In clinical practice, back pain is a very common syndrome. It affects the lumbar spine, while the patient feels pain in the "waist". This is how degenerative, musculoskeletal and dystrophic pathologies manifest themselves in the form of osteochondrosis or spondyloarthrosis.
Low back pain - causes and symptoms
In medicine, the following causes of low back pain are traditionally distinguished:
- Infectious and inflammatory processes in the spine;
- Muscle cramps or pinched nerves;
- The formation of an intervertebral hernia;
- Spinal cord or spinal metastases;
- Scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis;
- Circulatory disorders (with stroke, paralysis);
- Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (atypical manifestation of inflammation from appendicitis, obstruction of the biliary tract and intestines);
- Kidney diseases, reproductive organs;
- In some cases, during late pregnancy, women may experience discomfort in their lower back.
Low back pain can be acute or persistent (chronic). They may also be "roaming", meaning they arise in another organ but face the lower back.
Acute pain strikes suddenly, has a piercing character, can make movement difficult and gives in to the lower extremities and hips. The patient has a forced body position and limited mobility.
Acute pain is diagnosed when:
- stretching the long back muscles;
- fracture of the spine and exit of the intervertebral discs;
- facet syndrome (pinch of the nerve root, without displacement of the vertebral discs);
- epedural abscess (immediate hospitalization of the patient is necessary, as there is a high risk of spinal cord compression);
- dystrophic anomalies of the hip joint.
Chronic low back pain is characterized by loss of sensation, "lumbago" in the gluteal muscle, weakness of the lower extremities, formation of bony bulges.
The patient may have postural disturbances, intermittent claudication, foot deformity.
Chronic back pain occurs when:
- osteochondrosis;
- ankylosing spondyloarthrosis;
- metastatic and intradural tumors.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Back Pain
The real cause of back pain can be diagnosed with CT (computed tomography), MRI (MRI), x-ray or ultrasound of internal organs. The first two methods provide a comprehensive assessment of the state of bones and soft tissue, an X-ray shows the integrity of the bones and the presence of neoplasms, and an ultrasound examination indicates diseases of the organs and their systems.
The course of therapy is prescribed only by the treating physician, depending on the diagnosis, and may include: taking analgesics, hormonal medications, a course of physical therapy procedures or manual therapy, exercise therapy. If the pain is caused by dislodged discs or develops against the background of osteochondrosis, it is effective to wear a rigid fixation corset. Significantly relieves the lumbosacral region, preventing excessive muscle tension and the formation of spasms. A good therapeutic effect is given by blockages - special injections into the intervertebral joints. They relieve pain and relax muscles.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. It is very important not to self-medicate, but to seek qualified medical help in time.
During the rehabilitation period, it is necessary to carry out regular physiotherapy exercises, take a course in massage and physiotherapy. This will help relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow and relieve tension.
General recommendations for sacral lumbar spine pain:
- observe bed rest. In this case, the bed must have a hard, flat surface. Strictly exclude soft mattresses.
- wear a support bandage. It is especially important for pregnant women in the third trimester.
- pain relievers are allowed.
- Scrub your back with ointments with warming and anti-inflammatory components. In no case should you overcool it; it is best to wear a wool scarf or a warm belt during an exacerbation of pain.
Low back pain during pregnancy
If we talk about low back pain during pregnancy, then they are associated with a change in the center of gravity of the woman's body due to the development and growth of the fetus. Also, as a result of hormonal changes (excessive relaxin production), the sacro-hip joints relax, which upsets the balance. A distended abdomen and excessive arching of the spine increase pressure on the lower back. Muscles are constantly overloaded, which becomes the main cause of pain.
The risk group includes girls who, before pregnancy, had problems with the development of the muscles of the hip joint, compromised posture, osteochondrosis and spinal pathologies of a neurological nature. Painful sensations do not appear until the second trimester, and this occurs around the fifth or sixth month. It can be alleviated by strengthening your muscles with a special set of exercises. And the sooner you start training your back muscles, the easier it will be to support a healthy child.