Causes and treatment of lower back pain

Lower back pain is most often caused by degenerative and dystrophic changes in the spine.The intervertebral disc is damaged when lifting heavy objects, excessive load at rest and during movement, when falling.Protrusion of the annulus fibrosus through tears and fissures of the nucleus pulposus forms a hernia.Instability of the spine contributes to the formation of osteophytes (spondylosis), damage to the intervertebral joints and ligaments (spondyloarthrosis), osteochondrosis, which is accompanied by pathological processes in the sacroiliac joints.

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

Causes and types of pain

The pain sensation can be dull, sharp, aching, burning and throbbing.They may spread over the entire back, radiate to adjacent areas, or be localized.Discomfort 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:

• the primary pain is the consequence of the degeneration of the locomotor system, the changes in it;
• the secondary type occurs in the body during pathological processes unrelated to the lower back.

There are two types of pain:

• Intermittent ones are characteristic of strong physical exertion, 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 the joints, tissues and muscles.With the help of medicines, the symptoms disappear temporarily, but they recur.

Indications for advanced diagnostics

In order to determine the method of pain relief, further investigation is required to identify the true cause of the syndrome.Tests must be carried out if:

• atypical manifestation of pain (discomfort does not increase or decrease when moving the body), unusual localization (for example, the discomfort radiates from the back to the perineum, abdomen, rectum, anus, vagina);
• weakening of symptoms while standing and pumping lying down;
• a change in the nature of back pain when going to the toilet, eating, or having sex;
• previous injuries to the spine or hip joints;
• pain with vomiting and increased body temperature;
• diagnosed oncology;
• the presence of mental behavioral disorders.

In hospital conditions, additional tests are carried out when the patient is treated in neurological or other departments that provide a laboratory for the diagnosis of the suspected disease.

They take multiple x-rays of the spine, perform a general blood test, and perform an advanced biochemical analysis that shows blood levels of creatinine, calcium, glucose, phosphate, and other substances.Computer diagnostics and magnetic resonance imaging methods are widely used.Bone scintigraphy is used to examine bone tissue.

Diseases of the locomotor system

Discomfort in the back occurs for the following reasons:

• Intervertebral osteochondrosis includes several pathologies characterized by dystrophy or degeneration.As a result of the disease, the joint cartilages and bones loosen and die, and nerve endings are involved in the pathological change.Osteochondrosis causes hernia, lumbar radiculitis, sciatica, protrusion (bulging of the intervertebral disc without rupture of the annulus fibrosus).
• Scoliosis is the curvature of the spine, the shoulder line is asymmetrical.It is associated with skeletal deformation, poor posture, and the protrusion of the hump on the right or left side of the intercostal space.It is considered a congenital or acquired form.
• Spondylosis occurs due to the natural aging of the vertebrae and joints of the lumbar region;over time, the pain increases as the joints wear out and mobility is lost.
• Lumbago is characterized by acute discomfort in the lumbar region due to destructive disorders of the vertebrae.The pain occurs when lifting weights incorrectly and is more common in men.With lumbago, the movement of the lower back is limited;lack of treatment is dangerous, as destructive processes progress to an irreversible stage.
• Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease) is characterized by the 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 develops as a result of an infection caused by purulent mycobacteria and pyogenic (pus-producing) bacteria.
• Osteoporosis develops as a result of the improper development of bone tissue, due to the deterioration of the supply of phosphorus and calcium, while bone density decreases, which leads 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 only helps relieve symptoms for a while, and a surgical method is used for complete recovery.

