Backache

If a person has worked hard, played intensely in sports, or walked a long distance, at reflex level, he puts his hand on his lower back when he stops and relaxes. It is this part of the body that pulls and hurts after exertion, which is explained very simply. The spine is the main support of the human bone skeleton. It connects all the articular joints and takes most of the stress in every movement. Therefore, it is quite natural if, after work or sports, pain and soreness of the lower back.

But not always the causes of back pain in the lumbar region are overload. Lower back pain is often a symptom of serious disorders in the human body; can not be ignored, especially if the pain is severe, often recurring. This is a sign that an unknown pathology is already progressing and is causing more and more harm to the body every day. It is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible: neglected spine problems are difficult to treat and can end up in a wheelchair for the patient.

It is interesting:Researchers believe that back pain in the spine is a consequence of human evolution, and more precisely, bipedal movement. In animals moving on four limbs, the loads are evenly distributed. A person has to pay for royal posture and the ability to walk on two legs with a violation of load distribution, curvature of the vertebrae, and back pain.

What can be back pain

Your back can hurt in different ways. Sometimes the pain is sharp, unbearable, the patient feels an unbearable burning sensation and a sharp restriction of mobility. Most often, patients complain of a pain in the lower back, pulling, uncomfortable sensations that usually appear in the evening, may wake up in the middle of the night, intensify when the weather changes or after physical exertion.

Morning spine stiffness, back pain "for the weather" and after exercise are the first signals that the joints are out of function.

Back pain is always accompanied by additional symptoms, which you should definitely pay attention to and inform your doctor about your observations. According to the accompanying signs, it will be easier to determine the true cause of low back pain. So which symptoms and criteria will have diagnostic value:

• Duration (severity) of pain. It is called acute pain syndrome, which bothers for up to three months. If it occurs periodically for four months or more, is of varying intensity, then it is already called chronic.
• Localization. Pain in the lower back radiating to the buttocks is commonly called lumbodynia in medicine. If the pain affects the leg, then it is lumboischialgia. Also, uncomfortable sensations can only occur on the right, left or both sides at the same time.
• The nature of pain. This criterion is of fundamental importance. The pain can be acute and localized at one point, it can project to the limb, buttocks, groin, hypochondrium or lower abdomen. The pain is strong, dull or throbbing. The most difficult thing is to make an accurate diagnosis for the combined pain.
• Effects on joint movement. The doctor will definitely clarify if there is stiffness in the spine, limbs, hip joint, under what circumstances, for how long it lasts.
• Time indicator. It is also important when and after which the spine begins to hurt. This happens all the time, in the morning, in the evening, at night, after straining, when you turn your head, walk, bend over, and so on. - the answers to all these questions are extremely important for accurate diagnosis.

In a note:According to doctors' statistics, more than 80% of Europe's population has experienced back pain at least once in their lifetime. More than 25% of medical visits are caused by discomfort and pain in the lumbar region. Moreover, 8 in 10 patients are young with active age, at working age from 35 to 45 years. Less often, retirees complain of low back pain, and even less often teenagers.

reason

All causes of low back pain can be divided into two broad categories:

• physiological, usually caused by external factors;
• pathological, associated with diseases of the internal organs.

Physiological reasons include:

• excessive physical activity when playing sports;
• lifting and holding weights at work or in training;
• hard work at home or on site;
• hypothermia, prolonged stay in a damp room.

Age combined with physical work are sufficient reasons for low back pain.

The pathological causes of back pain, on the other hand, can be associated with back disease or age-related changes in its structures - this pain syndrome is called primary. If back pain is caused by malfunctions of other organs, for example, the kidneys, it is called secondary - in this case, it will be necessary to determine the background disease with the help of specific additional studies and treat two pathologies at the same time.

Diseases and conditions in which the lower back can be injured:

• osteochondrosis (spondylosis) - previously diagnosed mainly in the elderly, is now detected at any age;
• intervertebral hernia - also occurs at any age, if in young people, then usually after excessive strength sports;
• neuralgia of another nature;
• arthritis and osteoarthritis, any inflammatory process of the joints;
• rheumatism and other diseases of autoimmune origin;
• radiculitis;
• endocrine system dysfunction (diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism);
• inflammation of the renal pelvis - pyelonephritis;
• inflammation of the genitourinary organs.

Back or limb injuries are also painful. To determine the exact cause, you will need to undergo a number of examinations, the minimum required is an external examination by a specialist, laboratory analysis of urine and blood, an X-ray, an electrocardiogram, a kidney ultrasoundand genitourinary organs. If necessary, additional diagnostic measures will be assigned.

In women, back pain can be caused by cystitis or inflammation of the appendages.

Spinal diseases as a cause of back pain

If the X-ray shows deformity of the vertebrae, their compression and expansion with the formation of bone growths in the form of thorns along the edges, the doctor diagnoses osteochondrosis or spondylosis. Until recently, this pathology was considered a disease of retirees and its main cause was called natural age-related changes in the body, a slowing of metabolic processes and wear of the vertebrae.

