Almost every person at one time or another in their lives experienced pain in the spine in the lumbar region. The loin is the part of the back that starts where the ribs end. Pain can disturb a person, starting in adolescence, and continue throughout adulthood. Up to 80% of people suffer from pain in the spine in the middle of the back at one time or another in their lives.
Common causes of low back pain
So what causes pain?
Usually there is pain in the spine in the lumbar region for reasons that people themselves are to blame:
- manual material handling (especially incorrect lifting of weights);
- spinal twist;
- curvature of the spine;
- excessive exercise;
- sitting for a long time (for example, on a long journey);
- sedentary work;
- physical work;
- cigarette smoking;
- obesity.
The intensity of lower back pain can range from sharp and stabbing to dull. Pain can be constant or intermittent. Acute lower back pain can appear suddenly after an injury or a heavy load. Chronic back pain is pain lasting more than three months. If the spine in the lumbar region hurts for a long time, what should I do? See your doctor if your back pain lasts longer than 72 hours.
Severe back pain after an injury should be a reason to seek medical attention. Warning signs of a more serious injury include pain when coughing or urinating, bowel or bladder problems, leg weakness, and fever. These additional symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Herniated disc
Why does the spine hurt in the lumbar region? Back pain that occurs after excessive exercise or heavy lifting is often tension pain. However, sometimes these activities cause disc damage and rupture or herniation. When a herniated disc causes inflammation of the sciatic nerve, this can cause back pain.
Eighty percent of people have hernias, especially closer to fifty years. This disease is serious, and it is necessary to treat it - at least at home, even in a hospital, depending on the severity.
Symptoms may not always appear immediately, as the lower spine is the most mobile part of it. It is worth paying attention to the symptoms that are harbingers of a hernia:
- you can'tbend over - you are worried about pain in the spine in the middle of the back or limited mobility;
- one of the lower limbs freezes or goes numb;
- it hurts to step on the foot when walking (with pinching of the sciatic nerve);
- cannot sleep on a certain side.
Hernia symptoms
Why is pain in the spine and back not immediately felt? The fact is that until the nerve is affected, inflammation, swelling and muscle spasm appear when the process is already running, and a hernia has appeared. Here are the symptoms a person experiences when a hernia occurs:
- Severe pain that increases with increasing load and gradually spreads to the buttocks and legs.
- Feet losing sensation.
- The functions of the pelvic organs are impaired.
- Intestinal problems appear.
- Incontinence may occur.
- Sometimes the mobility of the lower half of the body is lost, resulting in disability.
Can this be avoided? Of course. It is worth listening to the body more often and treating diseases of the spine in a timely manner.
Causes of hernia
Here's what can provoke the disease:
- Incorrect lifting and carrying of weights.
- Spine injury.
- Long sitting or standing.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Big weight.
Examination and treatment
Large hernias can be detected by a doctor on palpation, in other cases you will be sentfor additional examination:
- magnetic resonance imaging (allows you to get an image of the body in the thinnest layers and reveal the exact size of the hernia);
- ultrasound (will detect the exact location of the hernia and its size);
- x-ray;
- urine and blood tests.
The doctor's choice of treatment depends on several factors: the size of the hernia, its location and the general condition of the patient. In some cases, along with medical treatment, surgery can be performed. But in the early stages, medicines, physiotherapy, massage, physiotherapy exercises are usually used. Medicines are usually prescribed for severe pain to block the nerve or relieve spasms and swelling.
Surgery is the best way to get rid of a hernia
During the operation, the damaged area of the intervertebral disc is removed and replaced with a titanium one, the grown bone outgrowths and processes (osteophytes) are removed. Sometimes a microdiscectomy is performed - the entire intervertebral disc is removed. Patients rarely agree to this operation, because after a while a hernia re-forms. During hydroplasty, the damaged disc is washed out, having previously anesthetized.
Prevention of hernia
Prevention is better than cure:
- do some light exercise every morning;
- swim;
- do special exercises to strengthen the back;
- observe daily routine;
- do a massage course at least once a year;
- learn rightlift weights;
- keep he althy and avoid weight gain.
Folk remedies for the treatment of hernia
These methods only provide temporary relief from low back pain and should not be relied upon to ignore a doctor's visit.
Rubbing a mixture of mummy with honey and fir oil will help to forget about back pain for a while.
Mix room temperature goat fat with one fresh egg yolk and add a few drops of iodine. Apply a compress to the affected area.
Decoction of nettle and chamomile will help to eliminate inflammation and reduce pain for a while.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is an inflammation of nerve endings caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that runs through the buttocks and down the back of the leg. Pressing or pinching the sciatic nerve causes shock or burning pain in the lower back. It happens that people feel as if the pain goes down through the buttock and shoots all over the leg, right down to the toes. If the spine hurts in the lumbar region on the left, then it will give to the left leg.
