Causes and treatment of lower back pain

Low back pain most often occurs due to degenerative and dystrophic changes in the spine.The intervertebral disc is injured when lifting heavy objects, excessive strain while resting and moving, and falling.Protrusion of the annulus fibrosus through tears and fissures of the nucleus pulposus results in a hernia.Instability in the spine contributes to the development of osteophytes (spondylosis), damage to intervertebral joints and ligaments (spondyloarthrosis) and osteochondrosis, which are accompanied by pathological processes in the sacroiliac joints.

In addition to compression changes, pain is caused by reflex stimulation of receptors, the impulse of which goes to the motor neurons of the spinal cord.Muscle tone increases and over time pathologies appear in muscle tissue.Pain in the spine can be caused by the occurrence of tumors, multiple myeloma and systemic autoimmune diseases.

Causes of pain and their types

Pain sensations can be dull, sharp, aching, burning, and throbbing.They can spread across the entire spine, radiate to neighboring areas, or occur locally.An unpleasant feeling arises in different ways;it can appear suddenly or grow over a long period of time.

The symptom is also classified according to the cause of its occurrence:

• primary pain is a consequence of degeneration of the musculoskeletal system and its lesions;
• The secondary type occurs in pathological processes in the body that are not related to the lower back.

There are two types of pain:

• Periodic ones are characteristic of heavy physical exertion, acute illnesses and physiological features;They may radiate to another part of the body or spread beyond the affected area.Having eliminated the cause of their occurrence, they stop harassing the person.
• Constant pain is a result of deep damage to joints, tissues and muscles.With the help of medication, the symptoms are temporarily eliminated, but they recur.

Notes on advanced diagnostics

To determine the method of pain relief, additional examination is required to identify the true cause of the syndrome.Tests must be taken if:

• atypical pain manifestation (no increase or decrease in discomfort when moving the body), unusual localization (e.g. radiation of discomfort from the back to the perineum, abdomen, rectum, anus, vagina);
• Mitigation of symptoms when standing and pumping while lying down;
• Changes in the nature of back pain associated with going to the toilet, eating, sexual intercourse;
• previous injuries to the spine or hip joints;
• pain accompanied by vomiting and increased body temperature;
• diagnosed oncology;
• the presence of psychological behavioral disorders.

Additional studies are carried out in the hospital setting when the patient is admitted to neurology or other departments that have a laboratory for diagnosing the suspected disease.

An X-ray of the spine is taken in several projections, a general blood test is carried out and an advanced biochemical analysis is carried out, which shows the level of creatinine, calcium, glucose, phosphates and other substances in the blood.The method of computer diagnostics and magnetic resonance imaging is widely used.Bone scintography is used to examine bone tissue.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system

Unpleasant sensations in the back occur for the following reasons:

• Intervertebral osteochondrosis includes several types of pathologies characterized by dystrophy or degeneration.The disease loosens and destroys articular cartilage and bones, and nerve endings are also involved in the pathological change.Osteochondrosis causes the development of hernias, lumbar radiculitis, sciatica and protrusion (bulging of the intervertebral disc without rupture of the fibrous ring).
• Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine with an asymmetrical shoulder line.It is accompanied by skeletal deformations, poor posture and protrusion of the hump on the right or left in the intercostal space.Classified as congenital or acquired form.
• Spondylosis occurs due to the natural aging of the vertebrae and joints in the lumbar region;Over time, the pain increases as the joints wear and mobility is lost.
• Lumbago is characterized by acute discomfort in the lumbar region due to destructive disorders of the vertebrae.Pain occurs when lifting weights incorrectly and is more common in men.With lumbago, movement in the lower back is restricted;Lack of treatment is dangerous because destructive processes develop to an irreversible stage.
• Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease) is characterized by a loss of mobility of the lumbar joints and is a chronic inflammation with a significant increase in connective tissue.
• Osteomyelitis is a purulent-necrotic inflammation of the bone marrow, bones and surrounding soft tissues.The disease arises from infection with purulent mycobacteria and pyogenic (pus-producing) bacteria.
• Osteoporosis occurs due to maldevelopment of bone tissue due to impaired supply of phosphorus and calcium, while at the same time bone density is reduced, leading to frequent damage.
• Congenital or acquired difference in leg length (more than 3 cm).

These diseases require a visit to the clinic for examination and serious treatment.Sometimes therapy helps to relieve symptoms only for a while, and a surgical method is used for complete cure.