Today it has been proven that osteochondrosis can be caused by a number of other factors in young people and even adolescents. The impetus for degenerative changes in vertebrae and intervertebral discs are:

• insufficient physical activity with excess weight or due to chronic diseases that restrict movement;
• sedentary work;
• metabolic disorders during the diet, for example, as a result of which the vertebral structures do not receive enough nutrients and are consumed prematurely;
• inappropriate sports - without warming up the muscles and ligaments, without gradually increasing the load and controlling the lifting of the load.

With osteochondrosis, as it progresses, deformities of the intervertebral discs occur - they become flat, dense, and rough. The affected disc can easily pinch the nerve root, which branches from the spine, causing inflammation. Moreover, the nerve roots are injured by the spinal processes of the bones. The patient feels this as a sharp, sharp pain, along with which there is a restriction of mobility in the lower back. This condition is called sciatica.

In spondylosis, bone growths along the edges of the vertebrae damage the nerve roots and thus provoke acute pain syndrome.

Inflammatory processes in the spine can begin to develop as early as adolescence and adolescence. Manifested as recurrent back pain, sometimes disturbing at night. Then they are joined by morning stiffness, fatigue and decreased physical activity. In the advanced stages, the spine is severely deformed, changing a person’s posture and gait, and forming a lump. Rheumatoid arthritis can develop over years, in some cases up to ten years. Since the course of the disease is slow, the symptoms are often vague, the patient does not go to the doctor, trying to cope with the discomfort with improvised means. Therefore, inflammation of the vertebral joints more often than other pathologies leads to disability.

If the patient during the survey mentions discomfort in other joints (shoulder, leg, knee, hand), complains of pain in the buttocks, decreased visual acuity, defecation disorders, spondyloarthritis may be suspected. A rheumatologist is engaged in the treatment of such a pathology, his consultation is necessary immediately, as the pathology progresses rapidly and leads to irreversible changes in bone and joint structures.

Diseases not related to the back as a cause of pain

Sometimes pain in the lower back causes diseases of organs that, at first glance, have nothing to do with the spine. Myofascial pain syndrome is a common cause of back pain, which is not associated with other symptoms of joint pathologies. Usually, young women come to the doctor with complaints of back pain after a day of work, intensive training in the gym, or a long stay in one position.

Pain in myofascial syndrome is not associated with spinal joint damage and is easily eliminated by analgesics, massage and NSAIDs.

During the examination, the doctor easily detects points near the spine, when pressure is exerted in which pain occurs. The pain is caused by overload of muscle tissue, nerve roots and articular elements do not suffer. This condition does not pose a major threat to the patient's health, but can significantly reduce the quality of life. For treatment, the doctor prescribes muscle relaxants - drugs that promote muscle relaxation, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in a short course in minimal doses. It is recommended to adjust the rest and sleep regime and monitor physical activity.

Other extra-articular pathologies that may also be associated with back pain:

• Cholecystitis and pancreatitis. The pain is localized in the right hypochondrium and can be projected to the lower right side of the back.
• Appendicitis. In some cases, sharp, stabbing pains radiate to the lower back, also on the right side. Additional symptoms of inflammation of the appendix: bloating, bowel disorders, nausea, vomiting, severe paleness, fever.
• Kidney dysfunction, urolithiasis. Depending on which kidney is inflamed, the pain will occur in the right or left back. If a stone comes out with urolithiasis, the lower back also hurts a lot, in severe cases the body temperature may rise.
• Mbipesha. With excess body weight, large loads are placed on the lumbar spine, which leads to back pain and discomfort.
• Osteomyelitis. Bone infections are associated with severe pain and fever.

If during the examination no visible lesions of the spine or other joints were found, no diseases of the internal organs were detected, it makes sense to donate blood for tumor markers and perform an MRI of the back. Malignant tumors, when they grow, put pressure on the nerve roots and also become the cause of pain. Pain syndrome is characteristic of cancer in stages 3-4.

Pain in the lumbar region may be a symptom of appendicitis.

Why women hurt their backs

If women have severe back pain in the lumbar region, first of all, you should review your individual calendar. Withdrawal pain may bother before menstruation, while also pulling the lower abdomen, swelling of the mammary glands, the patient is nauseous, some are tortured by migraine, food intolerance or, conversely, gluttonia.

Approximately the same symptoms are a sign of pregnancy. Therefore, if for a few days menstruation has not started and the pain and discomfort continue, it makes sense to do a pregnancy test and schedule an appointment with a gynecologist.

Gynecological diseases can also be the cause. Adnexitis usually manifests itself by pulling pain in the lower abdomen. But sometimes they radiate to the lower back. Similar sensations occur when ovarian cysts twist. With the onset of menopause, many women complain of a burning sensation in the lower back, stiffness. In any case, a therapist or rheumatologist will advise you to consult a gynecologist.

Causes of pain in men

In men, back pain mainly due to professional activities - driving hours, computer work, lifting and holding weights, professional sports.

But also pain in the right or left side of the back can be one of the symptoms of prostatitis or a pathology such as epididymitis. To rule out or confirm pathologies, you should be examined by an andrologist.

