So, let's consider the causes of pain syndrome in the lower back in order:
- Diseases of the spine. Among the rarest but severe pathologies that cause back pain is Bechterew's disease. With this disease, the vertebrae grow together, calcium is deposited in the ligaments, and the affected shoulder loses its mobility. The characteristic features of pain in this pathology - pain increases at rest, with a long lie; Movements in the lumbar region are restricted. This disease begins more often at a young age and may be hereditary.
- Curvature of the spine. Kyphoscoliosis and asymmetric scoliosis (two types of curvature) cause spasms of the deep muscles of the spine. Most often, the pain syndrome is felt in the middle and late stages of the disease, with fatigue, it manifests itself more sharply by the end of the day. This pathology begins in childhood and there may be a hereditary predisposition.
- Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone mineral density, leading to bone fragility and frequent fractures.
- Osteochondrosis - thinning of the intervertebral discs, leading to protrusions and tears of the intervertebral discs in the late stage - the most common cause of back pain. Moreover, the pain intensifies when changing the position: getting up from a sitting position, trying to lie on the stomach, turning, bending over.
- Spinal injuries, sprains and bruises, fractures.
- Spondylolisthesis - that is, the displacement of the lumbar vertebra relative to the vertebra below it. The pain is localized in the middle of the back, is felt in the legs and is accompanied by numbness and / or weakness, aggravated by standing up or bending over.
- Fibromyalgia is a pathology that causes pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons. There is pain and stiffness in different parts of the body, the pain increases when touched. Often the patient complains of poor sleep. It is most common in women aged 20-50.
- Damage to soft tissues and kidneys. Severe acute pain from a diseased kidney is characteristic of urolithiasis. Pain can occur in any position of a person. Another disease that is a sign of discomfort in the lower back is pyelonephritis.
- Infections or infections of the spine and spinal cord, for example, osteomyelitis, discitis, spinal epidural abscess. Because of this, the pain is progressive and does not depend on the patient's position or activity. Sometimes there is fever or night sweats.
- Local inflammatory processes such as appendicitis or cholecystitis.
Back pain is divided into three types: local, radiating and reflected. Local pain is felt at the location of its cause, this type of pain is most common in back syndromes. In this case, the most common cause is osteochondrosis of the spine, degeneration of the intervertebral disc, stretching or spasm of the deep muscles of the spine.
Radiating pain is dull and aching, most often radiating up and down the leg. It can be accompanied by degeneration of the deep muscles of the spine with osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis or hemodynamic disturbances along the sciatic nerve at the stage of lumbar herniation.
Referred pain usually means that the cause of the syndrome is visceral. For example, heart disease can cause pain in the arm, back and shoulder blades. The pain is reflected from the internal organs to the lower back and has a deep painful character, independent of movements.
Back pain in men and women
Back pain in women can be the result of gynecological diseases. In this case, the concern is boring, pulling. Among such diseases in women - adnexitis, ovarian cyst torsion, salpingo-oophoritis, uterine myoma and endometritis can be expressed as pain in the lower back. Pregnancy often causes back pain due to increased load on the spine and increased body weight, and it is also possible during menopause. With an ectopic pregnancy, back pain can also occur - in this case, it is unbearable.
The causes of back pain in men are often related to excessive exercise, heavy lifting, spinal injuries, but it can also indicate only male diseases - prostatitis or epididymitis. Pathology of the prostate is characterized by pulling, aching pain, the patient often has impaired urination.
Diagnosis and treatment of back pain
Depending on the causes of back pain, different specialists are involved in its treatment. If it is a pathology of the spine, then you should contact kinesitherapists, if it is a pathology of internal organs, a therapist, gastroenterologist, gynecologist, urologist, if the pathology is of rheumatic origin, a rheumatologist. cases of a neoplasm in the lower part of the body, then the oncologist.
First of all, for the diagnosis, the doctor conducts an interview with the patient, recognizing the nature of the pain: whether it is sharp or dull, stretching, whether it depends on movement, activity, body position, whether it is accompanied by other symptoms. or not. After the oral examination, the doctor examines the patient, palpates the lumbar region, the muscles of the spine and the limbs. Additional examination, laboratory tests, X-ray, MRI, tissue biopsy, electromyography may be required.
For treatment, depending on the disease, different means are used. In osteochondrosis, scoliosis, spondyloarthrosis and other factors that cause spasm and inflammation in the deep muscles of the spine, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are the most commonly used, but they do not directly affect the cause of the pain syndrome, they eliminate it. it is only a manifestation of it and has many side effects. To eliminate the cause of back pain, the following is recommended:
- strength and traction type decompression exercises to relieve spasm of the deep muscles of the spine and relieve pain;
- therapeutic massage to relieve tension in the muscles of the pathological area,
- cryotherapy to reduce local pain,
- physiotherapeutic methods, for example, shock wave therapy, acupuncture, apparatus massage, balneotherapy (mud applications, contrast treatments, etc. ),
Prevention of back pain
The main prevention of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system is the prevention of the development of dystrophy, that is, the weakening of the deep muscles of the spine, which depends on the state of nutrition of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. Strengthening of the muscles of the spine should be regular, and the most modern method for this is the author's method, that is, the use of strength and decompression type simulators. But the exercises can be performed without simulators, there are many of them. It is important to take a break for gymnastics at work, especially if it is a sedentary type, that is, spend at least 15 minutes on it every 3-4 hours, walk 1, 5-2 times a few times a week. hour and charge in the morning.
According to the method, it is recommended to regularly do a few simple exercises to prevent back pain:
- relaxation of the back (the famous "Cat" exercise): in a four-legged position, inhale - raise your head, bend your back; exhalation - lowering the head, rounding the back;
- stretching step (in yoga, this exercise is called "Pigeon pose"): in a four-legged position, you need to move one knee forward, one leg inward, the other leg backward, lie on your stomach. on your thighs, palms under your shoulders. For a more effective stretch, move your arms diagonally to the sides and lower your head, hold for 5-10 seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat for the other side.
- lifting the pelvic floor in a supine position with legs bent at the knees;
- press: in a lying position, bend your knees and arms at the elbows, hold the back of your head, press your chin to your chest when you breathe in, raise your shoulder blades;
- knee press: in a prone position, while breathing, press your hands to your body, alternately pull your knees to your chest or do it while hanging.
All these exercises are very simple, it is enough to do 10-15 repetitions of each exercise. With constant practice, they will bring you invaluable benefits!
Additional tips can include a comfortable mattress for the back muscles to rest at night. If you spend a lot of time driving or working on the computer, pay attention to the correct body position. The seat in the car should be height-adjustable and close to the steering wheel, and the backrest should be soft enough to absorb bumps from rough roads.
Elbows should be bent at right angles when working or reading at a desk. The chair must have a back to support the lower back, and the view (along with it and the neck) should be straight or directed slightly up, but not down. The light falls correctly on the work surface of the table.
Remember, prevention is more important than cure!