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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.However, there is no person whose low back pain has not been a symptom that has appeared at least once in their life.Low back pain can occur for a variety of reasons and in different ways.In its manifestations, the pain is sudden and increasing, sharp and aching.However, there is one common characteristic: if left untreated, the situation will worsen.

Causes of back pain in the lower back

The human spine is daily exposed to stresses of varying intensity, 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 harming himself, as a result of which he receives microtraumas.It should be noted that the lumbosacral spine is often subject to overload.Additionally, there are a number of other reasons why your lower back can 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 as low back pain or present complications that lead to this symptom:
    1. Vulvitis – inflammation of the external genitalia;
    2. Colitis – inflammation of the vaginal mucosa;
    3. Adnexitis – inflammation of the uterine appendages;
  2. During pregnancy, the load on the spine in general, and 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 towards the development of a mature disease;
  3. Abortion.The procedure damages the internal membranes, which leads to local inflammation.Furthermore, abortion is accompanied by severe psychological stress;
  4. Pain during menstruation or, in scientific language, algodismenorrhea.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 “waste”.This can cause pain in the stomach and lower back;
  5. Climax.Problems with the body's hormonal balance can lead to poor circulation in the organs in the pelvic region.Because of this, bone density decreases and osteoporosis develops;
  6. Suspicion.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 bag can also cause lower back pain.

Why does the lower back hurt (male causes):

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

Why the lower back hurts (common causes):

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

  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 appendix of the cecum (appendix) causes sudden, sharp pain in the abdomen, which can radiate to the lower back;
  3. Cholecystitis.Lower back pain can be caused by inflammation of the gallbladder;
  4. Acute pancreatitis.Inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by pain in the waist;
  5. Cystitis.Bladder inflammation causes discomfort in the pelvic region;
  6. Diseases of the small intestine, due to its location close to the nerve fibers of the lumbosacral region, can cause pain in this region.Enteritis (gastroenteritis, enterocolitis, gastroenterocolitis), intestinal enzymopathies, diverticulosis;
  7. Kidneys.Low back pain often accompanies diseases of these organs.Pyelonephritis, kidney prolapse, kidney 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 lumbar muscles as a result of viral or bacterial infection;
  12. Malignant tumors developing or metastasizing in the lumbar region;
  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.It 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, injuries;
  17. Due to other illnesses.

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

Types of back pain in the lower back

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 the hospital, and it is also usually the first sign of the disease and a warning about it.Pain is a signal of damage that helps trigger protective mechanisms (e.g., muscle spasm to limit mobility of the affected part of the body when a nerve is compressed) and compensatory mechanisms of the body (e.g., fibrosis in the last stage of osteochondrosis).There are many different classifications of pain.

back pain in the lower back

Based on the location of the sensation, we can divide the reasons why the lower back hurts a lot 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 lumbar region) that is not directly related to the spine and muscles of the lumbar region, and 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, damage to nerves or 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 that radiates down the leg when 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 according to the Zakharyin-Ged zones.

According to the location, the pain can be superficial somatic (damage to the skin), 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 tissue destruction, compression of nerves and blood vessels.Presents extensive symptoms;
  2. Lumbago.Sharp 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.Chronic progressive metabolic bone disease, in which bone density decreases and fragility increases.In other words, weakening of the bones.It is the main cause of hip fractures in the elderly.The disease deforms the skeleton, joints and cartilage.Typical for women during menopause.Osteoporosis risk assessment: Anyone who has ever broken a bone (e.g., vertebra, hip) with little force should be evaluated;
  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 more frequently during menopause.This 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.This is a chronic inflammation of the joints, leading to fibrosis – that is, 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 bony protuberances (spondylophytes or osteophytes) on the sides of the vertebrae.More often as 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 decreased blood flow.Wearing high heels for a long time increases the risk of developing pathology.Phlebothrombosis is extremely dangerous because even a severe phase 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 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 of 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 in one of the legs.
spinal damage as a cause of low back pain

These diseases and many others are the reasons why the lower back constantly hurts.They all require urgent and serious treatment.However, it is often symptomatic and intended to slow the development of the disease.

What to do if your lower back hurts

“If the lower back hurts periodically, this is a sign that should be taken seriously and urgently examined.”

In case of sudden pain, the cause of which is unclear, body temperature should be measured and symptoms noted.Such as vomiting, diarrhea, tongue coating, 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, an examination is necessary.

For the case where the cause of the pain is known.For example, for a bruise or sprain in the lower back, first aid is provided with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (tablets or ointments are better).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 mat.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 assume the most natural position for the spine;
  2. Gentle stretching of the lumbosacral region.Lie carefully and gently with your stomach facing 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 right on the edge of the table.In other words, move closer to the table until your hips touch it and lie down.Completely relax the muscles in your back, buttocks and legs.Half of the body hangs from the table in a relaxed state.In this state, breathe deeply through your diaphragm (belly) and hold your breath for 3 to 5 seconds, then slowly exhale.Take 7 to 10 breaths in this way.Then, carefully stand up, helping yourself with your hands and abdominal muscles, with minimal tension in the lower back.You can repeat the exercise several times;
  3. Discharge from 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, inhale deeply into your diaphragm and then exhale as much as possible, imagining how your navel extends towards your spine.At the end of the exhale, hold for 2-3 seconds, while contracting the muscles of the buttocks and hips, but not the lower back!So relax.Do 7 to 10 breaths and 2 to 3 sets of exercises;
exercises for low 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 this does not mean that the degenerative changes have stopped;
  • Set the bones yourself or even with a chiropractor without examination and diagnosis.Regular adjustment of the vertebrae will further harm the spine.Displacement of the vertebrae does not always occur as a result of injury.In the case, for example, of advanced osteochondrosis.

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

Determining the cause of such a common symptom as low back pain may require extensive examinations and consultations with various medical specialists: neurologist, vertebrologist, gynecologist, etc.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. Radiographic examination of the lumbar vertebrae;
  5. Ultrasound of the heart and abdominal organs;
  6. Doppler ultrasound – examination of blood vessels;
  7. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Low back pain treatment

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

lower back pain pills

Drug treatment for low back pain aims to relieve inflammation and pain.And for this the following types of medicines are used:

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

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

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

Symptomatic therapy is used only for incurable diseases.Modern medicine takes a comprehensive approach to treating low 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 better restoration of nervous tissue.Therefore, the ideal addition to NSAIDs is a combination of vitamin medications.Therefore, to combat pain more effectively, treatment with this medication begins with daily injections for 7 to 10 days.To this are added physiotherapeutic procedures, exercise therapy, massages, etc.This way, the most effective and long-term treatment is achieved.

Prevention

Prevention of low back pain is as follows:

  • Regular physical activity, keeping the body in good shape, developing the muscular structure.If it is not possible to play sports, therapeutic exercises for 15 minutes 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;
  • Adequate and balanced diet containing essential minerals and vitamins;
  • An annual preventive examination carried out by a doctor is the best prevention for detecting diseases at an early stage;
  • Support for water-salt balance.The human body needs 1.5 to 4 liters of water per day, depending on body weight, climate and activity.