In clinical practice, back pain is a fairly common syndrome. It affects the lumbar spine, while the patient feels "belted" pain. Thus, degenerative, musculoskeletal and dystrophic pathologies in the form of osteochondrosis or spondyloarthritis appear.
Low back pain - causes and symptoms
In medicine, the following causes of lower back pain are traditionally distinguished:
- Infectious and inflammatory processes in the spine;
- Muscle cramps or pinched nerves;
- The formation of an intervertebral hernia;
- Metastases in the spinal cord or spine;
- Scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis;
- Circulatory disorders (with stroke, paralysis);
- Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (atypical manifestation of inflammation of appendicitis, obstruction of the bile ducts and intestines);
- Diseases of the kidneys, reproductive organs;
- In some cases, during late pregnancy, women may experience discomfort in the lumbar spine.
Low back pain can be acute or persistent (chronic). They can also be "wandering", ie they occur in another organ, but are transmitted to the lower back.
Acute pain appears suddenly, has a piercing nature, can impede movement and give to the lower limbs and thighs. The patient has a forced body position and limited mobility.
Acute pain is diagnosed when:
- stretching of the long muscles of the back;
- fracture of the spine and protrusion of the intervertebral discs;
- facet syndrome (nerve root grasping without displacement of the spinal discs);
- epidural abscess (immediate hospitalization of the patient is required as there is a high risk of spinal cord compression);
- dystrophic abnormalities of the hip joint.
Chronic low back pain is characterized by loss of sensitivity, "lumbago" in the gluteus muscle, weakness of the lower extremities, the formation of bone growths.
The patient may experience postural disorders, periodic claudication, deformity of the feet.
Chronic back pain occurs when:
- osteochondrosis;
- ankylosing spondylitis;
- metastatic and intradural tumors.
Diagnosis and treatment of back pain
The true cause of back pain can be diagnosed by CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), X-rays or ultrasound of the internal organs. The first two methods provide a complete assessment of the condition of the bones and soft tissues, the X-ray shows the integrity of the bones and the presence of neoplasms, and the ultrasound examination shows diseases of organs and their systems.
The therapeutic course is prescribed only by the attending physician, depending on the diagnosis, it may include: taking analgesics, hormonal drugs, a course of physiotherapy procedures or manual therapy, exercise. If the pain is caused by disc displacement or develops against the background of osteochondrosis, it is effective to wear a corset with a firm fixation. Significantly relieves the lumbosacral area, preventing muscle strain and spasm. Blocks - special injections in the intervertebral joints give a good therapeutic effect. They relieve pain and relax muscles.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. It is very important not to self-medicate, but to seek qualified medical help in time.
During the rehabilitation period you should regularly perform physiotherapy exercises, undergo a course of massage and physiotherapy. This will help relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow and relieve tension.
General recommendations for pain in the sacro-lumbar spine:
- observe bed rest. In this case, the bed should have a hard, flat surface. Strictly exclude soft down mattresses.
- wear a supportive bandage. It is especially important for pregnant women in the third trimester.
- painkillers are allowed.
- rub your back with ointments with warming and anti-inflammatory components. In no case should you overcool it, it is best to wear a woolen scarf or a warm belt during the exacerbation of pain.
Low back pain during pregnancy
If we talk about pain in the lower back during pregnancy, then they are associated with a change in the center of gravity of the woman's body due to the development and growth of the fetus. Also, as a result of hormonal changes (excessive production of relaxin), the pelvic-sacral joints relax, which upsets the balance. An enlarged abdomen and excessive curvature of the spine increase the pressure on the lower back. The muscles are constantly overloaded, which becomes a major cause of pain.
The risk group includes girls who before pregnancy had problems with the development of the muscles of the hip joint, impaired posture, osteochondrosis and spinal pathologies of a neurological nature. Painful sensations appear no earlier than the second trimester, and this is approximately from the fifth or sixth month. It can be relieved by strengthening the muscles with a special set of exercises. And the earlier you start training your back muscles, the easier it will be to support a healthy child.