Why does the back hurt in the lumbar region and how to treat low back pain?

Low back pain is a symptom that can be associated with various medical conditions. They can be permanent or periodic, local or generalized.

If a person has pain in the lumbar spine, a full examination is prescribed to identify its cause.

Possible causes of low back pain and their characteristics

Back pain can be caused by several reasons, depending on which the severity of the discomfort varies. Pain syndrome reduces a person's quality of life, limits mobility, and makes it impossible to perform everyday tasks.

There are many causes of back pain in the lumbar region. Some of them are quite serious and require the immediate intervention of a specialist.

Lumbar sciatica

Lumbar sciatica is a disease of the musculoskeletal system, in which there is compression and inflammation of the spinal roots. This pathology is secondary in nature, since it develops against the background of degenerative processes of the musculoskeletal system.

Common symptoms in this case are:

• Pain syndrome, aggravated by sudden movements, weight lifting. The location of the pain depends on the degree of damage. The syndrome can affect the lumbar and gluteal regions, back or front of the thigh. If there is damage to the nerve endings that are below the first and second lumbar disc, then the patient has lumbago in the lumbar region and buttocks.
• Increased intensity of pain when coughing, sneezing.
• Inability to stay in one position for a long time.
• Mobility disorders: inability to freely tilt the trunk forward, backward or sideways, inability to bend the fingers of the lower extremities.

With radiculitis of the lumbar spine, the pain usually comes on suddenly and stops spontaneously. The next time the pain becomes more acute, pronounced.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis of the spine is a phenomenon in which the process of calcium leaching from the bones occurs and the activity of the cells responsible for bone growth is interrupted. In such conditions, bones are rapidly destroyed, and their density is constantly decreasing. Osteoporosis is difficult to suspect in the early stages of development.

Very often, the patient feels a sharp pain in the lumbar spine at the time of strong tension, with a sharp turn of the body, fall and lifting weights.

In addition to severe low back pain, osteoporosis has manifestations such as:

• chronic fatigue;
• abdominal bulging;
• reduced mobility of the spine.

With a compression fracture, caused by osteoporosis of the lumbar spine, there is sharp pain, which increases with palpation of the affected area, as well as muscle spasm.

Scoliosis

With scoliosis of the lumbar spine, its structures deviate to the right or left. These changes are reflected in the state of the surrounding tissues: they are irritated, foci of inflammation appear in the muscle-ligament structures.

Left-sided scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed. In left-handed people, scoliosis develops on the right side.

In the initial stage, scoliosis of the lumbar spine may not appear at all. Negative changes can only be traced by X-ray examination results.

The characteristic symptoms in this case, in addition to severe pain in the lumbar spine, are:

• crouch;
• swelling in the lumbar region;
• chest pain;
• displacement of the pelvic girdle, because one lower limb shortens in relation to the other;
• divergence of the leaf.

Characteristic features of pain in scoliosis of the lumbar spine: its appearance at the beginning of physical activity, a decrease in the intensity of discomfort when walking. The pain is usually short-lived.

Injury

Lumbar contusions occur during falls, blows. The lumbar region is the most susceptible to trauma.

Lumbar spine contusions are closed damage to tissues and part of the spine, which does not cause anatomical abnormalities. Often this type of injury occurs in athletes, as well as people who work in the workplace.

When bruising, the following additional symptoms are observed:

• hematoma formation;
• redness of the skin;
• increased pain when pressing on the injury site.

If the contusion is severe, the conduction of nerve impulses in certain areas of the lumbar spine may be impaired, in some cases - complete loss of sensation.

Symptoms are more pronounced in lower back injuries and include the following:

• pain when probing the affected area;
• growing hematoma;
• pain when turning the body, inability to bend;
• swelling in the ankle area, indicating poor circulation;
• paralysis and paresis of the lower extremities.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine is another likely cause of low back pain. In this case, the joints located in this area are affected.

Rheumatoid arthritis pain occurs most often at night, usually closer to morning. At the initial stage, the syndrome can be suppressed with the help of special exercises, but at night the pain reappears.

Other symptoms: increased local temperature over the affected area, accumulation of fluid in the cavities of the affected joint.

Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a pathological process in which the intervertebral discs lose their elasticity. As the disease progresses, cracks and hernias form.

In the initial stage of osteochondrosis, low back pain occurs rarely and does not differ in intensity. In the future, they acquire a pronounced chronic character. The patient feels stiffness in movement, constant fatigue. Difficulties arise in flexion and extension of the back.

