Causes and treatments for lower back pain

Lower 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 annulus fibrosus through tears and fissures of the nucleus pulposus forms a hernia.Instability in 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 compression changes, pain is caused by reflex irritation of receptors, the impulse from which goes to the motor neurons of the spinal cord.Muscle tone increases and over time, pathologies appear in muscle tissue.Pain in the spine can result from the appearance of 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 over the entire back, radiate to neighboring 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 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 not related to the lower back.

There are two types of pain:

• Periodic 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 a consequence of deep damage to joints, tissues and muscles.With the help of medications, symptoms are temporarily eliminated, but they recur.

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 when moving the body), unusual localization (for example, discomfort radiates from the back to the perineum, abdomen, rectum, anus, vagina);
• weakening of symptoms in a standing position and pumping while lying down;
• changes in the nature of back pain in connection with going to the toilet, eating, sexual intercourse;
• previous injuries to the spine or hip joints;
• pain accompanied by vomiting and elevated body temperature;
• diagnosed oncology;
• the presence of mental behavioral disorders.

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

An X-ray of the spinal column 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 scintography is used to examine bone tissue.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system

Unpleasant sensations in the back occur due to 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 spinal column, with the shoulder line asymmetrical.It is accompanied by skeletal deformation, poor posture, and protrusion of the hump on the right or left in the intercostal space.Classified as either congenital or acquired form.
• Spondylosis occurs due to the natural aging of the vertebrae and joints in 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 in the vertebrae.Pain occurs when lifting weights incorrectly and is more common in men.With lumbago, movement in the lower back is limited; lack of treatment is dangerous as 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 a 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 as a result of improper development of bone tissue due to impaired supply 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 relieve symptoms only for a while, and for complete cure, a surgical method is used.

Renal pathologies

Due to impaired kidney function, discomfort can occur in the lower back, and pain can occur on the left, right, and sometimes in the central part 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 moves beyond the permissible norm (displacement from the renal bed is provided down and up by 2 cm).With 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 notes that he has a sharp 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 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 it, pain occurs for various reasons.The most common are damage to the ureter by a stone, its kinking, or obstruction of the upper urinary tract due to a blood clot, formation, pus or mucus.Low 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 the arteries, glomeruli, and renal tubules as a result of changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the 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 (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 pain in the lower back; it can be difficult to determine its location.
• Hydronephrosis is characterized by dilation of the renal pelvis and discomfort.Requires additional 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 from the growing fetus on the musculoskeletal system, so they do not require treatment.
• Menopause is accompanied by pain due to impaired 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 see a psychotherapist and psychologist.
• The consequences of surgery, for example, abortion, may be accompanied by discomfort in the lower abdomen and spread to the lumbar vertebrae due to involuntary contractions of the uterus or developing inflammation.
• Hormonal disturbances during the menstrual cycle, the release of the follicle from the ovary and its movement through the fallopian tubes, and enlargement of the uterus during menstruation provoke 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 systems:

• Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic pathology and most often affects women.This is a chronic inflammation that develops in the lumbar joints and involves nearby cartilage and muscles.The disease occurs due to autoimmune disorders in the body.
• Thrombophlebitis and phlebothrombosis develop due to partial or complete stoppage 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 impaired functionality of the musculoskeletal system, various medications are used depending on the root cause and stage of the underlying disease.

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

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce pain.These medications 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, since they do not negatively affect the metabolic processes in the intervertebral disc.The therapeutic dosage, sufficient to relieve severe discomfort, ranges from 75 to 150 mg per day, the norm is consumed in several doses.To speed up 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, 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.Begin 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 a 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 by prescription); you cannot treat pain with these drugs yourself.

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 medications did not have the required effect.For blockade directly on the lumbar area, drugs of the ester group and amide series are used.

A blockade is a procedure to relieve muscle spasms at the site of pain; injections are given into the nerve plexuses, including into 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 uncomfortable 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 distracting and local irritating 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 because of the convenient method of application 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 of influencing painful areas

Physiotherapeutic treatment allows you to warm up the muscles, improve blood supply, and enhance the therapeutic effect of basic drugs.

Paraffin applications are used, which are effective in case of shooting pain.The procedure consists of layer-by-layer application 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 an hour, with daily use the course of treatment is a month.Physical therapy is effective when used during periods of non-exacerbated disease.Exercise also reduces the risk of recurring back pain.

Massage is not done 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 should be carried out by an experienced massage therapist; you should not do this 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 pain.Special medications 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 ultrawaves are used as a physiotherapeutic effect.Abscesses of the genital organs, in particular the abscess of the Bartholin gland, are eliminated surgically by opening.If the pain is moderate and the tumor does not bother the patient, then hormonal medications 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 begin to grow and cause back pain.Unpleasant sensations are relieved with the help of oral contraceptives.To alleviate well-being when lumbar pain occurs, antigonadotropin therapy is used.These medications have many side effects, so they are used in rare cases.

If the growth of a tumor leads to severe pain and threatens health, then surgery is required to remove it.During menopause and if a woman does not plan to have a child, 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.Antispasmodic drugs are also used.

Help with kidney pain

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

Acute symptoms require the use of combination medications containing both an analgesic and an antispasmodic with anti-inflammatory components.You can take 2 tablets at a time; in severe cases, intramuscular injections are given.Antipyretics based on analgin help relieve pain in the kidneys.

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 surgery.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 one head, grind it in an accessible way, and mix it with a small portion of Vaseline and lemon juice.Apply the prepared mixture to the sore spot on the back.
• 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 compress 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, combined 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 burdock steamed with boiling water are applied to the sore spot and insulated.
• To improve blood flow in tissues, rub the back with honey.The massage is carried out without pressure, but the movements should be intense.Similarly, use an alcohol tincture with eucalyptus, which is purchased at a pharmacy.
• Make a compress from grated beets, squeeze out the mass, and mix the resulting cake from one vegetable with 1 liter.kerosene.Using a napkin, the composition is transferred to the sore spot and 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 secured with a bandage.Keep for about 2-3 hours.

Treatment of pain in the back is carried out by various means, but diagnosis of the underlying disease causing unpleasant symptoms is always required.