Causes and treatments for lower back pain

Pain in the lower back is most often caused by degenerative and dystrophic changes in the spine.The intervertebral disc is injured when lifting heavy objects, excessive load at rest and during movement, falls.Protrusion of the fibrous ring through the cracks and fissures of the nucleus pulposus forms a hernia.Instability of the spine contributes to the development of osteophytes (spondylosis), damage to intervertebral joints and ligaments (spondyloarthrosis), osteochondrosis, which is accompanied by pathological processes in the sacroiliac joints.

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

Causes of pain and their types

The sensation of pain can be dull, sharp, aching, burning and throbbing.They can spread over the entire back, radiate to neighboring areas or be local in nature.The unpleasant feeling develops in different ways;it can appear suddenly or grow over a long period of time.

The symptom is also classified depending on the cause of its occurrence:

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

There are two types of pain:

• Periodic are characteristic for strong physical efforts, acute diseases and physiological characteristics;they can radiate to another part of the body or spread beyond the affected area.After eliminating the cause of their occurrence, they stop bothering the person.
• Constant pain is the result of deep damage to joints, tissues and muscles.With the help of drugs, the symptoms are temporarily removed, but they recur.

Indications for advanced diagnostics

In order to determine the way to alleviate the pain, it is necessary to undergo an additional examination to determine the true cause of the syndrome.Tests must be done if:

• atypical manifestation of pain (without increase or decrease of discomfort when moving the body), unusual localization (for example, discomfort radiates from the back to the perineum, abdomen, rectum, anus, vagina);
• weakening of symptoms in the standing position and pumping in the lying position;
• changes in the nature of back pain related to 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 mental behavior disorders.

Additional studies are carried out in a hospital setting, when the patient is hospitalized in neurological or other departments that provide a laboratory for diagnosing a suspected disease.

An X-ray of the spinal column is taken in multiple projections, a general blood test is examined and an advanced biochemical analysis is performed that shows the level of creatinine, calcium, glucose, phosphate and other substances in the blood.The method of computer diagnostics and magnetic resonance is widely used.Bone scintigraphy 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.As a result of the disease, joint cartilage and bones are loosened and destroyed, and the nerve endings are involved in the pathological change.Osteochondrosis causes the development of hernia, lumbar radiculitis, sciatica, 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 deformation of the skeleton, bad posture and protrusion of the hump to the right or left in the intercostal space.Classified as a congenital or acquired form.
• Spondylosis is caused by the natural aging of the vertebrae and joints in the lumbar region;over time, pain increases as joints wear and mobility is lost.
• Lumbago is characterized by acute discomfort in the lumbar region due to destructive disorders in the vertebrae.The pain occurs when lifting weights incorrectly and is more common in men.In lumbago, movement in the lower back is limited;the lack of treatment is dangerous because the destructive processes develop into an irreversible stage.
• Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease) is characterized by loss of mobility of the lumbar joints and is a chronic inflammation with significant proliferation of connective tissue.
• Osteomyelitis is a purulent-necrotic inflammation of the bone marrow, bones and surrounding soft tissues.The disease is caused by infection with purulent mycobacteria and pyogenic bacteria that produce pus.
• Osteoporosis occurs as a result of improper development of bone tissue due to a disturbed supply of phosphorus and calcium, while bone density is reduced, which leads to frequent damage.
• Congenital or acquired leg length difference (more than 3 cm).

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

Renal pathologies

Disrupted kidney function can cause discomfort in the lower back, and pain in the left, right, and sometimes in the middle of the back.Symptoms can be caused by the following pathologies:

