Every person sooner or later faces such a problem aslower back pain.According to statistics, more than half of sick leaves are 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 as well:
- Pathologies of internal organs;
- Kidney diseases, gastrointestinal tract, urological problems;
- Excessive load on the spine;
- Oncological diseases of organs located in close proximity to the lower back
Diagnosis of lower back pain
If alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor to rule out life-threatening conditions - they are very rare, but they do happen.Diagnosis includes several stages:
- General blood test and biochemistry - will show the presence / absence of an inflammatory process in the body
- X-ray diagnostics - aimed at examining the condition of the intervertebral discs
- MRI of the lumbar spine - will allow you to carefully examine the spine, the spinal canal and determine the presence of stenosis
- Ultrasound is a modern method that allows you to identify diseases without using harmful radiation.
Based on the results of the examination, the patient will be offered a consultation with a highly specialized specialist - a neurologist, vertebrologist or chiropractor, who will prescribe further treatment.
Pay attention!
The treatment of low back pain is mostly therapeutic.All procedures are performed only in the area of the source of pain.Surgery is indicated only when there is a real threat to life.
Lower back pain in women
Among the fairer sex, pain in the lower back is quite common.It can be caused both by diseases of the musculoskeletal system and by concomitant diseases, including gynecological ones.
Pay attention!
According to statistics, back problems in women are 10% more common than in men.However, there are 5% fewer requests for medical assistance (among women).
Causes of back pain in women:
- Problems with the spine - scoliosis, kyphosis, osteochondrosis, protrusions and disc herniations 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 the genitourinary system
- Rarely - neoplasms in the lumbar spine
Low back pain in men
Back problems are the most common disease of the stronger sex.The pain, as a rule, occurs unexpectedly and is accompanied by severe attacks.
Main reasons:
- Injuries are typical for men leading an active lifestyle.The consequences of the damage may not appear immediately, but after some time.
- Muscle inflammation - occurs with increased stress, weight lifting or injury.
- Spondyloarthrosis - pinching of the nerve roots in the spinal canal
- Weight problems – extra pounds put extra strain on the back, creating constant tension in the muscles
- Overfatigue - prolonged stay in one position - more often, specifics of professional activity
- Diseases of the prostate gland, liver, kidneys
Treatment of lower back pain
Modern medicine provides a huge number of ways to treat lower back pain, both in hospitals, with the help of drugs and without drugs on the affected areas.
Lower back pain relief with medication
In most cases, there is no obvious threat to life in back diseases.Discomfort is caused only by pain that limits physical activity.
To relieve the condition are prescribed:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - these will reduce swelling and reduce pain;
- Chondroprotectors - to improve the condition of the intervertebral cartilage;
- Hormonal drugs - used for blockages.They relieve pain faster and keep the effect longer;
In addition to injections and tablets, local therapy - gels and ointments - can be used.But in severe pain they are ineffective.
important!
Nerve endings responsible for the main functions of our body pass through the spine.Damage to them can lead to irreparable consequences.Therefore, the qualification of the doctor conducting the treatment should not be in doubt.This is the key to your health!
Treatment of lower back pain with physical therapy
All procedures aimed at relieving pain and eliminating the causes of its occurrence are prescribed by a doctor based on the results of examinations.
All types (depending on the nature of the disease) types of massage, manual therapy, acupuncture - acupressure on the source of pain - have proven themselves very well.They relieve stress and accelerate blood flow.
important!
In some diseases, such as herniated intervertebral discs, massage is performed under X-ray control or is completely contraindicated!
Physiotherapy and physiotherapy are also excellent for lower back pain.This treatment consists of evenly applying load to the damaged areas of the back.By relaxing one part of the spine and creating tension in another, an optimal load balance is achieved.
Forced muscle stimulation and heating are very popular - electrophoresis, UHF, magnet.Such manipulations can be performed with or without the use of anti-inflammatory ointments and gels.
important!
In case of confirmed cancer or during remission, physical therapy with forced stimulation is contraindicated.
Take care of your health, do not overcool, control stress - this will help prevent the occurrence of pain in the lower back.If back problems cannot be avoided, do not be afraid to seek qualified help.Solving a problem in its early stages is much easier than dealing with a chronic illness.