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Lower back hurts

When the lower back hurts, a person’s life becomes miserable due to the colossal discomfort it causes.Meanwhile, there is not a person whose lumbar pain has not been a symptom that has appeared at least once in his life.Lower back pain can occur for a variety of reasons and in different ways.In its manifestations, the pain is sudden and increasing, shooting and aching.However, there is a common feature - if left untreated, it will get worse.

Causes of back pain in the lumbar region

The human spine is exposed to stress of varying intensity every day, from insignificant to significant.At the same time, he does not always manage to compensate for the loads and distribute them over the surrounding tissues without harm to himself, as a result of which he receives microtraumas.It should be noted that the lumbosacral spine is often subject to overload.In addition, there are a number of other reasons why your lower back may hurt.This includes infection, genetics, organ damage, etc.

lower back pain when sitting

Why does the lower back hurt (female causes):

  1. Inflammatory diseases manifest themselves as lower 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 spinal column in general, and on the lower back in particular, is especially increased.As a rule, the lower back stops hurting after childbirth.It should also be noted that during pregnancy there may be an impetus for the development of a mature disease;
  3. Abortion.The procedure damages the internal membranes, which leads to local inflammation.In addition, abortion is accompanied by serious psychological stress;
  4. Pain during menstruation or, in scientific language, algodismenorrhea.The menstrual cycle is a process that is associated with hormonal changes in the body.It is also accompanied by the rejection of the endometrial layer (uterine lining), which causes blood loss and leads to intense contractions of the uterus to remove “garbage”.This may cause stomach and lower back pain;
  5. Climax.Problems with hormonal balance in the body can lead to poor circulation of 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 breast size;
  8. High heels and carrying a heavy handbag can also cause lower back pain.

Why does the lower back hurt (male causes):

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

Why does the lower back hurt (common causes):

Lower 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, there are many causes:

  1. Anomalies or defects of the skeleton: 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 appendix of the cecum (appendix) causes sudden sharp pain in the abdomen, which can 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, which is characterized by girdle pain;
  5. Cystitis.Inflammation of the bladder causes discomfort in the pelvic area;
  6. Diseases of the small intestine, due to their close location to the nerve fibers of the lumbosacral region, can cause pain in this area.Enteritis (gastroenteritis, enterocolitis, gastroenterocolitis), intestinal enzymopathies, diverticulosis;
  7. Kidneys.Lower back pain often accompanies diseases of these organs.Pyelonephritis, kidney prolapse, renal failure, urolithiasis, amyloidosis, lupus nephritis, etc.;
  8. Excess weight increases the load on the spine and leads to its gradual destruction;
  9. Tuberculous tissue damage;
  10. Ankylosing spondylitis;
  11. Inflammation of the lower back muscles as a result of viral or bacterial infection;
  12. Malignant tumors developing or metastasizing in the lower back;
  13. Benign formations growing on nerve fibers or compressing them;
  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 healing process of postoperative wounds.For example, adhesions of the intestine to organs or the abdominal wall after laparotomy;
  16. Hypothermia, stress, poor nutrition, injury;
  17. Due to other diseases.

“Improper posture is the main reason why a child may have lower 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 for patients going to the hospital, and it is also usually the first sign of the disease and warns about it.Pain is a signal of damage that helps trigger 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 at the last stage of osteochondrosis).There are many different classifications of pain.

back pain in the lumbar region

Based on the location of the sensation, we can divide the reasons why the lower back hurts very much into 2 types: primary and secondary (reflected, 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 the 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 organ diseases, injuries and individual physiological characteristics of the body.Periodic pain disappears after eliminating its cause.

Referring pain is when the sensations do not coincide with the true source of pain (the original source, the site of 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 internal organs, pain occurs, called referred pain, which is localized in a certain dermatome in accordance with the Zakharyin-Ged zones.

According to localization, pain can be somatic superficial (damage to the skin), somatic deep (disturbances of the musculoskeletal system and tissues), visceral (damage to organs inside the body).