• Kidney prolapse.This is a condition in which the organ moves beyond the permissible norm (displacement from the renal pelvis is ensured down and up by 2 cm).In nephroptosis, the kidney is called wandering if it can deviate by 10 cm.
• Kidney failure is a condition in which urine is not produced.The patient notices that he has a sharp pain in the lower back, and his health suddenly deteriorates.
• Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the renal pelvis, and nearby tissues of the genitourinary system are also affected.In this disease, the diversion of urine may not be disturbed, and the pain in the lower back on the right and left side is due to the intensity of the inflammatory process.
• Gout causes discomfort when getting up from a sitting position or during other movements.When the disease appears, the natural metabolism of uric acid is disturbed;it accumulates in the lumbar joints, limiting their mobility.
• Renal colic is a common pathology.His pain occurs for different reasons.The most common are damage to the ureter by a stone, its bending or obstruction of the upper urinary tract due to a blood clot, formation, pus or mucus.Lower back pain caused by renal colic is characterized by a sharp onset at any time of the day, during movement or at rest.
• Diabetic nephropathy is more typical for people with diabetes (75%) and is a complex lesion of arteries, glomeruli and renal tubules as a result of changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in kidney tissues.Pain with 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 (kidney glomeruli) and can lead to kidney failure.A rapidly progressive and chronic form is observed.
• Kidney stone disease is not always accompanied by lower back pain;it can be difficult to determine its location.
• Hydronephrosis is characterized by enlargement of the renal pelvis and discomfort.It requires additional diagnostics.

Gynecological diseases

Painful syndrome occurs in women due to diseases:

• Frequent localization of complaints 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 side.
• During pregnancy, the lower back hurts and it hurts to walk, but such symptoms arise for natural reasons and are explained by the load of the growing fetus on the musculoskeletal system, so they do not require treatment.
• Menopause is accompanied by pain due to disturbed blood flow to the internal organs of the small pelvis, which, in turn, is a consequence of hormonal imbalance in this period.
• Unpleasant sensations can constantly occur due to psychosomatics.In that case, the woman should visit a psychotherapist and a psychologist.
• The consequences of surgery, for example, abortion, can be accompanied by discomfort in the lower abdomen and spread to the lumbar vertebrae due to involuntary contractions of the uterus or the development of inflammation.
• Hormonal disorders during the menstrual cycle, the release of follicles from the ovary and its movement through the fallopian tubes, the enlargement of the uterus during menstruation cause 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 pathology and most often affects women.This is a chronic inflammation that develops in the lumbar joints and affects the nearby cartilage and muscles.The disease is caused by autoimmune disorders in the body.
• Thrombophlebitis and phlebothrombosis occur due to partial or complete stoppage of blood flow in deep veins.Discomfort in the lower back is felt after long walking or standing.This pain spreads to the buttock and leg.
• Atherosclerosis in the last stage causes discomfort in the lower back.

Treatment of pain caused by musculoskeletal problems

To eliminate discomfort in the lower back caused by impaired functionality of the musculoskeletal system, different drugs are used, depending on the underlying cause and stage of the underlying disease.

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

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

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

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

Muscle relaxants

If NSAIDs do not give a positive effect in the treatment of pain, then muscle relaxants are used.These drugs reduce the tone of skeletal muscles and reduce their movement - sometimes to the point of complete cessation of function.Start therapy with the standard dose and maintain it for several weeks.Practice shows that adding muscle relaxants to complex pain treatment ensures permanent regression of discomfort and improves joint mobility.Combinations of different types of these drugs are not used.

Analgesics and corticosteroids

Narcotic analgesics, which have long been relevant in medicine, are used to relieve back pain if they are very painful.They are based on opioids, thanks to which the drugs provide relief.Such medicines are prescribed by a doctor (they are sold in pharmacies only by prescription);you cannot treat the pain yourself with these medicines.

To eliminate the syndrome, corticosteroids are used in the case of degenerative disorders in joint tissues.

Medicines partially restore the cartilage and prevent further destruction.

Injections

Injections are used if the previous drugs did not give the desired effect.Medicines of the ester group and amide series are used for blocking directly in the lumbar area.

Blockage is a procedure to alleviate muscle spasms at the site of pain;injections are given in the nerve plexuses, including the paravertebral region through the catheter.Its effect is short-lived, but it helps relieve severe attacks.

Use of ointments, creams and plasters

With the help of gels and creams, the unpleasant condition is eliminated.They are applied directly to the painful area.You can use NSAID-based products.Combined products have a stronger effect.

