Up to 80% of people suffer from low back pain.For some, this may be one or several episodes in a lifetime, while for others the pain becomes chronic.There are many reasons that cause pain, so for an accurate diagnosis you should definitely consult a doctor.Each condition must be considered individually to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
What causes the pain?
The likelihood of developing low back pain increases due to several factors.
Age and poor physical shape.
The first problems in the lower back are felt between the ages of 25 and 45.With age, pain tends to intensify and become chronic due to the aging of the spine.
If the muscles that support the spine are not sufficiently developed and strengthened, this can lead to spinal diseases.Low back pain usually occurs in physically unprepared people who have lifted a heavy object.
Excess weight and heredity.
Obesity places additional stress on the lumbar region.
There is a genetic predisposition to diseases.For example, if one of your relatives has a history of spondylosis or radiculitis, then you may be prone to suffering from the same pathologies.
Working conditions
If your job involves lifting heavy objects, you can hurt your back.Additionally, sitting for a long time can cause lower back pain, especially in a person with poor posture.
Backpack
Try weighing your child's backpack.If it weighs more than 20% of the baby's weight, using it causes muscle tension and lower back pain.
Other reasons from home
Low back pain can occur when performing everyday activities:
- lifting a heavy box, carrying heavy bags of groceries;
- furniture rearrangement;
- lift weights in the gym;
- turning your back while playing sports (golf, tennis, contact sports);
- during agricultural and construction work.
Spine problems, radicular pain and herniated discs
A common cause of back pain is a disease or injury to the muscles, bones and/or nerves of the spine.
Radicular pain appears due to pinching, hernia, when direct irritation of the nerve occurs.For example, in sciatica, the pain syndrome is acute and is accompanied by numbness in the area of the leg, which is innervated by the affected nerve.
Hernias develop as the spine degenerates or thins.The gelatinous central portion of the disc protrudes from the central cavity and extends from the nerve root.The intervertebral discs begin to degenerate towards the third decade of life.Herniated discs occur in a third of people over 20 years of age.However, only 3% of them cause discomfort in the lower back.
Spondylosis and narrowing of the spinal canal.
It occurs when the intervertebral discs lose moisture and volume with age, causing the height of the disc to decrease.Even minor trauma with spondylosis can cause inflammation and damage to the nerve root.This can cause classic sciatica without a ruptured disc.
Spinal disc degeneration combined with joint disease in the lower back can cause a narrowing of the spinal canal.These changes cause pain.The narrowing of the canal is clearly visible on an x-ray.A person with spinal stenosis may have low back pain that radiates to both lower extremities.Symptoms may worsen after standing for a long time or walking even short distances.
Cauda equina syndrome and musculoskeletal pain syndromes.
This is an emergency condition in which the spinal cord itself is compressed.The disc expands into the spinal canal, which compresses the nerves.The person is bothered by pain, possible loss of sensitivity, intestinal or bladder dysfunction.This can lead to an inability to control urination: there may be urinary incontinence or the inability to start urinating.
Musculoskeletal pain syndromes cause significant symptoms and include myofascial syndromes and fibromyalgia:
- Myofascial pain is characterized by tenderness in localized areas (trigger points).The range of motion of the muscle groups involved decreases.Relief usually occurs when the muscle group involved can be relaxed.
- Fibromyalgia causes diffuse pain and tenderness throughout the body.Patients are concerned about general tension, fatigue and muscle stiffness.
Strained muscles or ligaments, bulging or torn discs
Repeated lifting of heavy objects or sudden, uncomfortable movements can strain the muscles in your back and spine.If a person is in poor physical condition, the constant stress on the back can cause painful muscle spasms.
The discs act as cushions between the bones of the spine.The soft core of the disc can bulge or rupture and put pressure on the nerve.But it is possible to have a bulging or ruptured disc without back pain.The disease is often discovered by chance when an x-ray of the spine is taken for some other reason.
Arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back.In some cases, arthritis in the spine can cause the space around the spinal cord to narrow.This condition is called spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis in the spine can cause compression fractures if the bones become porous and brittle.
Spondylolisthesis and skeletal disorders.
A condition in which a bone in the spine falls or moves out of its normal position.This can cause lower back pain and stiffness, as well as numbness and tingling in the extremities.
Skeletal disorders, a condition in which the spine curves to one side (scoliosis), can also cause back pain.It usually occurs before middle age.
Infectious inflammatory processes.
Bone infections (osteomyelitis) of the spine are a rare cause of low back pain.Inflammation of the spinal nerves can occur when the nerves become infected with the shingles virus, which causes shingles.It can occur in the thoracic region, causing symptoms in the upper back, or in the lumbar region, causing low back pain.
Spondylitis can cause stiffness and pain in the spine, which is especially worse in the morning.Ankylosing spondylitis usually begins in people during adolescence and early adulthood.
Tumors and other causes.
Benign and malignant tumors (as well as metastases) can cause low back pain.
Pain that occurs due to organ abnormalities within the abdomen, pelvis, or chest may also be felt in the back.For example, appendicitis, aneurysms, kidney disease, kidney infections, bladder and pelvic infections, and ovarian diseases can cause lower back pain.This pain is not associated with physical activity and appears suddenly.If it appears, you should urgently contact a medical center or call an ambulance to your home.Normal pregnancy can also cause back pain.While carrying a baby, you may experience pelvic tension, nerve irritation, and lower back tension.
Prevent back pain
For prevention, experts recommend the following methods:
- Exercise regularly.It is appropriate to do moderate exercise: walking, swimming or cycling for 30 minutes a day.Yoga helps eliminate muscle tension, strengthen muscles and improve posture.
- Before exercising, working out at home, or doing yard work, do a brief warm-up with stretches.
- Do not arch your lumbar spine or slouch when standing or sitting.Poor posture increases tension in the lower back.
- At home or at work, make sure work surfaces at home or at work are at a comfortable height for you.The chair should support your back well.Don't sit for too long, take a break periodically to walk.
- Wear comfortable low-heeled shoes.
- Sleeping on your side with your knees slightly bent can help open the spinal joints and relieve pressure, reducing spinal curvature.
- Try not to lift objects that are too heavy.If you have to carry weights, you should lift them by pushing them with your feet.He cannot bend or straighten his back;It must remain straight.
- Do not overeat to maintain your optimal weight.To support the skeletal system, there must be adequate intake of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D.
- Stop smoking.Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine, which can contribute to the development of degenerative processes.
When to see a doctor
If you associate the appearance of lower back pain, for example, with lifting heavy objects, then after rest your health will recover.You can take a pain reliever.
You need to see a doctor if:
- the pain does not go away for several days or becomes more intense;
- there is radiation to the abdomen or it radiates to the legs;
- increased body temperature;
- there was severe lethargy and weakness;
- if you have recently experienced significant weight loss for no apparent reason;
- defecation and urination have become uncontrollable and spontaneous;
- a sports, automobile or domestic injury occurred.
As you can see, the list of reasons for back pain in the lumbar region is extensive.In less than 1% of people, the cause of low back pain is a tumor, infectious processes, or problems with internal organs.