Causes and treatment of low back pain.

Low back pain is a common and common occurrence.Both men, women and children suffer from it.The causes of this disease are varied.

back pain in the lumbar region

Pain itself is a “bell” that warns of any changes that occur in the human body.Pain should not be ignored;can have serious consequences.You must contact a specialist, identify the origin and begin to eliminate it.

Causes of low back pain.

The most harmless reason is fatigue.During the day there is a large load on the spine and it is not distributed evenly.This produces an unpleasant pain sensation in the spinal region.Excessive physical activity, lifting heavy objects.

Of course, various injuries, bruises.

The causes can be divided into two main categories: diseases of the spine and internal organs.

Mainly in women, pain occurs as a result of:

  • Gynecological ailments (fibroids, vulvitis, adnexitis, tumors of the internal genital organs).
  • Pregnancy.Especially in the last trimester, there is a large load on the spine, which causes lower back pain.Which is natural and disappears after childbirth.
  • Menstrual cycle.A regression symptom is quite possible.
  • Abortion.After a stressful condition and inflammatory process.
  • Climax.Changes in hormonal levels cause alterations in blood circulation in the pelvis.Osteoporosis develops.

For men:

  • Characteristics of professional activity.(lifting weights).
  • Prostatitis.Rare, but possible.
  • Oncology of the genital organs.After 50 years.
  • Practicing sports.Excessive loads.

In children:

  • Wrong posture.It is caused by inappropriate shoes, carrying a backpack incorrectly, or leaning over textbooks.
  • Spinal hernia.

In addition to spinal diseases, pain is caused by pathologies such as:

  • congenital defects of the spine (irregular shape, split);
  • appendicitis;
  • cholecystitis;
  • kidney diseases;
  • adhesions;
  • neoplasms in the back area;
  • bone tuberculosis;
  • overweight;
  • small intestine disease;
  • Inflammatory processes in the muscles.

What diseases cause low back pain?

lower back pain when sitting

There are both primary and secondary signs of the disease.The main ones include the diseases of the spine itself.The secondary ones have pains of a reflexive nature, diseases of the internal organs.

Let's look at the most common of them:

  1. Injuries.Fractures, bruises.Received as a result of a fall, impact, accident, sport, etc.
  2. Scoliosis.Curvature of the spine.Skeletal deformation occurs and a hump appears.It has a congenital or acquired character.
  3. Osteochondrosis.There is destruction of joints and bones and nerve fibers are affected.It can cause radiculitis, hernias, intervertebral discs.
  4. Osteoporosis.Calcium and phosphorus metabolism disorders.Bone density decreases and the percentage of lesions increases.
  5. Rheumatoid arthritis.Chronic inflammatory process in the joints, involving ligaments and adjacent muscles.The development of an autoimmune process is to blame.
  6. Phlebothrombosis (thrombophlebitis).Total or partial interruption of blood flow.
  7. Ankylosing spondyloarthritis.The connective tissue grows and mobility is lost.
  8. Spondylosis.Natural aging of the joint.
  9. Lumbago.Destructive changes in the spine are accompanied by acute pain.If left untreated, it will have irreversible consequences.
  10. Various kidney diseases cause low back pain: pyelonephritis, kidney prolapse, kidney failure, gout, amyloidosis, diabetic nephropathy, renal colic, etc.
  11. Types of tumors of the gastric tract and duodenum.
  12. Pathologies of the pelvis.

Symptoms and nature of pain

Symptoms include varying degrees of discomfort in the lower back region.Pain in the lumbar region is very diverse.

Divided into periodic and permanent.Periodontics are associated with acute pathologies, physical activity and some other individual characteristics of the skeletal structure.

Permanent ones are caused by irreversible damage to the apornomotor system.They cannot be completely cured and come back.

Pain syndrome can also be primary and secondary.The first is directly related to the musculoskeletal system itself, while the second has nothing to do with it and is caused by pathologies of other diseases.

Important!The nature of the pain is different: sharp, painful, periodic, sharp, pulling, throbbing, painful, mild.Accompanied in some cases by numbness of the lower extremities, coldness, decreased sensitivity in the legs, paleness, seizures, limping, limitation of movement, paralysis.

Diagnostic methods

pain in the lower back

If the cause of the pain is known (trauma, pregnancy, chronic diseases), you should immediately go to a specialist with a more specialized profile.Otherwise, you should consult a therapist first.

The following procedures will then be carried out:

  • Blood and urine analysis, biochemical analysis.
  • Ultrasound of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity and heart.
  • X-ray of the lumbar region.
  • MRI and CT scan.The most precise test that identifies the origin of the disease.
  • Study of blood vessels.

And based on these results, the cause will be identified and the appropriate treatment will be prescribed.

What to do if your lower back hurts?

first aid

back pain in the lumbar region

Dull, sharp or stabbing pain, whatever it is, makes your life very difficult and prevents you from doing your usual and favorite things.