The pain often radiates to the lower extremities. In parallel, tingling, numbness occurs.

There is an increase in the intensity of unpleasant sensations when increasing physical effort, making sudden movements, lifting weights.

Malignant tumors

If your back hurts in the lumbar region, it may be associated with such a dangerous pathology as cancer. In this case, a malignant tumor does not necessarily affect the bone structures of the spine. In this case, the pancreas, which is located behind the stomach, can be affected, so the pain can reach the lower back. Severe pain indicates advanced stages of cancer.

In addition, pain in the lower back may be associated with tumors from other organs having metastasized to the indicated area.

In women, cramps in the lower back can be a sign of ovarian cancer. In men, acute and prolonged spasms indicate a prostate tumor.

Gynecological diseases

Women are often concerned about low back pain. A similar symptom can occur under the influence of pathologies such as:

• rupture of ovarian tissue;
• pathological processes of the uterus;
• cysts on the ovaries;
• cervical cancer;
• inflammatory processes of the fallopian tubes;
• benign formations on the inner wall of the uterus.

Low back pain often occurs in women who have suffered an artificial termination of pregnancy. Unpleasant sensations are caused by mechanical damage to the tissues of the uterus and the prolonged process of tightening the wound.

In women with gynecological diseases, pain in the lower back, pulling, pain. Also, there is a violation of the menstrual cycle, loss of strength, irritability, increased body temperature. Often the pain syndrome is complemented by secretions of various consistencies and colors from the vagina.

The pain syndrome in this case is caused by a hormonal imbalance and inflammatory processes that spread to the tissues of the lumbar region.

Kidney disease

Low back pain in the waist is a sure sign of kidney disease.

A similar symptom accompanies pathologies such as:

• urolithiasis;
• pyelonephritis;
• glomerulonephritis;
• nephroptosis (prolapse of the kidneys).

In the presence of stones in the urinary tract, pain in the lumbar region is not too pronounced, it has a dull character. With the inflammatory processes that involve the kidneys, the pain is constant and painful. The place of its localization in this case is to the left and right of the spine.

Acute pain is indicative of renal colic. Pain radiates to groin area, inner thigh, anterior abdominal wall.

Additional manifestations that may indicate kidney disease include:

• increased blood pressure;
• swelling of arms, legs, face that appears after waking up and disappears during the day;
• change in urination - the process can be quick and painful or, conversely, rare, until complete cessation;
• lethargy;
• increased sweating;
• alteration of appetite.

Discomfort and pain in the lower back are often associated with the fact that the fetus puts pressure on the kidneys in pregnant women. In this case, the pain syndrome is not associated with any pathology, it is a completely natural phenomenon.

Diseases of the genitourinary system in men

In the stronger sex, low back pain often occurs with diseases of the genitourinary system. Most often, the discomfort is caused by prostatitis, an inflammatory process of the prostate gland. With this disease, the urination process and sexual function are disrupted. In addition to low back pain, there are drawing pains in the lower abdomen.

Another male disease that contributes to the development of pain in the lumbar region is epididymitis, an inflammation of the epididymis.

Lumbar myositis

Lumbar myositis is an inflammatory process of muscle tissue, which manifests itself in pain and weakness in the muscles, sometimes in their atrophy. The disease can be caused by infectious processes, trauma, hypothermia, metabolic disorders in the body.

This pathology is characterized by:

• low back pain that worsens with movement;
• feeling of dull weakness in muscles;
• swelling, redness of the skin.

Tuberculosis of bone

With tuberculosis of the spine, the lower back often hurts. The nature of the pain syndrome in this case depends on how many vertebrae are involved in the pathological process, as well as the degree of deformation of the structures.

The main signs of spinal tuberculosis are:

• Severe pain in the lumbar region. This location is associated with the fact that the lumbar region is the largest part of the spine, which receives the maximum loads.
• Increased perspiration at night.
• Enlargement of the lymph nodes.
• Temperature rise between 37. 1 and 37. 3 degrees.
• Constant fatigue.

With the progression of tuberculosis of the spine, there is an angular curvature of this structure, the development of abscesses in the area of ​​the lumbar and thoracic regions.

Climax

The loss of sexual function in women is often accompanied by low back pain. A similar phenomenon is associated with a decrease in ovarian activity, which is reflected in the level of the hormone estrogen. In conditions of its deficiency, the bone tissue becomes more fragile and prone to damage.

In the context of hormonal changes, the musculoskeletal system as a whole becomes vulnerable: intervertebral cartilage and discs weaken, muscles and ligaments lose elasticity. As a result, the lower back, which always experiences the most stress, is at particular risk.