Depending on the nerves affected, pain can be neuropathic, when 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 lower back pain.This is a complex disease consisting of inflammation and tissue destruction, compression of nerves and blood vessels.Has extensive symptoms;
  2. Lumbago.Shooting pain in the lower back.In most cases, it is the result of osteochondrosis and its complication – a herniated disc.Therefore, the treatment is similar;
  3. Osteoporosis.A chronic progressive metabolic disease of bones, in which their density decreases and fragility increases.In other words, thinning of the bones.It is the leading cause of hip fractures in older people.The disease deforms the skeleton, joints and cartilage.Typical for women during menopause.Osteoporosis risk assessment: Anyone who has ever broken a bone (eg, vertebra, hip) with minor force should be assessed;
  4. Scoliosis.Curvature of the spine, which results in asymmetry of the shoulders, 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.This is a systemic chronic disease involving 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.This is a chronic inflammation of the joints, leading to fibrosis - that is, the proliferation of connective tissue.Mainly localized 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 a result of old age;
  8. Phlebothrombosis.Partial or complete blockage in 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 pathology.Phlebothrombosis is extremely dangerous because until a serious stage it is practically asymptomatic;
  9. Thrombophlebitis.Partial or complete cessation of blood circulation in the 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 be a further development of this disease;
  10. Atherosclerosis.Slowing or stopping blood flow in a vessel due to cholesterol plaques.The disease is typical for older 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 several days.Requires immediate treatment;
  12. Different leg lengths.More than 3 cm. 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 hurts constantly.All of them require urgent and serious treatment.However, it is often symptomatic and its purpose is to slow down the further development of the disease.

What to do if your lower back hurts

“If your lower back hurts periodically, this is a signal that should be taken seriously and undergo an urgent examination.”

In case of sudden pain, the cause of which is unclear, body temperature should be measured and symptoms noted.Such as vomiting, diarrhea, coating on the tongue, the 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 when the cause of the pain is known.For example, for a bruise 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 bedside table under your knees.Relax completely.This will help the body take the most natural position for the spine;
  2. Smooth stretching of the lumbosacral region.Gently and carefully lie with your stomach down on the table, resting your hands on it to bend with minimal strain on your back.You can also tense your abdominal muscles.Position yourself so that your basin is at the very edge of the table.In other words, approach the table until your hips touch it and lie down.Completely relax the muscles of your back, buttocks and legs.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 in this way.Then carefully rise, helping yourself with 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.Hands are shoulder-width apart and perpendicular to them.Legs wider than shoulders.The back should remain in a natural position without arching or arching.In this position, take a deep diaphragmatic inhale, and 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, while tightening the muscles of the buttocks and hips, but not the lower back!Then relax.Take 7-10 such breaths and 2-3 sets of exercises;
exercises for lower back pain

What not to do if your lower back hurts:

  • Warm up.This can increase inflammation and worsen the situation;
  • Take painkillers without an established diagnosis.Pain is the body's defense mechanism.There may be no pain, but this does not mean that degenerative changes have stopped;
  • Set bones yourself or even with a chiropractor without examination and diagnosis.Regular adjustment of the vertebrae will further injure the spine.Displacement of the vertebrae does not always occur as a result of injury.In the case of, for example, advanced osteochondrosis.

“You need to treat the underlying disease first, and its symptoms second.”

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

  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 one cure for every disease.This article lists just a few common names of drugs often used in the treatment of low back pain.However, it is strictly recommended not to self-medicate and take any medications only after consulting a doctor.

tablets for lower back pain

Drug treatment for low back pain is aimed at relieving inflammation and pain relief.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. Blockades;
  6. Minerals and vitamins.

Some of the best means of relieving pain 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 lower back pain.Vitamins B1, B6, B12 are added to NSAIDs.It has been proven that the use of high therapeutic doses of B vitamins enhances the effect of NSAIDs due to improved restoration of nervous tissue.Thus, the optimal addition to NSAIDs is a combination vitamin medicine.Therefore, to most effectively combat pain, treatment with this drug begins with daily injections for 7-10 days.To this are added physiotherapeutic procedures, exercise therapy, massage, etc. Thus, the most effective and long-term treatment is achieved.

Prevention

Prevention of lower back pain is as follows:

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