If it is unexpected, the following measures must be taken:

  1. Lie down on a flat, semi-rigid surface so that your spine adopts the correct shape.
  2. Try to relax.Don't tense your muscles or panic.Self-hypnosis also plays an important role.
  3. Call a doctor.It is not advisable to take pain relievers;The doctor will not be able to accurately determine the origin of the disease.
  4. It can be bandaged (fixed).
  5. Measure the temperature.

During pregnancy:

  • exclude physical activity;
  • use a prenatal bandage;
  • perform simple physical exercises while sitting;
  • Eat more potassium and phosphorus.

Pharmacological treatment

Tablets:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).Fights inflammation, swelling, improves mobility.
  • Chondroprotectors.Prevents the destruction of cartilage tissue and promotes its restoration.
  • Muscle relaxants.Relaxes stiff muscles and relieves pain.They are used when NSAIDs have not given the desired results.
  • Corticosteroids.Prevents inflammatory processes and blocks intense pain.
  • Narcotic pain relievers.Buy in pharmacies only with a doctor's prescription, as they are addictive.
  • Painkillers.Depending on the strength and nature of the pain.
  • B vitamins. They are used in combination with NSAIDs.Vitamin complexes and vitamins of groups B1, B12, B6.

Ointments, creams:

  • Preparations with local irritant and analgesic effects.Reduces discomfort, relaxes muscles, relieves inflammation, nourishes and warms.
  • Warming with hot pepper, snake and bee venom.
  • Chondroprotector.

Good to know!Medicated patches and injections are also used to treat lower back pain.The latter is done if all of the above did not have the desired effect.Injections are placed directly into the lumbar region.

Folk remedies

Again we turn to traditional medicine.There are many treatment methods among the people, but before using them yourself, you should consult a specialist, as there may be contraindications to treatment with these methods.

Let's look at some examples:

  1. Fresh or steamed burdock leaves are used as a compress.
  2. Mustard plasters are combined with honey.
  3. Mix crushed garlic with vegetable oil.Also mix the garlic with Vaseline and a tablespoon of lemon juice.Apply to the area that bothers you.
  4. Mix lavender, orange, rosemary, eucalyptus, fir and camphor oils with Vaseline.The result is a warming ointment.
  5. Make a warm compress with mustard powder.Another 200 gr.Dry mustard is poured into the bath.After taking it, wrap yourself in a warm blanket.
  6. Stir a tablespoon of honey and vinegar and place it on a cabbage leaf.Apply to the painful area and tie with a warm scarf.
  7. Eucalyptus alcohol tincture will relieve pain.Rub the area that is bothering you well.
  8. Mix sage leaves, birch, pine buds, chamomile, plantain, anise and burdock roots with melted butter or lard.
  9. Grate the beets and squeeze them.Mix the cake with a tablespoon of kerosene and place on a napkin or thin cloth.Apply to the place where it bothers you the most.Place polyethylene on top and bandage with something warm.
  10. Infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs, fruits and roots for oral administration work wonders.They fight inflammation, vitaminize the body and accelerate the metabolic process.Useful plants: chamomile, knotweed, St. John's wort, burdock roots, calendula, violet, dandelion, white willow bark, knotweed, immortelle.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy procedures have the ability to improve the effects of medications on the body.

Together they give a wonderful result:

  • Paraffin and ozokerite applications.Heat the affected area perfectly, apply hot wax on it, layer by layer, up to 1 cm high.Then cover with film and wrap in a wool cloth for an hour.The course lasts from 10 to 30 days.
  • Electrophoresis.The procedure is carried out using a special device that supplies a weak current signal.There is a tingling sensation.
  • Electrical muscle stimulation.
  • Pearl and turpentine baths.
  • Mud therapy.Pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and pain reduction.
  • Amphipulse therapy.

Gym

Gymnastics or physical therapy will help strengthen muscles and heal faster.

Special exercises are selected by an orthopedist or vertebrologist, depending on the injury and other indications.

Therapeutic exercises should be performed after the inflammatory process has passed and the pain has disappeared.

Constant exercise will strengthen the back muscles and reduce the load on the bones, accelerate blood circulation, which will lead to better metabolism in the tissues.

The first classes are carried out under the supervision of a doctor, and then independently at home.Exercises to arch your back up and down will be useful.And on all fours, leaning in one direction or another.

It will be useful to walk and visit the pool.

massage

The benefits of massage are enormous, but in the case of lower back pain, it must be performed by an experienced massage therapist.Otherwise, incorrect movements will cause damage and accelerate the progression of pathologies.

Massage movements, if correct, warm and relieve spasms and activate blood microcirculation.It has a beneficial effect on the body as a whole and on the patient's mood.

During the massage, techniques such as rubbing with the fingertips, stroking and kneading the muscles are used.

Preventive measures

  • Physical exercise is an invaluable aid in prevention.
  • You should not make sudden movements.
  • Strengthen your immune system and lead a healthy lifestyle.
  • It's worth watching your posture.
  • Be examined by a doctor annually.
  • Proper nutrition and maintenance of water balance in the body.
  • Avoid stress and nervous shock.

Note:It is worth monitoring your health and consulting a doctor for timely treatment.Listen to the alarm signals that the body gives in the form of pain.Don't self-medicate.Since all this can have irreversible consequences.