According to statistics, almost every second middle-aged and elderly person consults a doctor with complaints of back pain in the lumbar region. Up to 80% of people experience such an unpleasant sensation at least once in their life.
All over the world, pain in the lumbar spine leads to the fact that a person loses mobility, undergoes long-term treatment and is forced to limit usual activities.
Causes of lower back pain
There are many different reasons and factors that cause back pain, especially often in the lower back. Some diseases are more common, others are quite rare, but it is important to consult a doctor in time to determine the true cause and help relieve pain.
Muscle and ligament injuries
One of the causes of lower back pain is tension and damage to the muscles and ligaments that support the back. The pain is usually localized in the muscles next to the spine and may be associated with spasms in these muscles. Painful sensations can travel to the buttocks and, very rarely, to the legs.
Herniated disc
A herniated disc is characterized by a prolapse of the inner part of the disc towards the spinal canal, which often causes severe and unbearable back pain at the lumbar level. A displaced and damaged disc in the lumbar region forms a herniation when it ruptures. The reason for this is that the structure of the disc degenerates (aging) to such an extent that the cartilaginous shell literally cracks, crumbles and the dense gel (nucleus pulposus) inside the disc is pushed into the spinal canal. A herniated disc puts pressure on the spinal nerves, often causing pain.
Disc degeneration and aging (osteochondrosis)
The discs between the vertebrae are strong and elastic cartilaginous shock absorbers between the vertebrae. Due to the aging process, the intervertebral discs begin to shrink, lose their elasticity and become flattened. With osteochondrosis, pain occurs along the spine, most often in the lower back, which requires treatment.
Not everyone with disc degeneration has back pain. However, in people who have ruled out all other possible back problems, pain may be caused by degenerative changes in the discs (osteochondrosis).
Spondyloarthrosis (arthrosis of the intervertebral joints)
Not long ago, it was believed that osteoarthritis was caused by wear and tear on joints over time. However, scientists now consider it a joint disease. Factors such as genetics, weight, injuries, sedentary lifestyle, excessive stress on the back, and other factors are thought to contribute to this process. Spondyloarthrosis is one of the common diseases causing lower back pain.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal itself or a decrease in the lumen of the openings where spinal nerves leave the spine. This condition usually develops with age, against the background of pronounced degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine and leads to a significant pain syndrome, which is difficult to treat with the possible development of disability.
Spondylolysis
This term refers to a congenital or acquired condition, a split, crack or fracture due to stress in one of the vertebrae. In some cases, a stress fracture weakens the bone so much that it can no longer maintain its proper position in the spine. The vertebra begins to shift or slip, causing back pain primarily in the lower back.
Osteoporosis
Today, osteoporosis is a pressing problem for many women over 50 and some men. It is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone tissue without time to create new, young bones. Against the background of loss of bone tissue, its rarefaction and fragility appear, due to which it loses its strength and the vertebra can break as a result of a fall or clumsy movement, lifting a heavy object. In some cases, back pain can be caused by osteoporosis itself, even if there is no spinal fracture.
Stress
When it comes to back pain, stress is one of the common factors that can trigger back pain. When stressed, the muscles become more toned and spasms occur, making movement in the lower back difficult and causing pain.
Other factors
Certain conditions can also contribute to back pain, including:
- infections with bone destruction (osteomyelitis),
- malignant oncology, especially if metastases have occurred in the bones of the spine,
- psoriasis, especially with arthritis,
- fibromyalgia.
Sometimes lower back pain is referred to, that is, it occurs against the background of pathology in other organs and tissues, but is felt in the spine:
- urinary tract infections,
- diseases of the abdominal organs, kidneys and pelvic organs.
Posture problems
Back pain usually occurs as a result of strenuous daily activities. Often, back pain, especially in the lower back, can be caused by poor posture and weak abdominal muscles. These are exactly the areas that need to be addressed and strengthened to relieve discomfort and prevent pain from returning in the future.
But how do the abdominal muscles affect the lower back? It's simple. The torso is a unique muscular corset that supports the body, and if the muscles in the front (abdomen) are weak, guess which ones receive an increased load? It is true that the lumbar muscles of the lower posterior part of the body suffer more than the others. Weak abdominal muscles eventually create additional tension around the back, which overloads the psoas muscles and causes pain. Most people with chronic back pain can reduce it by strengthening their core muscles. Performing a set of exercises daily can improve the condition.
