Every person faces such a problem sooner or laterlower back pain.According to statistics, more than half of sick leave is 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 as well:
- Pathologies of internal organs;
- Diseases of the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, urological problems;
- Excessive stress on the spine;
- Oncological diseases of organs located in the immediate vicinity of the lower back
Diagnosis of lower back pain
If alarming symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately to rule out life-threatening conditions - they are very rare, but they do happen.Diagnostics consists of 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 the 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 research results, the patient will be offered a consultation with a highly specialized specialist - neurologist, vertebrologist or chiropractor, who will prescribe further treatment.
Pay attention!
The treatment of lower back pain is usually therapeutic.All interventions 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 fairer sex, pain in the lower back is quite common.It can be caused by both musculoskeletal disorders and accompanying 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 assistance (among women) is lower by 5%.
Causes of back pain in women:
- Problems with the spine - scoliosis, kyphosis, osteochondrosis, protrusions and disc herniations 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
Lower back pain in men
Back problems are the most common disease of the stronger sex.As a rule, the pain appears unexpectedly and is accompanied by severe attacks.
Main reasons:
- Injuries are typical for men who lead 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 nerve roots in the spinal canal
- Weight problems - extra weight puts extra strain on the back, creating constant tension in the muscles
- Overtiredness - longer stay in one position - more often, specifics of professional activity
- Prostate, liver, kidney diseases
Treatment of lower back pain
Modern medicine provides a huge number of ways to treat pain in the lower back, both in hospitals, with the help of drugs, and without drugs to the affected areas.
Lower back pain relief with medication
In most cases, with back pain, there is no obvious threat to life.Discomfort causes only pain that limits physical activity.
To alleviate the condition, the following is prescribed:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - these will reduce swelling and pain;
- Chondroprotectors – to improve the condition of the intervertebral cartilage;
- Hormonal drugs - used for blockages.They relieve pain faster and keep 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!
The nerve endings responsible for the basic functions of our body pass through the spine.Their damage can lead to irreparable consequences.Therefore, there should be no doubts about the qualifications of the doctor conducting the treatment.This is the key to your health!
Treatment of lower back pain with physiotherapy
All procedures aimed at alleviating pain and removing the cause of its occurrence are prescribed by the doctor based on the results of the examination.
All types (depending on the nature of the disease) of massage, manual therapy, acupuncture - acupressure at the source of pain - have proven to be excellent.They relieve stress and accelerate blood flow.
Important!
In certain diseases, such as herniated intervertebral discs, massage is performed under X-ray control or is completely contraindicated!
Physical therapy and kinesiotherapy are also great for lower back pain.This treatment consists of evenly applying loads to the damaged areas of the back.By relaxing one part of the spine and creating tension in the other, an optimal load balance is achieved.
Forced stimulation and heating of muscles - electrophoresis, UHF, magnet - are very popular.Such manipulations can be performed with or without the use of anti-inflammatory ointments and gels.
Important!
In the case of confirmed cancer or during remission, physiotherapy with forced stimulation is contraindicated.
Take care of your health, don't get cold, control stress - this will help prevent lower back pain.If back problems cannot be avoided, do not be afraid to seek qualified help.Solving the problem in its early stages is much easier than dealing with a chronic disease.