Every person sooner or later faces such a problem aslower 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:
- Pathologies of internal organs;
- Kidney diseases, gastrointestinal tract, urological problems;
- Excessive load on the spine;
- Oncological diseases of the organs located in the immediate vicinity of the lower back
Diagnosis of lower back pain
If alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor to exclude potentially life-threatening pathologies.They are very rare, but they do happen.The diagnosis involves several stages:
- General blood test and biochemistry - will show the presence / absence of an inflammatory process in the body
- X-ray diagnostics – intended to study 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 resorting to harmful radiation.
Based on the research results, the patient will be offered a consultation with a highly specialized specialist - a neurologist, vertebrologist or chiropractor, who will prescribe further treatment.
Be careful!
The treatment of lower back pain is most often therapeutic.All procedures are carried out only in the area of the source of pain.Surgery is only indicated in cases of 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, especially gynecological ones.
Be careful!
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% lower
Causes of back pain in women:
- Spine problems - 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 of the lumbar spine
Low back pain in men
Back problems are the most common disease among the stronger sex.As a rule, pain 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 a while.
- Muscle inflammation - occurs with increased stress, heavy lifting or injury.
- Spondyloarthrosis – pinching of nerve roots in the spinal canal
- Weight problems – extra pounds put extra pressure on the back, creating constant tension in the muscles
- Overfatigue – staying in the same position for a long time – most often, specificities of the professional activity
- Diseases of the prostate, liver, kidneys
Treatment of lower back pain
Modern medicine offers a large number of ways to treat lower back pain, both in the hospital, with the help of medications, and without medications on the affected areas.
Relieve lower back pain with medication
In most cases, back diseases pose no obvious threat to life.Discomfort is caused only by pain that limits physical activity.
To alleviate the disease, the following are prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories – 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 retain the effect longer;
In addition to injections and tablets, local therapy - gels and ointments - can be used.But in cases of severe pain, they are ineffective.
Important!
The nerve endings responsible for our body's basic functions run through the spine.Their damage can lead to irreparable consequences.Therefore, the qualifications of the doctor carrying 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 relieving pain and eliminating the causes of its occurrence are prescribed by the doctor based on the results of the examinations.
All kinds of massages (depending on the nature of the disease), manual therapy, acupuncture - acupressure on the source of pain - have proven themselves well.They relieve stress and accelerate blood circulation.
Important!
For certain diseases, such as intervertebral disc herniation, massage is carried out under radiological control or is completely contraindicated!
Physiotherapy and physiotherapy are also excellent for lower back pain.This treatment involves uniformly applying loads to damaged areas of the back.By relaxing one part of the spine and creating tension in another, optimal load balance is achieved.
Forced stimulation and warming up of the muscles - electrophoresis, UHF, magnet - are very appreciated.Such manipulations can be carried out with or without the use of anti-inflammatory ointments and gels.
Important!
In cases of confirmed cancer or in remission, physiotherapy by forced stimulation is contraindicated.
Take care of your health, do not overcool yourself, control your stress - this will help prevent the appearance of lower back pain.If back problems cannot be avoided, do not hesitate to seek qualified help.It is much easier to solve a problem in its early stages than to tackle a chronic illness.