Kidney disease

Due to impaired kidney function, discomfort may occur in the lower back and pain may occur in the left, right and sometimes middle part of the back.The causes of the symptom can be the following pathologies:

• Kidney prolapse.This is a condition in which the organ moves beyond the permissible norm (a displacement from the kidney bed down and up occurs by 2 cm).In nephroptosis, the kidney is said to be migratory if it can deviate by 10 cm.
• Kidney failure is a condition in which urine is not produced.The patient notices that he has severe pain in his lower back and his health is rapidly deteriorating.
• Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the renal pelvis involving neighboring tissues of the urogenital system.With this disease, urinary diversion may not be impaired, and pain in the lower back on the right and left is due to the intensity of the inflammatory process.
• Gout causes discomfort when standing up from a seat or making other movements.When the disease occurs, the natural uric acid metabolism is disrupted;It accumulates in the lumbar joints and limits their mobility.
• Renal colic is a common pathology.Pain occurs for various reasons.The most common are damage to the ureter caused by a stone, its kinking, or obstruction of the upper urinary tract due to blood clots, formation, pus or mucus.Lower back pain caused by renal colic is characterized by a sudden onset at any time of the day, during exercise or at rest.
• Diabetic nephropathy occurs more often in people with diabetes (75%) and is a complex lesion of the arteries, glomeruli and renal tubules as a result of changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in renal tissue.Pain in this pathology radiates to any part of the back, as well as to the groin and lower abdomen.
• Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli (glomeruli of the kidneys) and can lead to kidney failure.A rapidly progressive and chronic form is noted.
• Kidney stone disease is not always accompanied by lower back pain;It can be difficult to determine the location.
• Hydronephrosis is characterized by enlargement of the renal pelvis and malaise.Requires additional diagnosis.

Gynecological diseases

Pain syndrome occurs in women due to diseases:

• Frequent localization of discomfort due to uterine fibroids, vulvitis, adnexitis and neoplasms of the genital organs is the lower abdomen, but pain can occur in the lower back on the left and right.
• During pregnancy, the lower back hurts and walking, but such symptoms arise from natural causes and are explained by the load on the musculoskeletal system from the growing fetus, so they do not require treatment.
• Menopause is accompanied by pain due to impaired blood supply to the internal organs of the pelvis, which in turn is a consequence of hormonal imbalance during this period.
• Unpleasant sensations can arise constantly due to psychosomatics.In this case, the woman needs to see a psychotherapist and psychologist.
• The consequences of an operation, for example an abortion, can be accompanied by discomfort in the lower abdomen and spread to the lumbar vertebrae due to involuntary contractions of the uterus or developing inflammation.
• Hormonal disruptions during the menstrual cycle, the release of the follicle from the ovary and its movement through the fallopian tubes, as well as an increase in the size of the uterus during menstruation lead to pain in the lower back and lower back.

Other causes of lower back pain

Discomfort in the lumbar region can be caused by diseases of the human body system:

• Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease and most commonly affects women.This is a chronic inflammation that develops in the lumbar joints and affects neighboring cartilage and muscles.The disease occurs due to autoimmune diseases in the body.
• Thrombophlebitis and phlebothrombosis arise due to partial or complete disruption of blood flow in the deep veins.After long periods of walking or standing, discomfort is felt in the lower back.This pain radiates to the buttocks and leg.
• Arteriosclerosis in its final stages causes discomfort in the lower back.

Treatment of pain due to musculoskeletal disorders

To eliminate problems in the lower back area caused by dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system, different medications are used depending on the cause and stage of the underlying disease.

They are used in various forms, from tablets to intramuscular injections.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain.These drugs lower body temperature, relieve inflammation and fever.

NSAIDs from the group of phenylacetic acid derivatives are very popular in the treatment of lower back pain.These medications are safe and effective and have the advantage over other painkillers in that they do not negatively affect the metabolic processes in the intervertebral disc.The therapeutic dosage, sufficient to relieve severe discomfort, ranges from 75 to 150 mg per day, the norm is taken in several doses.To accelerate the analgesic effect, rectal suppositories are used or the drug is administered intramuscularly.

Muscle relaxants

If NSAIDs do not have a positive effect in treating pain, muscle relaxants are used.These drugs reduce the tone of the skeletal muscles and restrict their movement - sometimes to the point of complete loss of function.Start therapy with a standard dose and maintain it for several weeks.Practice shows that the addition of muscle relaxants to complex pain treatment leads to lasting relief of symptoms and improves joint mobility.Combinations of different types of these drugs are not used.

Analgesics and corticosteroids

To relieve back pain when it is very painful, narcotic analgesics are used, which have long been relevant in medicine.They are based on opioids, which means the drugs provide relief.Such drugs are prescribed by a doctor (they are sold in pharmacies only by prescription);You cannot treat pain yourself with these medications.

To eliminate the syndrome, corticosteroids are used for degenerative diseases of the joint tissue.

Medicines partially restore the cartilage and prevent further destruction.

Injections

Injections are used when previous medications have not had the desired effect.For blocking directly in the lumbar region, drugs from the ester group and amide series are used.

A block is a procedure used to relieve muscle spasm at the site of pain;Injections are administered into the nerve plexuses, including the paravertebral area, via a catheter.The effect is short-lived but helps relieve severe attacks.

Use of ointments, creams and plasters

With the help of gels and creams, the unpleasant condition is also eliminated.They are applied directly to the sore spot.You can use NSAID-based products.Combined products have an enhanced effect.

