  4. Acute pancreatitis.Inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by pain in the girdle;
  5. Cystitis.Inflammation of the bladder causes discomfort in the pelvic area;
  6. Diseases of the small intestine, due to their proximity to the nerve fibers of the lumbosacral region, can cause pain in this area.Enteritis (gastroenteritis, enterocolitis, gastroenterocolitis), intestinal enzymopathies, diverticulosis;
  7. Kidneys.Back pain often accompanies diseases of these organs.Pyelonephritis, renal prolapse, renal failure, urolithiasis, amyloidosis, lupus nephritis, etc.;
  8. Excess weight increases the load on the spine and leads to its gradual destruction;
  9. Damage to tubercular tissue;
  10. Ankylosing spondylitis;
  11. Inflammation of the lower back muscles due to a viral or bacterial infection;
  12. Malignant tumors that develop or metastasize in the lower back;
  13. Benign formations that grow on or compress nerve fibers;
  14. Spinal epidural abscess.Purulent inflammation of the spinal space;
  15. Abdominal or pelvic adhesions after surgery.This is the proliferation of connective tissue during the postoperative wound healing process.For example, adhesions of the intestine to organs or the abdominal wall after laparotomy;
  16. Hypothermia, stress, poor nutrition, injuries;
  17. Due to other diseases.

“Poor posture is the main reason a child may have back pain.”

Types of back pain in the lumbar region

Pain is a mental and physiological reaction of the body to severe irritation of nerve nodes in organs and tissues.Pain is the most common reason patients go to hospital and is also usually the first sign of and warning of the disease.Pain is a signal of damage that helps to activate protective (for example, muscle spasm to limit the mobility of the affected part of the body when a nerve is pinched) and compensatory mechanisms of the body (for example, fibrosis in the last stage of osteochondrosis).There are many different classifications of pain.

back pain in the lumbar region

Based on the localization of the sensation, we can divide the reasons why the lower back hurts a lot into 2 types: primary and secondary (reflex, projected).In the first case, pain is caused by damage to the musculoskeletal system as a result of degenerative changes (for example osteochondrosis) or trauma.In the second case, it is caused by a pathology (for example, cholecystitis radiating to the lower back) that is not directly related to the spine and muscles of the lumbar region, so it can be very diverse.

The nature of pain is constant (otherwise chronic) and periodic (otherwise acute).The first type is associated with irreversible processes of circulatory disorders, nerve damage or damage to the musculoskeletal system.As a rule, eliminating the source of persistent pain is complicated or impossible.The second type includes acute diseases of organs, injuries and individual physiological characteristics of the body.Periodic pain disappears after eliminating its cause.

Referred pain is when the sensations do not coincide with the true source of the pain (the original source, the site of the damage).For example, pain radiating to the leg, when the nerve roots are compressed in the lumbosacral spine, is called projected.And after damage to the internal organs, pain occurs, called referred pain, which is localized in a certain dermatome according to the Zakharyin-Ged zones.

Depending on the localization, pain can be superficial somatic (skin damage), deep somatic (disorders of the musculoskeletal system and tissues), visceral (damage to the internal organs of the body).

Depending on the nerves affected, the pain can be neuropathic, when the peripheral nerves are damaged, or central, when the central nervous system is damaged.

Diseases characterized by chronic low back pain

Here they are:

  1. Intervertebral osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is one of the most common causes of low back pain.This is a complex disease consisting of inflammation and destruction of tissues, compression of nerves and blood vessels.Presents extensive symptoms;
  2. Lumbago.Shooting pain in the lower back.In most cases, it is the result of osteochondrosis and its complication: herniated disc.Therefore, the treatment is similar;
  3. Osteoporosis.A chronic progressive metabolic disease of bones, in which their density decreases and their fragility increases.In other words, thinning of the bones.It is the leading cause of hip fractures in the elderly.The disease deforms the skeleton, joints and cartilage.Typical of menopausal women.Osteoporosis risk assessment: Anyone who has ever broken a bone (e.g., vertebra, hip) with less force should be evaluated;
  4. Scoliosis.Curvature of the spine, causing shoulder asymmetry, poor posture, impaired motor function of the skeleton, protruding ribs on the left or right side;
  5. Rheumatoid arthritis.Women are more susceptible to the disease.It develops most often during menopause.It is a chronic systemic disease that involves muscles, ligaments and cartilage in the degenerative-dystrophic process.The causes of the disease are autoimmune processes;
  6. Ankylosing spondylitis or ankylosing spondylitis.A disease with progressive loss of joint mobility.More common in men.It is a chronic inflammation of the joints that leads to fibrosis, i.e. the proliferation of connective tissue.Located mainly in the spine.Accompanied by pain, eye damage and decreased growth.Leads to complete loss of joint mobility;
  7. Spondylosis.Chronic disease of the spine, which is manifested by changes in the fibrous tissue of the intervertebral space and the formation of spinal bone growths (spondylophytes or osteophytes) on the sides of the vertebrae.More often it is the result of old age;
  8. Phlebothrombosis.Partial or complete blockage of the deep veins of the leg due to blood clots.It develops with a simultaneous combination of 3 factors: pathology of the walls of blood vessels, thickening and slowing of blood flow.Wearing high heels for a long time increases the risk of developing pathologies.Phlebothrombosis is extremely dangerous because up to the severe stage it is practically asymptomatic;
  9. Thrombophlebitis.Partial or complete cessation of blood circulation in superficial veins due to the formation of blood clots caused by pathological changes in the vein as a result of its inflammation.Most often, the disease is a consequence of varicose veins.Phlebothrombosis may represent a further development of this disease;
  10. Atherosclerosis.Slowing or stopping blood flow in a vessel due to cholesterol plaques.The disease is typical of elderly men;
  11. Osteomyelitis.Purulent-necrotic process in bones, bone marrow and surrounding tissues.The cause is a bacterial infection.The patient's condition worsens over the course of several days.Requires immediate treatment;
  12. Different leg lengths.More than 3cm.The disease develops due to atrophy of the muscles of one of the legs.
spinal damage as a cause of low back pain

These diseases and many others are the reason why the lower back constantly hurts.Everyone needs urgent and serious care.However, it is often symptomatic and its purpose is to slow the further development of the disease.

