Every person sooner or later faces such a problem aslower back pain.According to statistics, more than half of sick leaves are issued precisely for this diagnosis.
Causes of lower back pain
The most likely cause is various diseases of the spine - osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, radiculitis.However, there are other factors:
- Pathologies of internal organs;
- Kidney diseases, gastrointestinal tract, urological problems;
- Excessive stress on the spine;
- Oncological diseases of organs located in close proximity to the lower back
Diagnosis for lower back pain
If alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor to rule out life-threatening conditions - they are very rare, but they do happen.Diagnostics involves several stages:
- General blood test and biochemistry - will show the presence/absence of an inflammatory process in the body
- X-ray diagnostics – aimed at studying the condition of intervertebral discs
- MRI of the lumbar spine - will allow you to closely examine the spine, spinal canal, and determine the presence of stenosis
- Ultrasound is a modern method that allows you to identify diseases without the use of harmful radiation.
Based on the results of the research, the patient will be offered a consultation with a highly specialized specialist - a neurologist, vertebrologist or chiropractor, who will prescribe further treatment.
Pay attention!
Treatment for lower back pain is most often therapeutic.All procedures are performed only in the area of the source of pain.Surgery is indicated only when there is a real threat to life.
Lower back pain in women
Among the fair sex, lower back pain is quite common.It can be caused by both musculoskeletal disorders and concomitant diseases, including gynecological ones.
Pay attention!
According to statistics, back problems in women are 10% more common than in men.However, the number of requests for medical help (among women) is 5% less
Causes of back pain in women:
- Problems with the spine - scoliosis, kyphosis, osteochondrosis, protusions and herniated discs caused by increased stress, sedentary work, hypothermia, as well as genetic predisposition
- Periodic female conditions – menopause, menstruation, pregnancy
- Inflammation of the pelvic organs, diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system
- Rarely – neoplasms in the lumbar spine
Low back pain in men
Back problems are the most common disease of the stronger sex.Pain, as a rule, occurs unexpectedly and is accompanied by severe attacks.
Main reasons:
- Injuries are typical for men leading an active lifestyle.The consequences of damage may not appear immediately, but after some time.
- Muscle inflammation - occurs with increased stress, heavy lifting, or injury.
- Spondyloarthrosis – pinching of the nerve roots in the spinal canal
- Weight problems – extra pounds place additional stress on the back, creating constant tension in the muscles
- Overfatigue – staying in one position for a long time – more often, specifics of professional activity
- Diseases of the prostate gland, liver, kidneys
Treatment of lower back pain
Modern medicine provides a huge number of ways to treat lower back pain, both in hospitals, with the help of medications, and without medication on the affected areas.
Relieving lower back pain with medications
In most cases, with back diseases, there is no obvious threat to life.Discomfort is caused only by pain that limits physical activity.
To alleviate the condition, the following are prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - they will reduce swelling and reduce pain;
- Chondroprotectors – to improve the condition of intervertebral cartilage;
- Hormonal drugs - used for blockades.They relieve pain faster and retain the effect longer;
In addition to injections and tablets, local therapy - gels and ointments - can be used.But, with severe pain, they are ineffective.
Important!
Nerve endings responsible for the basic functions of our body pass through the spine.Damage to them can lead to irreparable consequences.Therefore, the qualifications of the doctor who carries out the treatment should not be in doubt.This is the key to your health!
Treatment of lower back pain with physiotherapy
All procedures aimed at alleviating pain and eliminating the causes of its occurrence are prescribed by the doctor based on the results of examinations.
All kinds of (depending on the nature of the disease) types of massage, manual therapy, acupuncture - acupressure on the source of pain - have proven themselves very well.They relieve stress and speed up blood flow.
Important!
For certain diseases, such as herniated intervertebral discs, massage is carried out under X-ray control or is contraindicated altogether!
Physical therapy and kinesiotherapy are also excellent for lumbar pain.This treatment consists of uniformly applying loads to the damaged areas of the back.By relaxing one part of the spine and creating tension in another, an optimal load balance is achieved.
Forced stimulation and warming up of muscles - electrophoresis, UHF, magnet - are very popular.Such manipulations can be carried out either with or without the use of anti-inflammatory ointments and gels.
Important!
In the case of confirmed cancer or during remission, physiotherapy using forced stimulation is contraindicated.
Take care of your health, do not overcool, control your stress - this will help prevent the occurrence of lower back pain.If back problems cannot be avoided, do not be afraid to seek qualified help.Solving a problem in its early stages is much easier than dealing with a chronic disease.