Causes and treatments for low 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 load at rest and during movement, falling.Protrusion of the fibrous ring through tears and fissures of the nucleus pulposus forms a hernia.Instability of the spine contributes to the development 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 compressive changes, pain is caused by reflex irritation of receptors, the impulse of which goes to the motor neurons of the spinal cord.Muscle tone increases and over time pathologies appear in the muscle tissue.Spinal pain can result from 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 back, radiate to nearby areas, or be local in nature.An unpleasant sensation develops 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 appearance:

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

There are two types of pain:

• Periodic ones are characteristic of strong physical effort, acute diseases and physiological characteristics;they may radiate to another part of the body or spread beyond the affected area.Having eliminated the cause of their occurrence, they stop bothering the person.
• Constant pain is a consequence of deep damage to joints, tissues and muscles.With the help of medications, the symptoms are temporarily eliminated, but they return.

Indications for advanced diagnostics

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

• atypical manifestation of pain (no increase or decrease in discomfort during body movement), unusual localization (for example, discomfort radiates from the back to the perineum, abdomen, rectum, anus, vagina);
• weakening of symptoms when standing and pumping when lying down;
• changes in the nature of back pain in relation to going to the toilet, eating, sexual intercourse;
• previous injuries to the spine or hip joints;
• pain accompanied by vomiting and high body temperature;
• diagnosed oncology;
• the presence of mental behavioral disorders.

Further studies are carried out in a hospital setting, when the patient is admitted to neurology or other departments that provide a laboratory for the diagnosis of the suspected disease.

An x-ray of the spine is taken in several projections, a general blood test is examined, and an advanced biochemical analysis is performed, 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 scan 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.Due to the disease, articular cartilage and bones are loosened and destroyed, and 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 asymmetric shoulder line.It is accompanied by skeletal deformation, poor posture and protrusion of the hump to the right or left into the intercostal space.Classified as 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.
• Low back pain is characterized by acute discomfort in the lumbar region due to destructive disorders in the vertebrae.Pain occurs when lifting weights incorrectly and is more common in men.With low back pain, movement in the lower back is limited;lack of treatment is dangerous since the destructive processes develop to an irreversible stage.
• Ankylosing spondylitis (Bekhterev'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 occurs due to infection with purulent mycobacteria and pyogenic (pus-producing) bacteria.
• Osteoporosis is formed due to improper development of bone tissue due to a reduced intake of phosphorus and calcium, while bone density is reduced, 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 helps to relieve symptoms only for a while and for a complete cure a surgical method is used.

Renal disorders

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

• Prolapse of the kidneys.This is a condition in which the organ moves beyond the permissible norm (displacement from the renal bed is provided downwards and upwards 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 formed.The patient notices severe pain in his lower back and his health is rapidly deteriorating.
• Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the renal pelvis and nearby tissues of the genitourinary system are involved.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 getting 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 it, 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 a blood clot, pus or mucus formation.Low back pain caused by renal colic is characterized by an acute onset at any time of the day, during movement or at rest.
• Diabetic nephropathy is more typical of people with diabetes (75%) and is a complex lesion of the renal arteries, glomeruli and tubules as a result of changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the renal 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 (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 its location.
• Hydronephrosis is characterized by dilation of the renal pelvis and discomfort.Requires further diagnostics.

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 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 lack of blood supply to the internal organs of the small pelvis, which in turn is a consequence of hormonal imbalance during this period.
• Unpleasant sensations can constantly arise due to psychosomatics.In this case, the woman needs to consult a psychotherapist and a psychologist.
• The consequences of surgery, for example, miscarriage, may 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 the follicle from the ovary and its movement through the fallopian tubes, and the enlargement of the uterus during menstruation cause pain in the lower back and lower back.

Other causes of back pain

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

• Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease and affects women more often.This is a chronic inflammation that develops in the lumbar joints and involves the cartilage and nearby muscles.The disease occurs due to autoimmune disorders in the body.
• Thrombophlebitis and phlebothrombosis develop due to partial or complete interruption of blood flow in the deep veins.Discomfort in the lower back is felt after long walking or standing.This pain radiates to the buttock and leg.
• Atherosclerosis in the last stage causes discomfort in the lower back.