What to do if your lower back hurts

"If the lower back hurts periodically, this is a sign that it should be taken seriously and undergo urgent examination."

In case of sudden pain, the cause of which is unclear, it is necessary to measure the body temperature and note the symptoms.Such as vomiting, diarrhea, coating on the tongue, nature and location of pain, etc.Lie on a hard bed or carpet, placing thick pillows under your knees, head and torso.If the pain does not subside for a long time, call a doctor.And in any case it is necessary to undergo an examination.

For the case where the cause of the pain is known.For example, for a contusion or sprain of the lower back, first aid is provided with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (tablets or better ointments).You can take a diuretic once to reduce swelling and wrap your lower back with an orthopedic belt or towel to limit mobility.

Exercises that can help relieve pain:

  1. Relaxation.Lie down on the carpet.Place a thick pillow under your torso and head and a low stool or nightstand under your knees.Relax completely.This will help the body assume the most natural position for the spine;
  2. Regular lengthening of the lumbosacral region.Lie gently and carefully on your stomach on the table, placing your hands on it to bend with minimal effort on your back.You can also contract your abdominal muscles.Position yourself so that your pelvis is right on the edge of the table.In other words, move closer to the bed until your hips touch it and lie down.Completely relax your back, buttocks and leg muscles.Half of the body hangs from the table in a relaxed state.In this state, take a deep diaphragmatic (belly) breath and hold your breath for 3-5 seconds, then exhale slowly.Take 7-10 breaths like this.Then stand up carefully, using your hands and abdominal muscles, with minimal tension on your lower back.You can repeat the exercise several times;
  3. Unloading of the lumbosacral region.Get on all fours.The hands are shoulder width apart and perpendicular to them.Legs wider than shoulders.Your back should remain in a natural position without arching or arching.In this position, take a deep diaphragmatic inhalation, then exhale as much as possible, imagining how the navel stretches towards the spine.At the end of the exhalation, hold for 2-3 seconds, contracting the muscles of the buttocks and hips, but not the lower back!So relax.Do 7-10 such breaths and 2-3 sets of exercises;
exercises for back pain

What not to do if your lower back hurts:

  • Warm up.This can increase inflammation and make the situation worse;
  • Take painkillers without an established diagnosis.Pain is the body's defense mechanism.There may be no pain, but that doesn't mean the degenerative changes have stopped;
  • Put the bones on your own or even with a chiropractor without examination and diagnosis.Regular adjustment of the vertebrae will further damage the spine.Displacement of the vertebrae does not always occur due to injury.In the case, for example, of advanced osteochondrosis.

“It is necessary to treat the underlying disease first and then its symptoms.”

Determining the cause of such a common symptom as low back pain may require a thorough examination and consultation with various medical specialists: neurologist, vertebrologist, gynecologist, etc.If it is not clear which specialist to turn to, you can consult a therapist.The most common examination procedures are as follows:

  1. Consideration of patient complaints, examination of joint mobility, assessment of the degree of degenerative changes;
  2. General analysis of urine and blood;
  3. Biochemical blood test;
  4. X-ray examination of the lumbar vertebrae;
  5. Ultrasound of the heart and abdominal organs;
  6. Doppler ultrasound – examination of blood vessels;
  7. CT or MRI.

Treatment of lower back pain

Treatment depends on the diagnosis because there is no cure for every disease.This article lists just a few common names of medications often used to treat low back pain.However, it is strongly recommended not to self-medicate and to take any medications only after consulting a doctor.

tablets for back pain

Drug treatment for low back pain is aimed at relieving inflammation and relieving pain.And for this purpose the following types of drugs are used:

  1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  2. Muscle relaxants;
  3. Narcotic analgesics;
  4. Corticosteroids;
  5. Blocks;
  6. Minerals and vitamins.

Some of the best means for pain relief are ointments, creams and gels:

  • NSAIDs;
  • Ointments containing diclofenac;
  • Combined drugs;
  • Anti-inflammatory ointments;
  • Medicinal patches.

Symptomatic therapy is used only for incurable diseases.Modern medicine takes a comprehensive approach to the treatment of low back pain.Vitamins B1, B6, B12 are added to NSAIDs.It has been shown that the use of high therapeutic doses of B vitamins increases the effect of NSAIDs due to improved restoration of nervous tissue.Therefore, the optimal addition to NSAIDs is a combined vitamin medicine.Therefore, to combat pain most effectively, treatment with this drug begins with daily injections for 7-10 days.Added to this are physiotherapeutic procedures, physical therapy, massage, etc.This way you get the most effective and long-term treatment.

Prevention

Prevention of back pain is as follows:

  • Regular physical activity, keeping the body in good shape, developing muscle structure.If it is not possible to play sports, 15-minute therapeutic exercises 2-3 times a day will help not to get sick;
  • Watch your posture;
  • Less stress, more fruit and vegetables.Strong immunity saves you from many diseases;
  • Correct and balanced diet containing essential minerals and vitamins;
  • An annual preventive visit by a doctor is the best prevention for detecting diseases early;
  • Salt balance support.The human body needs 1.5 to 4 liters of water per day, depending on body weight, weather and activity.