Kidney pathologies

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

• Prolapse of the kidneys.This is a condition in which the organ exceeds the permissible norm (displacement from the renal bed occurs by 2 cm down and up).In case of nephroptosis, the kidney is called migratory if it can deviate by 10 cm.
• Kidney failure is a condition in which urine is not produced.The patient notes that he has sharp pain in the lower back and his health is rapidly deteriorating.
• Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the renal pelvis, and nearby tissues of the urogenital system are affected.In this disease, the diversion of urine cannot be impaired, and the right and left lower back pain is due to the intensity of the inflammatory process.
• Gout causes discomfort when standing up from a sitting position or during other movements.When the disease occurs, the natural metabolism of uric acid is disrupted;it accumulates in the lumbar joints, limiting their mobility.
• Renal colic is a common pathology.With this, pain occurs for various reasons.The most common is damage or rupture of the ureter caused by a stone, 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 appearance at any time of the day, during movement or at rest.
• Diabetic nephropathy is more characteristic of diabetic patients (75%) and is a complex alteration of the arteries, glomeruli and renal tubules in the kidney tissues as a result of changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.With this pathology, the pain radiates to any part of the back, as well as to the groin and lower abdomen.
• Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the glomeruli (the glomeruli of the kidneys) and can lead to kidney failure.A rapidly progressive and chronic form can be observed.
• Kidney stone disease is not always accompanied by pain in the lower back;it can be difficult to determine its location.
• Hydronephrosis is characterized by enlargement of the renal pelvis and discomfort.It requires further diagnostics.

Gynecological diseases

Pain syndrome in women occurs due to the following diseases:

• Unpleasant sensations due to uterine fibroids, vulvitis, adnexitis and tumors of the genital organs are often localized in the lower abdomen, but pain can occur in the lower back on the left and right side.
• During pregnancy, the waist hurts and it hurts to walk, but such symptoms occur for natural reasons and are explained by the load on the locomotor system of the growing fetus, so they do not require treatment.
• Menopause is accompanied by pain due to disruption of the blood supply to the internal organs of the pelvis, which in turn is a consequence of the hormonal imbalance occurring during this period.
• Due to psychosomatics, unpleasant feelings may arise continuously.In this case, the woman should consult a psychotherapist and psychologist.
• The consequences of the operation, such as abortion, may involve lower abdominal discomfort and spread to the lumbar vertebrae due to involuntary contraction of the uterus or the resulting inflammation.
• Hormonal disturbances during the menstrual cycle, the release of the follicle from the ovary and its movement through the fallopian tube, and the enlargement of the uterus during menstruation cause lower back and lower back pain.

Other causes of lower back pain

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

• Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic pathology and most often affects women.It is a chronic inflammation that develops in the lumbar joints and affects the nearby cartilage and muscles.The disease occurs due to autoimmune disorders of the body.
• Thrombophlebitis and phlebothrombosis develop due to a partial or complete stoppage of blood flow in the deep veins.Discomfort in the lower back can be felt after a long walk or standing.This pain radiates to the buttocks and legs.
• At the final stage, atherosclerosis causes discomfort in the lower back.

Treatment of pain caused by musculoskeletal problems

Depending on the root cause and stage of the underlying disease, various medications are used to eliminate the discomfort caused by the impaired functioning of the musculoskeletal system in the lower back.

It is used in several forms, from tablets to intramuscular injections.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

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

NSAIDs of the phenylacetic acid derivative group are popular for the treatment of low back pain.These drugs are safe and effective and have an advantage over other pain relievers because they do not negatively affect the metabolic processes in the intervertebral disc.The therapeutic dose, which is sufficient to relieve severe discomfort, is 75-150 mg per day, the norm is taken in several doses.Rectal suppositories are used to speed up the pain-relieving effect, or the drug is administered intramuscularly.

Muscle relaxants

If NSAIDs do not provide a positive effect in the treatment of pain, then muscle relaxants are used.These drugs reduce skeletal muscle tone and 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 the complex treatment of pain permanently reduces the discomfort and improves the mobility of the joints.Combinations of different types of these drugs are not used.

Pain relievers and corticosteroids

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

To eliminate the syndrome, corticosteroids are used in degenerative joint tissue disorders.

Medicines partially restore the cartilage tissue and prevent further destruction.

Injections

Injections are used when previous medications did not have the desired effect.Medicines of the ester group and amide series are used directly to block the lumbar area.