Lower back pain during pregnancy
For the first time, women may experience lower back pain when carrying a baby. This is due to a change in the center of gravity, a change in posture and increased deviation of the spine in the lumbar region. This condition is not dangerous, but can predispose to postural changes, muscle tension, and pinched nerves later. To avoid back problems or reduce discomfort when pain in the spine, mainly in the lower back, has already appeared, treatment involves wearing a support bandage, comfortable low-heeled shoes and often standing. rest in lateral position.
Types of sensations for back pain in the lumbar region
Back pain can be acute if it comes on suddenly and lasts no more than 2 to 3 weeks. If the sensations last for months or even years, this is already a chronic pain syndrome. Depending on the sensations felt, we can distinguish:
- Intense, burning, sharp and almost unbearable pain. It is typical of hernias, radiculitis, lumbago (lumbago in the back).
- Dull, aching, shooting, or vague pain. This often occurs during injury, muscle inflammation or strain, or problems with the soft tissues surrounding the spine.
- Chronic pain can be of different nature: with an uncomfortable movement or position, it usually intensifies to a burning, aching or shooting sensation. At rest, when wearing corsets or in certain body positions, they weaken.
Diagnosis of low back pain
To determine the cause of the pain, your doctor may prescribe:
- A set of laboratory tests to exclude inflammatory processes and pathologies of internal organs.
- X-ray of the spine (often in two projections: direct and lateral). This makes it possible to identify bone abnormalities, spinal and joint deformities.
- Computer optical topography of the spine to assess postural disorders, determine the degree of spinal deformity and pelvic distortion.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is the most frequently prescribed and informative method for diagnosing spinal diseases. MRI can detect damage to intervertebral discs, joints, spinal cord, vertebrae and other structures.
- ENMG (electroneuromyography) - to assess the state of neuromuscular transmission, function of nerves and muscles.
Treatment of pain in the lumbar spine
A set of procedures for the treatment of back pain is prescribed individually by a doctor and may include:
- Analgesics, decongestants and anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and vitamins (tablets, ointments, injections, droppers);
- physiotherapy techniques (intrastitial electrostimulation, carboxytherapy and ozone therapy, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, amplification therapy);
- kinesio taping,
- massage, manual therapy and osteopathy;
- acupuncture;
- physiotherapy and other methods.
In difficult cases, in the absence of effect from conservative treatment, surgical treatment may be indicated. These may include disc replacement operations, hernia removal, fusion of vertebrae (spinal fusion), vertebroplasty, etc.
Preventing back pain
To prevent the appearance and progression of back pain, it is necessary to monitor your posture, promptly consult a specialist at the first appearance of back pain, regularly undergo preventive procedures on the recommendation of adoctor, to lead an active life, to practice special physical care. exercise and, if possible, avoid excessive physical activity and injury.
Which doctor should I contact?
If you are suffering from back pain, especially in your lower back, you should consult a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, a consultation with a physiotherapist, neurosurgeon or urologist, gynecologist may be necessary.
FAQs
How to tell if you have back or kidney pain?
Very often there are situations when the spine imitates kidney diseases and vice versa, where kidney diseases masquerade as spinal pathology. To clarify the cause of the pain, it is necessary to consult a doctor and, if necessary, carry out additional examination.
What is the best position to sleep if you have lower back pain?
If you suffer from lower back pain, it is recommended to sleep on a medium-hard mattress while lying on your side, in the so-called "fetal" position.
Can lower back pain occur due to gynecological diseases?
Yes. Certain gynecological diseases (inflammatory, neoplasms, etc. ) can cause referred pain in the lower back.
Is it possible to undergo exercise therapy if you suffer from severe lower back pain?
In case of severe pain in the lower back, it is recommended, at the first stage of treatment, to first achieve pain reduction and only then begin to perform active therapeutic exercises.
Can playing sports cause lower back pain?
Yes it's possible. Especially when playing traumatic sports, not complying with the requirements of safe training, and also without prior warming up.