For distracting and local irritating effects, warming ointments with a restorative chondroprotective effect are used, which dilate blood vessels, which leads to improved nutrition of the vertebral tissue and cartilage, as well as accelerated metabolic processes in them.

The use of plasters is very popular due to their ease of use and quick effect.The product is impregnated with the drug and applied to the site of pain.With this method an overdose is ruled out.

Other methods of influencing painful areas

Physiotherapy treatment allows you to warm up the muscles, improve blood supply and enhance the therapeutic effect of basic medications.

Paraffin applications are used, which are effective for stabbing pain.The procedure consists of applying wax or paraffin to the skin in layers with a total thickness of 1 cm, which is covered with polyethylene, and then with a warm blanket.The duration is at least one hour, if used daily the treatment duration is one month.Physiotherapy is effective when used during periods of non-aggravated illness.Exercise also reduces the risk of recurring back pain.

Massage is not performed in all cases, as in some pathologies it can harm the body.In this case, the effect is not on the sore spot, but on the surrounding areas.The procedure should be carried out by an experienced massage therapist;You shouldn't do this yourself.

The mud therapy method is also used for distraction.

Pain relief for gynecological problems

To eliminate the original cause of pain, complex antibacterial agents are used.To reduce bacteriological infections of the vagina, special drugs are used.An ointment containing antibiotics and antiseptics is used in the vulvar area.

Inflammation of the glands of an infectious nature, accompanied by pain in the lower back, is treated with antibiotics, taking into account the sensitivity of the microorganism, and ultrawaves are used as a physiotherapeutic effect.Abscesses of the genital organs, especially the abscess of the Bartholin gland, are removed surgically by opening.If the pain is moderate and the tumor does not bother the patient, hormonal drugs are prescribed, which are considered only as prophylaxis before surgery.

GnRH antagonists reduce the amount of estrogen in the body.They are used for uterine fibroids, hyperplasia and endometriosis.Hormonal medications are an effective way to reduce the size of the uterus before surgery.However, their long-term consumption leads to the development of osteoporosis.

In some cases, the nodules begin to grow after treatment and cause back pain.Unpleasant sensations are relieved with the help of oral contraceptives.To relieve well-being with pain in the lumbar region, antigonadotropin therapy is used.These medications have many side effects and are therefore only used in rare cases.

If the growth of a tumor causes severe pain and threatens health, surgery to remove the tumor is necessary.During menopause and if a woman does not want to have children, complete removal of the uterus is recommended.In other cases, only the myoma is removed laparoscopically (through small incisions in the abdomen).

Popular hormonal medications are NSAIDs.Antispasmodic medications are also used.

Help with kidney pain

Acute kidney pain is relieved by taking antispasmodic drugs, which can increase the lumen of the ureter and provide urine diversion.

Acute symptoms require the use of combination drugs containing both an analgesic and an antispasmodic agent with anti-inflammatory components.You can take 2 tablets at the same time;In severe cases, intramuscular injections are administered.Antipyretics based on analgin help relieve pain in the kidneys.

Traditional treatment methods

Traditional recipes help to relieve lower back pain, but before using them, you need to make sure that there are no diseases that pose a threat to human life and health and require timely drug treatment or even surgery.The most popular methods:

• A towel soaked in a combined infusion of St. John's wort, thyme, chamomile flowers and black elderberry is placed on the sore spot.For cooking take 1 tsp.raw or dried raw materials, pour a glass of boiling water and leave for half an hour.Then remove the compress and go to bed.
• Garlic ointment helps a lot.To prepare it, take a head, grind it in an accessible way and mix it with a small portion of petroleum jelly and lemon juice.Apply the prepared mixture to the sore spot on the back.
• Mustard bath relieves pain.To do this, take a glass of mustard powder and pour it into warm water.Take a bath until it cools, then rinse the skin with clean water and cover with a blanket.
• A compress of honey and vinegar (1 tablespoon each) relieves pain.The resulting mixture is placed on a cabbage leaf and applied to the problem area.
• Radish or horseradish is grated, mixed with sour cream and placed on a napkin made of natural material.The compress is secured with a warm scarf or handkerchief.
• Dry leaves of a large burdock, steamed with boiling water, are applied to the sore spot and insulated.
• To improve blood circulation in the tissues, rub honey on the back.The massage is carried out without pressure, but the movements should be intense.Similarly, use an alcohol tincture with eucalyptus, which you can buy at the pharmacy.
• Make a compress from grated beets, squeeze out the mass and mix the resulting cake from one vegetable with 1 liter.Kerosene.Using a napkin, the composition is transferred to the sore spot, fixed and wrapped.This compress is left overnight.
• Use grated laundry soap along with white incense, mix in equal amounts and add 2 beaten egg yolks.The product is applied to the back, a napkin is placed on top and fixed with a bandage.Keep for about 2-3 hours.

Treatment of back pain is carried out in various ways, but a diagnosis of the underlying disease that causes unpleasant symptoms is always required.