Men with back pain should definitely consult an andrologist to rule out prostatitis.

When and what treatment is needed

Even with very severe, persistent back pain, most patients do not believe they need serious treatment and expect only one thing from the doctor - a good pain reliever to help immediately and for a long time. Unfortunately, no such medicine exists. The pain syndrome can be relieved with injections and pills, but the effect will not be long lasting, as the cause of the discomfort will not be eliminated. Treatment methods will be determined depending on what caused the back pain.

Bruises and muscle cramps

The first thing you need to do is give your back complete rest. This means that you can not do sports, lift weights, stay long, walk, run, jump and get too cold. It is recommended to get rid of extra pounds, with sedentary work and an inactive lifestyle, on the contrary, you should think about sparing sports - for example, yoga, Pilates, swimming. In the future, you will need to review your habits and adjust the load on your back.

What to do before visiting the doctor:

• take an analgesic or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in a minimal dose;
• adjust the lower back with an improvised corset - a towel or scarf;
• to reduce swelling, drink herbal tea with diuretic effect.

What the doctor will advise:

• short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• muscle relaxants to relieve muscle spasm and tension;
• back massage and warming (in the absence of inflammatory processes);
• Vitamin B.

If you follow all the recommendations, the pain will disappear completely in 7-14 days.

Do not forget!If an increase in body temperature is detected, pain is given to the leg or other parts of the body, mobility is limited or other atypical symptoms appear, in no case should you seek the help of a chiropractor, do warm-up or massage yourself. it is not recommended to take pain relievers, as this will complicate the diagnosis.

Spinal pathology

Early joint diseases are treated using the same techniques as bruises or other injuries. Furthermore, doctors may prescribe chondroprotectors - drugs that protect articular structures from destruction and stimulate their recovery.

For spinal compression fractures, extensive intervertebral disc herniation, severe forms of osteochondrosis or spondyloarthritis, surgical intervention are indicated. Depending on the violation detected, the operation can be simple and performed under local anesthesia, or performed in several stages over six months. After an operation of any complexity, a course of taking antibiotics, wearing a bandage, and physical therapy will be required for complete rehabilitation.

Modern technologies make it possible to perform minimally invasive interventions on the spine with minimal risk of complications.

Today, spinal surgeries are no longer extraordinary, a rich and varied experience has been accumulated, there are special devices that allow you to solve almost any problem. Therefore, if the situation is difficult and the doctor has recommended an operation, it makes no sense to delay. The sooner it is performed, the more chances you have for complete relief from pain and restoration of spinal function.

Useful suggestions

Timely and effective treatment of low back pain is often difficult for an extremely common reason - the patient does not know which doctor to consult. If the pain was preceded by an injury, then everything is simple - you need to go to a traumatologist. He will most likely prescribe analgesics and a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and then recommend various physiotherapy procedures - electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, massage, and exercise therapy. This is the standard treatment for back injuries.

The difficulty is that when you hit or fall, nerve endings can be affected. And then you need to involve a neurologist who will recommend his treatment methods. A rheumatologist or orthopedist will have their opinion. And if, during the examination, the pathology of any of the internal organs is discovered, for example, the genitourinary system, the patient will be completely confused about what should be treated and who to listen to. By the way, it is for this reason that many people abandon the methods of formal medicine and turn to non-traditional remedies, namely folk remedies, which ultimately leads to worsening of the condition and the development of complications.

It happens that doctors make the wrong diagnosis and prescribe incorrect treatment, which leads to disease progression and complications.

What to do in such a situation? Do not be afraid or rush, but go through the prescribed course of treatment to the end, focusing on your feelings and well-being. If, after two to four weeks, your back hurts just as badly and there is no slight improvement, it makes sense to contact another doctor and undergo a second examination to review the correctness of the diagnosis. Switching from one analgesic to another, and instead of electrophoresis, makes no sense to do UHF.

As for treating the spine with homeopathic remedies at home, here too, we should not back down and carelessly believe in the promises of traditional healers. An adequate adult should understand: traditional methods of treatment are good in the remission phase, when the condition is stable, or to prevent relapses and complications. Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, as an autoimmune disease, herbal tinctures can not be cured in any way.

Medicinal herbs will be helpful in improving overall body tone, but are unlikely to help with a hernia, disc displacement, or compression fractures.

The right decision would be if the lower back hurts constantly and doctor appointments at the district clinic are ineffective - go to a reputable private clinic and undergo an examination there. It is not free, but you will discover the real reason and you will be able to start the right treatment, and not experiment with folk remedies and standard pain relievers that do not give any therapeutic effect.

Summary:Almost all adults experience back pain at least once in their lifetime. In fact, there can be many reasons: from banal overload to serious pathology of the spine, kidneys, infection or metabolic disorders in the body. It is important to accurately and precisely determine the cause and start proper treatment as soon as possible. The spine is the main node in the human skeleton, its dysfunction and destruction in the absence of adequate medical care will inevitably lead to loss of mobility and disability.