Pain in the lower back is a rather unpleasant phenomenon that can indicate the presence of serious diseases. The lower back has a greater load compared to other parts of the spine, so it is more prone to injuries.
A spasm in the lower back can be a symptom of sciatica, osteochondrosis, scoliosis and many other pathologies.
Lower back pain: possible causes
This can happen after sports training, staying in one position for a long time, after an uncomfortable movement.
Risk factors:
- obesity;
- childbirth/imminent childbirth;
- sports training;
- sedentary work (drivers, cashiers, etc. );
- work associated with significant physical effort;
- work in a standing position.
After overexertion, the discomfort disappears by itself - just rest is enough. Its periodic appearance indicates the presence of pathology. Without quality therapy, the condition can worsen significantly: sometimes only surgical intervention is indicated.
Diseases accompanied by discomfort in the lower back
In medicine, this symptom is divided into primary and secondary.
In the first case, discomfort is caused directly by diseases of the back, especially the spine:
- osteochondrosis of this area (one third of all cases of pain);
- spondylosis / spondylolisthesis / spondyloarthrosis;
- intervertebral disc protrusion or intervertebral hernia.
They say about secondary pains when they are caused by lesions of other organs:
- fracture due to osteoporosis;
- tumor in the spinal canal;
- spine fracture;
- muscle strain;
- anatomical narrowness of the spinal canal;
- kyphosis / scoliosis / kyphoscoliosis / Scheuermann-Mau disease;
- arthritis (rheumatic, psoriatic, osteoarthritis);
- discitis, osteomyelitis, spinal tuberculosis;
- disorders of the urinary system: urolithiasis / pyelonephritis;
- gynecological diseases: ovarian cancer or cyst, endometriosis;
- complicated pregnancy.
Types of pain
Severe lower back pain
They are observed in osteochondrosis. Discomfort is present when moving, sitting, lifting heavy objects, and even when coughing/sneezing. Unpleasant sensations may appear on the lower extremities. The patient should see a neurologist immediately.
Sciatica is accompanied by severe discomfort. The pain is dull or sharp, painful, usually one-sided.
It can affect the buttock, thigh, and even the lower leg; worsens by changing position, coughing, walking. Radiculitis is treated by a neurologist. Patients are advised to rest on a firm mattress that will support the lower back.
Acute pain in the lower back
It can be caused by prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable position, carrying/lifting heavy objects, falling, hitting, sudden movement, as well as drafts and hypothermia.
An acute attack is accompanied by displacement of the intervertebral discs. The latter occurs with spinal fractures, osteochondrosis, heavy physical work, weight lifting.
Displacement can also occur after surgery in this area. The diagnosis in this case is carried out by a neurologist. He also prescribes treatment.
Aching pain in lumbar spine
This happens with myositis - inflammation of the back muscles. The disease occurs after a sharp overvoltage or hypothermia. It is accompanied by stiffness of movement. The pain becomes sharp with movement.
Chronic (permanent) pain in the lower back
Periodic attacks accompany deforming spondylosis. And the affected area may become numb. In addition, leg weakness sometimes occurs.
It should also be taken into account that chronic pain is characteristic of Bechterew's disease, an oncological pathology. They can also indicate a metabolic disorder.
Displaced pains
Sometimes it seems to a person that the lower part of the back hurts, but actually the reason lies in the defeat of a completely different part of the body. This happens in diseases of the pelvic organs, pancreas, kidneys, colon.
Back pain: when to see a doctor?
Do not hesitate to visit a specialist in the following cases:
- the attack lasts for 3 days or more;
- the discomfort arose after the injury;
- pain in the lower back, lower leg and foot at the same time;
- the pain syndrome is combined with numbness of one limb.
What to do with severe spasms in the lumbar region
If the causes are unknown, it is necessary to measure the temperature. An increase in this indicator indicates infection and inflammation. Other symptoms are also identified (stool disorder, vomiting, pain only on one side). Then you must call a doctor or an ambulance.
If the causes are known, such as a muscle strain or bruise, an anti-inflammatory medication should be taken first to reduce discomfort.
Eliminate swelling, increase fluid circulation to remove harmful substances from the body, one dose of diuretic helps.
An orthopedic belt or even a simple towel will help to strengthen the muscles and bones in a stable state.
What not to do with lower back discomfort
It is forbidden to perform warming procedures without establishing a diagnosis.
They cause blood to flow, which is not always safe. With prolonged discomfort of an unknown nature, do not use painkillers. In this case, the disease will continue to progress, but without discomfort.
A chiropractor can place vertebrae in any part of the back only after examination, diagnosis and determination of the cause of the pathology. Vertebrae are not always displaced due to trauma, it can also happen as a result of dystrophic processes. Reduction can compress the nerve and destroy the vertebral processes.
How to treat back pain at home: folk recipes
Alcohol tincture of thistle or eucalyptus will help relieve discomfort. It can also be used for linings. For a similar purpose, fresh horseradish leaves are applied to the affected area. They are changed daily as needed.
- Ointment with horse chestnut. The melted fat is mixed with dried horse chestnut grass and camphor oil. The components are taken in equal proportions. The agent is applied to thin pieces of black bread and applied to the affected areas;
- You can treat with horse chestnut tincture. A cotton cloth or gauze is moistened in it, which is applied to the lower back;
- The golden mustache tincture on "Bishofite" effectively alleviates joint and bone ailments. 35-40 plant particles should be added to ½ l of the latter. The mixture is left for 14 days. When the time has passed, it is filtered and placed at night for poultices.
Nutrition for back problems
In order to strengthen the bone system, you need to enrich your diet with healthy foods and reduce the amount of harmful ones in it.
Liver and fatty fish (eg salmon, sardines, mackerel) are very beneficial. These foods are rich in vitamin D, fatty acids and niacin.
Dairy products, meat, cereals, fresh fruits, especially garlic and lemon - all these should prevail in the diet.
There is a lot of potassium in cabbage and spinach, and vitamin C in citrus fruits.
Vitamin A can be obtained from eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, red, orange and yellow fruits.
You should consume less drinks that contain caffeine, as well as sweets, spicy, fatty and fried foods.
Exercises for the spine
With minor discomfort, as well as for the prevention of such in the back area, it is recommended to perform a series of exercises:
- Lie on your back, put your hands next to your body, slightly bend your legs at the knees. The legs lean to the right, and the body in the opposite direction. They freeze in this position for 5 seconds and then return to their original position. Turn in the other direction in the same way. You must complete 10 approaches;
- Kneeling, place your hands on the chair in front of you. Then bend and arch your back as much as possible. Perform up to 10 approaches;
- Lie on your back with your arms/legs straight. First, the right leg is raised about 15 cm from the floor, and kept in an elevated position until the feeling of fatigue appears. Repeat the same with the left leg. You need to do 5 sets with each leg.
Prevention of back pain
To reduce the risk of problems, you must follow a few simple rules:
- Less time spent sitting;
- During sitting work, every hour do a little warm-up for the spine, limbs;
- Lift / carry weights correctly - keep your back straight, do not lift suddenly, divide the load into parts;
- Perform exercises to strengthen the muscular corset (support for the spine);
- The mattress should be moderately firm to properly support the lower back;
- Watch your posture, don't slouch;
- Go to the wall more often, touching it with your heels, buttocks, shoulder blades. You must stand in this position for 3 minutes;
- It is recommended to do sports to strengthen the muscles that support the spine: walking, skiing, wushu/qigong gymnastics, swimming, yoga;
You should not engage in running, boxing, tennis, martial arts, skiing, horse riding.