For disruptive and local irritating effect, warming ointments with restorative chondroprotective action are used that dilate blood vessels, which results in improved nutrition of vertebral and cartilage tissues and accelerated metabolic processes in them.

The use of plasters is popular due to the practical way of application and quick effect.The product is impregnated with medicine and applied to the site of pain.This method excludes overdose.

Other methods of influencing painful areas

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

Paraffin applications are used, which are effective in case of cracking.The procedure consists of applying layer by layer wax or paraffin to the skin with a total thickness of 1 cm, which is covered with polyethylene and then with a warm blanket.Duration is at least an hour, with daily use the course of treatment is a month.Physical therapy is effective when used during non-exacerbation periods.Exercise also reduces the risk of recurring back pain.

Massage is not done in all cases, because in some pathologies it can harm the body.In this case, the effect is not on the painful place, but on the surrounding areas.The procedure should be performed by an experienced massage therapist;you shouldn't do it alone.

The mud therapy method is also used as a distraction.

Pain relief in gynecological problems

To eliminate the original cause of pain, complex antibacterial agents are used.Special drugs are used to reduce bacterial infection of the vagina.An ointment containing antibiotics and antiseptics is used in the vulva 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 ultrasound is used as a physiotherapeutic effect.Abscesses of the genital organs, especially the abscess of the Bartholin's gland, are removed by surgical opening.If the pain is moderate and the tumor does not bother the patient, then 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 drugs are effective as a means of reducing the size of the uterus before surgery.However, their long-term use leads to the development of osteoporosis.

In some cases, after treatment, the nodules start to grow and cause back pain.Unpleasant sensations are alleviated with the help of oral contraceptives.Anti-gonadotropic therapy is used to alleviate the well-being when lumbar pain occurs.These drugs have many side effects, so they are used in rare cases.

If the growth of the tumor leads to severe pain and endangers health, then an operation is needed to remove it.During menopause and if the woman does not plan to have a child, it is recommended to remove the uterus completely.In other cases, only the fibroid is removed laparoscopically (through small incisions in the abdomen).

Popular hormonal drugs are NSAIDs.Antispasmodics are also used.

Help with kidney pain

Acute pain in the kidneys is alleviated by taking antispasmodic drugs that can increase the lumen of the ureter and ensure the diversion of urine.

Acute symptoms require the use of combined drugs that contain both an analgesic and an antispasmodic with anti-inflammatory components.You can take 2 tablets at once;in severe cases, intramuscular injections are given.Analgin-based antipyretics help relieve kidney pain.

Traditional methods of treatment

Traditional recipes help relieve pain in the lower back, but before using it, you must make sure that there are no diseases dangerous to human life and health that require timely treatment with drugs or even surgery.Most popular methods:

• A towel soaked in a combined infusion of St. John's wort, thyme, chamomile flowers and black elder is placed on the sore spot.For cooking, take 1 teaspoon.raw or dried raw materials, pour a glass of boiling water and leave for half an hour.Then remove the bandage and go to bed.
• Garlic oil helps a lot.To prepare, take one head, grind it in an affordable way and mix it with a small portion of petroleum jelly and lemon juice.Apply the prepared mixture to the painful spot on the back.
• Mustard bath relieves pain.To do this, take a glass of mustard powder and pour it into warm water.Bathe until it cools down, then rinse your skin with clean water and cover with a blanket.
• A poultice made 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 fixed with a warm scarf or handkerchief.
• Dry leaves of large thistle scalded with boiling water are applied to the painful area and isolated.
• To improve blood flow in the tissues, rub your back with honey.The massage is performed without pressure, but the movements should be intense.Similarly, use alcohol tincture with eucalyptus, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.
• Make a poultice out of the grated beets, squeeze out the mass, and mix the resulting one-vegetable cake with 1 liter.kerosene.Using a napkin, the composition is transferred to the painful area and fixed and wrapped.This compress is left overnight.
• Use grated laundry soap together with white incense, mix them in equal amounts, add 2 beaten egg yolks.The product is applied to the back, a towel is placed on top and secured with a bandage.Keep for about 2-3 hours.

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