The reason for the development of radiculitis is considered to be a change in the intervertebral discs. By old age, discs can become thinner, deformed, displaced, and hernias occur. Problems in the gynecological part in women, heavy loads, severe hypothermia can lead to sciatica.
Sciatica symptoms
Especially severe throbbing pain in the spine in the arealower back appears with lumbar sciatica. It is this part of the back, consisting of five vertebrae, that experiences the main load. This type of radiculitis is most common. What symptoms can you feel? They are similar to the symptoms of other spinal problems: burning, numbness, leg pain and weakness, tingling in the legs.
Pain appears in the gluteal region, in the hips, and then along the limb that is on the affected side, passes through the nerves to the foot. Such a patient has difficulty walking, it is difficult for him to find a comfortable position lying and sitting. The pain can be anything: aching, sharp, dull. It may show up unexpectedly. The muscles immediately become weaker and the legs lose sensation.
How to treat sciatica
You can start treatment of sciatica only after identifying the cause with the help of diagnostics. The doctor should conduct a neurological examination - checking reflexes, sensitivity, activity. An x-ray will help to find out how much degenerative changes have occurred in the spine, and computed and magnetic resonance imaging will give a clear picture of the condition of the roots and show how badly the nerve fibers are damaged.
The choice of treatment will depend on how severe and acute pain in the spine in the lumbar region, whether sensitivity is impaired and whether there are other changes in the body. Sciatica can usually be treated conservatively. In order to stop pain, reduce inflammation, relieve swelling, prescribe medications. They also prescribe a course of physiotherapy, which will increase blood circulation and thereby reducepain.
Drug treatment begins with anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, muscle relaxants, vitamins (group B).
Also used:
- Massage. Helps improve circulation, thereby reducing swelling and pain.
- Physiotherapy.
- Medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) help relieve inflammation and pain. Can be replaced with candles. For severe pain, injections are used, which are injected directly into the damaged area.
- Acupuncture.
- Ointments with warming properties.
- Pepper warming patch.
- Vitamin B injections.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a very serious disease that can lead to serious complications and even disability. Several factors play a role here: the general condition of the body, its readiness to resist infection, changes in the bones.
This disease can be caused by streptococci, staphylococci, E. coli or salmonella. Also, osteomyelitis can be a complication after tuberculosis, syphilis and some other diseases. Bacteria can get into the bone in two ways: with an open injury (open fracture, gunshot wound) or due to inflammatory processes in the body itself (deep caries, tonsillitis, etc.).
Clinical picture of osteomyelitis
Symptoms of the disease begin with high fever, throbbing pain in the spine in the lumbar region, chills. The person feels unwell, complains aboutpain in the bones, and the site of the lesion is very painful. There is redness and swelling at the site of the affected bone. White blood cells are significantly increased in the blood. In the early stages, x-rays may not reveal signs of the disease, only after eight to ten days is visible thickening of the periosteum and bone fragility. These symptoms can occur in any part of the spine. They are also a common cause of pain in the spine in the area of the shoulder blades. Treatment can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Osteomyelitis treatment
Earlier, before the use of antibiotics, a quarter of cases were fatal. Now osteomyelitis, which begins acutely, can also lead to death. With timely treatment, the patient's condition improves quickly, but the disease can still last for weeks.
There are three principles of osteomyelitis treatment:
- fight the pathogen with a high dose of antibiotics;
- surgical intervention to open and remove pus;
- immunity boost.
Is it your job to cause back pain?
Work that involves heavy lifting or long periods in one position can cause injury and lower back pain. Even prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable position can cause back pain. Standing on your feet for hours on end? It can also cause back pain. The best way to prevent back pain is knowing you are in danger.
Why does the spine hurt in the lumbar region? Work that can cause pain:
- airline workers;
- surgeons;
- nurses and he althcare workers;
- bus and taxi drivers;
- warehouse workers;
- construction workers;
- farmers;
- firefighters and policemen;
- wipers;
- mechanics;
- office workers (e.g. telemarketers, archive clerks, computer operators).
Lighten your burden
Spine hurts in the lumbar region? What to do? Carrying a suitcase, briefcase, or bag can strain your lower back. If you must carry a large load, consider using a wheeled bag. By reducing the amount of weight you carry, you reduce the amount of pressure on your spine. Help your kids keep their backs he althy too by making sure their backpacks are not overloaded. A heavy backpack can cause future spinal problems in your children.
Workouts that can cause lower back pain
Most sports back injuries are sprains or spasms of the muscles surrounding the spine. Serious conditions or complications may have similar symptoms to common sprains or strains. The most common sports injuries occur after repeated excessive twisting of the spine or compression or flexion. Sports such as running, football, or volleyball can often cause lower back pain. Golf that involves a lot of twisting can also cause back pain.