In addition to back pain, women during menopause suffer from headaches, excessive sweating, hot flashes.

Vascular pathology

Violation of blood circulation, provoked by pathological vascular processes, can also cause pain in the lumbar region. Thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis, phlebothrombosis contribute to the appearance of pain syndrome.

The appearance of blood clots in the veins, inflammation of the vascular walls, narrowing of the vascular lumen - all these impede the total flow of blood and thus limit the supply of oxygen to the tissues and structures of thebody, which negatively affects its condition.

Additional symptoms accompanying vascular disease are swelling of the veins, heaviness in the extremities, and bluish color of the skin.

Intestinal diseases

With intestinal diseases, pain can radiate to the lower back. This is due to the fact that the intestinal tract occupies a significant space in the abdominal cavity. If any part undergoes pathological changes, then it grows, putting pressure on other organs. The spine is also at risk.

Pain extends to the lower back in ulcerative colitis, exacerbation of appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome.

In case of pathological processes that extend to the stomach, the pain is localized in the upper part of the lower back. They appear after meals, with the appearance of a feeling of hunger, in case of abuse of harmful products.

The following symptoms are observed in parallel:

• flatulence;
• stool disorders;
• abdominal pain.

Obesity

Being overweight puts additional pressure on the spine, especially the lumbar spine. Constant pressure creates the risk of developing pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, causes injuries to the intervertebral discs, curvature of the spine and the development of osteochondrosis.

In addition to the above pathological reasons, pain in the lower back can occur due to prolonged time driving or a computer, excessive loads in the gym, hobbies for work in the summer cabin and a style ofsedentary life.

Which doctor should I see?

The occurrence of low back pain is often due to serious disorders in the body, so it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner to diagnose the true cause and treat it.

It is necessary to consult a specialist if the patient has pain in the lumbar region:

• is ​​regular;
• appears constantly after physical exertion;
• does not disappear at bedtime;
• is ​​accompanied by numbness of the extremities and increased body temperature.

The main specialists to contact if your back hurts in the lumbar region are:

• vertebrologist (treats osteochondrosis and other neurological diseases);
• neurologist;
• nephrologist (urologist): This specialist diagnoses and treats whether low back pain is associated with pathological processes in the genitourinary system.

If necessary, other specialists are involved in the diagnosis and treatment process: an orthopedist, surgeon, gynecologist, oncologist, and gastroenterologist.

Diagnosis

For pain in the lumbar region, the following diagnostic measures are prescribed:

• general examination, identification of anamnesis;
• tests to determine restricted nerve endings;
• blood test to assess hemoglobin level;
• myelography;
• X-ray examination of the spine;
• MRI;
• CT;
• ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
• endoscopy of the uterus, stomach, intestines;
• bone scan.

The listed activities allow you to compile a complete picture of the patient's condition, identify the disease causing pain in the lumbar spine, and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Approaches to treating low back pain

The main treatment for low back pain depends on the cause of the symptom. The therapy aims to eliminate the existing disease.

General principles

The treatment is based on the following:

• the use of drugs to suppress inflammatory processes;
• performing physiotherapy procedures aimed at accelerating the recovery of the affected structures;
• physical therapy exercises.

In the treatment process, the patient should avoid active sports activities, as well as any physical activity, so as not to aggravate the course of the pathological process. During the rehabilitation period, the patient may be advised to practice yoga, swimming, and hiking outdoors.

In addition, the therapy includes dietary correction. The patient must refuse heavy food, all fatty and fried. It is important to stop bad habits; This will significantly speed up the healing process.

Medications

For pain in the lower back, medications are usually prescribed in the form of injections, which include vitamin B. The functions of these medications are:

• acceleration of restoration of damaged nerve fibers;
• increased functional activity of the central and peripheral nervous system;
• acceleration of metabolic processes.

For severe and severe low back pain, strong pain relievers are prescribed.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that control inflammation are also given by injection.

After a course of injections of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the drugs of this group are prescribed in the form of tablets for oral administration.

For muscle spasm causing low back pain, medications such as muscle relaxants are prescribed.

Patients are also prescribed external medications. They generally have a warming effect and help suppress pain. They are prescribed only as part of a comprehensive treatment.

For pain in the lower back, special ointments are recommended.

Recovery gymnastics

A series of therapeutic exercises is prescribed only after the pain syndrome has been reduced. During the period of exacerbation, therapeutic exercises are contraindicated.