Treatment of pain due to musculoskeletal problems

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

They are used in different 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 low back pain.These drugs are safe and effective and have the advantage over other painkillers as they do not negatively affect metabolic processes in the intervertebral disc.The therapeutic dosage, sufficient to relieve severe discomfort, varies 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 medicine is administered intramuscularly.

Muscle relaxants

If NSAIDs do not provide a positive effect in treating pain, 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 a standard dose and maintain it for several weeks.Practice shows that the addition of muscle relaxants to the complex treatment of pain provides long-lasting regression of discomfort and improves joint mobility.Combinations of different types of these drugs are not used.

Analgesics and corticosteroids

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

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

Medicines partially restore cartilage and prevent further destruction.

Injections

Injections are used if previous drugs did not have the required effect.For blockade directly on the lumbar area, drugs from the ester group and the amide series are used.

A block is a procedure to relieve muscle spasms at the site of pain;injections are administered into the nerve plexuses, including the paravertebral region through a catheter.Its 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 a more enhanced effect.

For local irritating and distracting effects, warming ointments with a restorative chondroprotective effect are used, which dilate blood vessels, resulting in improved nutrition of vertebral tissues and cartilage and accelerated metabolic processes in them.

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

Other methods to influence 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, effective in case of excruciating pain.The procedure consists of applying layer by layer of wax or paraffin to the skin with a total thickness of 1 cm, which is covered with polyethylene, then with a warm blanket.The duration is at least one hour, with daily use the course of treatment is a month.Physical therapy is effective when used during periods of non-exacerbated illness.Exercise also reduces the risk of recurring back pain.

Massage is not performed in all cases, since 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 must be performed by an experienced masseur;you shouldn't do it alone.

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 pain.Special drugs are used to reduce bacteriological 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 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 eliminated 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 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 begin to grow and cause back pain.Unpleasant sensations are relieved with the help of oral contraceptives.To relieve well-being when lower back pain occurs, antigonadotropin therapy is used.These drugs have many side effects, so they are used in rare cases.

If the growth of a tumor causes severe pain and puts your health at risk, surgery is necessary to remove it.During menopause and if a woman does not intend to have a child, complete removal of the uterus is recommended.In other cases, only the fibroid is removed laparoscopically (through small incisions in the abdomen).

The most common hormonal drugs are NSAIDs.Antispasmodic drugs are also used.

Helps with kidney pain

Acute kidney pain is relieved by taking antispasmodic drugs that can increase the lumen of the ureter and ensure diversion of urine.

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

Traditional methods of treatment

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

• A towel soaked in a combined infusion of St. John's wort, thyme, chamomile flowers and black elderberry is applied to 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, chop it accessiblely and mix it with a small portion of petroleum jelly and lemon juice.Apply the prepared mixture to the sore spot on your back.
• Mustard bath relieves pain.To do this, take a glass of mustard powder and pour it into warm water.Bathe until it cools, then rinse your skin with clean water and cover with a blanket.
• A compress of honey and vinegar (1 tablespoon each) relieves the pain.The resulting mixture is placed on a cabbage leaf and applied to the problem area.
• Radish or horseradish is grated, combined with sour cream and placed on a napkin of natural material.The compress is secured with a warm scarf or handkerchief.
• Dried leaves of large burdock steamed with boiling water are applied to the sore spot and isolated.
• To improve blood flow in the tissues, massage your back with honey.The massage is carried out without pressure, but the movements must be intense.Similarly, use alcoholic tincture with eucalyptus, which is purchased at the pharmacy.
• Make a compress from grated beets, squeeze the mass and mix the resulting cake of 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 together with white incense, mix them in equal quantities, 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 by various means, but diagnosis of the underlying disease causing unpleasant symptoms is always necessary.