Improved posture for pain reliefback
The back doesn't feel tight when we stand properly and don't slouch. Sitting with proper lumbar support, with your shoulders back and a footrest, can help prevent lower back pain. Proper balance and comfortable shoes when standing can also minimize the risk of developing low back pain. Wear comfortable shoes with low heels if you are on your feet all day. At home or at work, make sure work surfaces are at a comfortable height. Warming up and stretching before exercising or other strenuous physical activity can help prevent injury. Do not attempt to lift heavy objects and do not bend your back when lifting. Lead a he althy lifestyle, stop smoking and get rid of excess weight. So you can eliminate the main causes of spinal pain in the lumbar region.
Will bed rest help with back pain?
Doctors often recommend getting back to your daily routine as soon as possible. Studies suggest that strict bed rest may even increase the intensity of pain. Bed rest can also lead to secondary complications such as depression, decreased muscle tone, and blood clots in the legs. You should try to keep moving, avoiding activities that noticeably aggravate the condition and increase back pain. By staying active, those suffering from low back pain can gain more flexibility and faster recovery.
Yoga for back pain
If your back pain doesn't go away after three months, yoga can help. In one ofRecent studies have shown that people who practiced yoga for 12 weeks experienced fewer symptoms of lower back pain. Regular stretching exercises help just as well. Make sure your instructor is experienced in teaching people with back pain and will change positions for you as needed.
Massage therapy for back pain
Studies have shown that massage treatments can help relieve chronic low back pain. Massage treatments can return people to their daily lives and reduce pain in the spine in the middle of the back when bending over. Massage therapy is limited and will not be the most effective solution for patients with spinal complications, trauma, or disc problems, as massage focuses on releasing muscle tension rather than the structure of the spine itself.
Acupuncture for lower back pain relief
Acupuncture can be quite effective for chronic low back pain. In acupuncture, thin needles are inserted at various points on the body.
Practitioners of acupuncture hypothesize that when these fine needles are inserted into the skin and then stimulated by twisting or tapping the nerve endings, endorphins, serotonin and acetylcholine are released into the bloodstream to relieve pain.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that acupuncture can be an effective pain reliever. Scientific and clinical studies are currently underway to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy.
Painkillersfor the treatment of back pain
A wide range of drugs are used to treat both acute and chronic low back pain. Analgesic medications are specially formulated to reduce pain as much as possible. These include acetaminophen and aspirin, as well as prescription opioids such as codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be used to relieve pain and inflammation. These are ibuprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen sodium.
There are also many gels and sprays that can soothe back pain. They are applied to the skin and warm it up or, conversely, cool the areas where pain is felt, thus muffling it. Analgesics can reduce inflammation and increase blood flow, which also relieves pain.
Injections for lower back pain relief
Epidural steroid injections are needed to quickly reduce inflammation and relieve pain. The injections are for short term use and should not be used for a long period of time as they may worsen pain in the long term.
Do I need surgery?
Back surgery is often the last resort when all other treatment options have been tried. Surgery may be considered as an option to relieve severe back pain in the lumbar region caused by serious musculoskeletal injuries or nerve compression due to displacement or collapse of the vertebrae.
Back surgery often has a long recovery period, andsome patients may lose mobility and flexibility after surgery. It is also important to note that not all surgical procedures are successful. Thus, it is important for patients to talk to their doctors and know all the risks associated with the procedure before back surgery.
Diseases
What other diseases can be hidden behind a common symptom when the back and spine in the lumbar region hurt? Here are some of them:
- Spinal stenosis develops when the spinal canal becomes too narrow.
- Spinal arthritis, also called spinal osteoarthritis or spondylosis, is a common degenerative change in the spine. It affects the facet joints of the spine and may contribute to the development of bone spurs.
- Spondylolisthesis occurs when an overlying vertebra slips forward relative to the underlying vertebra.
- Fracture of the vertebrae is often caused by some kind of injury (such as a fall).
- Osteomyelitis - is a bacterial infection that can develop in one of the bones of the spine.
- Tumours of the spine are an abnormal growth of cell mass and are diagnosed as either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancer).
How to relieve pain?
If you've recently injured your lower back, there are a few things you can do to relieve the pain.
For the first 24-48 hours, use ice wrapped in a towel or cloth. Ice helps reduce swelling, muscle spasms, and pain. Thereafterswitch to heat. Heat helps keep you warm and relaxes sore tissues.
Warning: never apply cold or heat directly to the skin, always wrap it in something.
Medicines like Ketorolac or Diclofenac, used as directed, can help reduce inflammation and pain. If bed rest is no longer required, you may need to change your daily routine to give your lower back a chance to recover. With pain in the spine and back, which doctor should I go to? First you can visit a therapist, and then a neurologist.