For pain in the lumbar region, the following exercises are recommended:

• Elevate the pelvic region.You should lie on your back and bend your legs at a right angle. You should gently lift your pelvis and return to its original position. Repeat 10-15 times.
• Maintain balance.The exercise is performed standing up. You should stand on your toes and try to balance in this position for about 10-15 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times.
• Raising the legs from a prone position.Lie on your back, alternately raise the stretched lower limbs as high as possible. Perform 5 to 10 lifts for each leg.
• Movement in the buttocks.You should sit on the floor and straighten your back. Using your pelvis and glutes, move forward and then back. You should walk in this way about 2 m forward and the same distance back. The number of approaches is 2-3.

You can not do gymnastics with spinal injuries, tumors and hernias, as well as in the presence of diseases that occur in acute form.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy procedures are carried out as long as the low back pain has not been caused by an acute inflammatory process. Acute pain syndrome is initially relieved with conservative methods and only after physiotherapy is prescribed.

For pain in the lumbar region, the following procedures are prescribed:

• Magnetotherapy.This method improves blood circulation in the affected area.
• Electrophoresis.This method is necessary if you want to speed up the delivery of medications to the lesion (pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chondroprotectors).
• Laser therapy.The technique allows you to normalize metabolism and improve blood circulation in affected areas.

Nutrition

To strengthen the bone elements, you need to include in the diet cottage cheese, dairy products, and actually whole milk, fatty sea fish, black bread.

If the patient is overweight, which creates an additional load on the spine, it is necessary to exclude flour, sweets and sugary carbonated drinks from the diet.

Folk remedies

Traditional treatment methods should not become the basis of low back pain management. They are used exclusively as an adjunctive method and are only used with the approval of the treating physician.

For back pain, you can use the following traditional medicine recipes:

• Honey-based ointment.To prepare a medicinal composition, you need to take 3 tablespoons of natural honey and melt it with a water bath. Cool the composition. Add 2 tablespoons of pharmacy alcohol to honey, add 100 g of petroleum jelly and rub into the areas where the pain is localized. For greater effectiveness, you can apply a compress with this ointment. In this case, it is not rubbed on the skin, but spread over it in a thin layer and cling film is put on and wrapped with a warm scarf on top. Leave the compress for 3-4 hours, then wash off the composition with warm water.
• Salt compress.It is necessary to dissolve table salt in hot water (proportions - 1: 10), mix. In the finished solution, moisten a gauze folded in several layers, cover the lower back with a compress, wrap it with a towel and warm it with a scarf. Leave overnight, remove the rest of the compress in the morning.
• Garlic compress.You need to take 3 heads of garlic, peel, mince. Pour the resulting mass with warm water (2 glasses), leave for 3 hours. In the infusion, moisten a cotton cloth and sprinkle with freshly squeezed lemon juice all over the surface. Apply the cold compress. Leave on for 20 minutes so that a damp towel reaches body temperature. After that, repeat the procedure to apply the compress. This can be repeated until the patient feels relief.

• Compress with a body.You should mix the bodyagi powder with olive oil in a ratio of 1: 30. Lubricate the sore lower back with the resulting composition, leaving the product on the skin for 40 minutes. After the expiration of the specified period, the product should be washed with warm water.
• Compress dried burdock leaves.You should moisten the raw material in boiling water, apply it to the back and wrap it with a warm scarf on top. Leave the compress for at least an hour.
• Baths with additives.Taking a bath can reduce the intensity of pain. As additives, 200 g of mustard powder, 600 ml of broth in mint leaves can act. Shower in 20 minutes. The water should be lukewarm.

All listed treatments are intended to alleviate low back pain, ie they are symptomatic.

Treatment of a specific diagnosed disease should be carried out according to a separate scheme.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of low back pain, you should:

• monitor your posture;
• stand up and walk alone with your back straight;
• perform special exercises to strengthen the spine and back muscles;
• do not expose the spine to excessive loads, moderately perform exercises that use the back muscles;
• avoid hypothermia;
• whenever possible, play a sport that does not adversely affect the spine: swimming, yoga, walking are especially helpful;
• do not make sudden movements when lifting loads;
• sleep on a medium firm mattress, best of all - orthopedic, the pillow should also be orthopedic and of medium size;
• keep track of weight, if necessary, follow a diet and do special exercises to combat extra pounds;
• take vitamin-mineral complexes, especially during periods of hormonal changes in the body.

Back pain can be associated not only with diseases of the spine, but also with dysfunctions of internal organs. A specialist can determine the true cause of the pain syndrome during diagnostic measures. Both the symptom itself and its cause must be treated.