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

Use of ointments, creams and patches

With the help of gels and creams, the unpleasant condition also disappears.It is applied directly to the painful area.You can use NSAID-based products.Combined products have a greater effect.

They use warming ointments with a chondroprotective effect, restoring against distracting and local irritant effects, which dilate the blood vessels, which results in better nutrition of the vertebral tissues and cartilages, as well as accelerated metabolic processes.

The use of patches is popular due to the convenient method of application and quick action.The product is impregnated with the drug and applied to the site of pain.With this method, overdose is excluded.

Other methods of influencing painful areas

Physiotherapy treatment makes it possible to warm up the muscles, improve blood supply and enhance the therapeutic effect of basic medicines.

Paraffin applications are used, which are effective for shooting pain.The procedure consists of applying wax or paraffin layer by layer to the skin 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, with daily use the course lasts one month.Physiotherapy is effective if it is used during the period when the disease has not worsened.Exercise also reduces the risk of recurring back pain.

Massage is not done in all cases, as it can damage the body in certain pathologies.In this case, the effect occurs not in the painful place, but in the surrounding areas.The procedure must be performed by an experienced massage therapist;you shouldn't do this to yourself.

The mud therapy method is also used as a distraction.

Pain relief for gynecological problems

Complex antibacterial agents are used to eliminate the original cause of the pain.Special drugs are used to reduce bacterial infection of the vagina.An ointment containing antibiotics and antiseptics is used in the pubic area.

Infectious glandular inflammation with lower back pain 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 gland, are surgically removed by 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.It is used for uterine fibroids, hyperplasia and endometriosis.Hormonal drugs effectively reduce 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 begin to grow and cause back pain.Unpleasant feelings are alleviated with the help of oral contraceptives.In the case of lumbar pain, antigonadotropin therapy is used to alleviate the feeling of well-being.These drugs have many side effects, so they are rarely used.

If the growth of the tumor leads to severe pain and endangers health, then surgery is needed to remove it.During menopause and if a woman is not planning to have children, complete removal of the uterus is recommended.In other cases, only the fibroid is removed by laparoscopy (through small incisions in the abdomen).

Popular hormonal drugs are NSAIDs.Antispasmodics 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 ensure the drainage of urine.

In case of acute symptoms, combined drugs containing pain relievers and antispasmodics with anti-inflammatory components should be used.You can take 2 tablets at a time;in severe cases, an intramuscular injection is given.Analgin-based antipyretics help relieve kidney pain.

Traditional treatment methods

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

• A towel soaked in the combined decoction of St. John's wort, thyme, chamomile and black elder is applied to the sore spot.For cooking, take 1 tsp.pour raw or dried raw materials with 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 well, then mix it with a small amount of vaseline and lemon juice.Apply the prepared mixture to the sore spot on the back.
• A 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 down, then rinse the skin with clean water and cover with a blanket.
• A poultice made of honey and vinegar (1 tablespoon) relieves the pain.The resulting mixture is placed on a cabbage leaf and applied to the problem area.
• Grate the radish or horseradish, mix with sour cream and place on a napkin made of natural material.The compress is secured with a warm scarf or handkerchief.
• Dry leaves of large burdock steamed with boiling water are applied to the sore spot and insulated.
• To improve blood flow to the tissues, rub your back with honey.The massage is performed without pressure, but the movements must be intense.Similarly, use alcohol tincture with eucalyptus, which is bought at the pharmacy.
• We make a poultice from grated beets, squeeze out the mass, and mix the cake made from one of the vegetables with 1 liter.kerosene.With the help of a napkin, the product is transferred to the painful area, fixed and wrapped.We leave this poultice overnight.
• Use grated laundry soap with white smoke, mix in equal amounts, add 2 beaten egg yolks.The product is applied to the back, a napkin is placed on top and fixed with a bandage.Keep it for about 2-3 hours.

Back pain is treated with various means, but it is always necessary to diagnose the underlying disease causing the unpleasant symptoms.