Low back pain is a rather unpleasant phenomenon that can indicate the presence of serious diseases. The lower back has a greater load compared to other parts of the spine, so it is more prone to injury.
Spasm in the lower back can be a symptom of sciatica, osteochondrosis, scoliosis and many other pathologies.
Lower back pain: possible causes
This can occur after sports training, a long stay in one position, after an awkward movement.
Risk factors:
- obesity;
- recent pregnancy/childbirth;
- sports training;
- sedentary work (drivers, cashiers, etc. );
- work associated with significant physical effort;
- work standing.
After an overload, the discomfort disappears on its own - just rest is enough. Its periodic appearance indicates the presence of pathology. Without quality therapy, the condition can worsen significantly: sometimes, only surgical intervention is indicated.
Illnesses accompanied by discomfort in the lower back
This symptom in medicine is classified into primary and secondary.
In the first case, the discomfort is directly caused by diseases of the back, in particular of the spine:
- osteochondrosis of this area (one third of all cases of pain);
- spondylosis / spondylolisthesis / spondyloarthrosis;
- intervertebral disc protrusion or intervertebral hernia.
They say about secondary pains when they are caused by damage to other organs:
- fracture from osteoporosis;
- tumor in the spinal canal;
- spinal fracture;
- muscle tension;
- anatomical narrowness of the spinal canal;
- kyphosis / scoliosis / kyphoscoliosis / Scheuermann-Mau disease;
- arthritis (rheumatic, psoriatic, osteoarthritis);
- discitis, osteomyelitis, spinal tuberculosis;
- urinary system disorders: urolithiasis / pyelonephritis;
- gynecological diseases: cancer or ovarian cyst, endometriosis;
- complicated pregnancy.
types of pain
severe low back pain
These are seen in osteochondrosis. Discomfort is present when moving, sitting, lifting heavy objects and even coughing/sneezing. Unpleasant sensations can be given to the lower extremities. The patient urgently needs a neurologist.
Severe discomfort accompanies sciatica. The pain is dull or sharp, aching, usually one-sided.
It can be on the buttock, thigh and even the lower part of the leg; aggravated by changing position, coughing, walking. Radiculitis is treated by a neurologist. Patients are advised to rest on a hard mattress that supports their lower back.
acute low back pain
This can be caused by sitting in an uncomfortable position for a long time, carrying/lifting heavy things, falling, hitting, sudden movements, as well as drafts and hypothermia.
An acute attack accompanies the displacement of the intervertebral discs. The latter occurs with a fracture of the spine, osteochondrosis, strenuous physical work, weight lifting.
Displacement can also occur after surgery in this area. The diagnosis in this case is carried out by a neurologist. He also prescribes treatment.
Painful pain in the lumbar spine
This happens with myositis - inflammation of the back muscles. The disease appears after severe overtension or hypothermia. It is accompanied by rigidity of movements. The pain becomes sharp with movement.
Chronic (permanent) low back pain
Periodic attacks accompany spondylosis deformans. And the affected area may go numb. Also, sometimes there is weakness in the legs.
It should also be taken into account that chronic pain is characteristic of Bechterew's disease, oncological pathologies. They can also indicate a metabolic disorder.
displaced pains
Sometimes it seems to a person that the lower back hurts, but in fact the reason lies in the defeat of a completely different part of the body. This happens with diseases of Organs pelvic organs, pancreas, kidneys, colon.
Back Pain: When to See a Doctor?
Do not hesitate to visit a specialist in the following cases:
- the attack lasts 3 days or more;
- discomfort arose after an injury;
- at the same time the lower back, lower leg and foot pain;
- pain syndrome is combined with numbness of a limb.
What to do with severe spasms in the lower back
If the causes are unknown, the temperature should be measured. An increase in this indicator indicates infection and inflammation. Other symptoms are also determined (violation of stool, vomiting, pain on only one side). Then you need to call a doctor or an emergency team.
If the causes are known, such as a muscle strain or a bruise, an anti-inflammatory medication should be taken first to reduce discomfort.
Relieve swelling, increase fluid circulation to remove harmful substances from the body, a single dose of diuretic helps.
An orthopedic belt or even a regular towel will help to fix the muscles and bones in a stable state.
What not to do with low back discomfort
It is forbidden to do heating procedures without making a diagnosis.
They trigger blood flow, which is not always safe. With prolonged discomfort of an unknown nature, do not use pain relievers. In this case, the disease will still progress, but without discomfort.
It is possible to define the vertebrae in any part of the back by a chiropractor only after examination, diagnosis and determination of the cause of the pathology. The vertebrae are not always displaced by trauma, and may also occur by dystrophic processes. The reduction can pinch the nerve and destroy the processes of the vertebra.
How to treat back pain at home: folk recipes
An alcoholic tincture of burdock or eucalyptus will help relieve discomfort. It can also be used for compresses. For a similar purpose, fresh horseradish leaves are applied to the affected area. They are changed daily as needed.
- Ointment with horse chestnut. The melted fat is mixed with dried horse chestnut grass and camphor oil. The components are taken in equal proportions. The agent is applied to thin pieces of black bread and applied to the affected areas;
- You can treat it with horse chestnut tincture. A cotton cloth or gauze is moistened in it, which is applied to the lower back;
- Effectively relieves joint discomfort and tincture of golden mustache bones in "Bishofite". It is necessary to add 35-40 particles of the plant in ½ l of the latter. The mixture is left for 14 days. Over time, it is filtered and applied at night for compresses.
Nutrition for back problems
To strengthen the bone apparatus, you need to enrich the diet with healthy foods and reduce the amount of harmful foods.
Liver and fatty fish (eg salmon, sardines, mackerel) are very helpful. These foods are rich in vitamin D, fatty acids and niacin.
Dairy products, meats, cereals, fresh fruits, especially garlic and lemons - all these must prevail in the diet.
A lot of potassium is found in cabbage and spinach and vitamin C - in citrus fruits.
Vitamin A can be obtained from eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, red, orange and yellow fruits.
You should consume less caffeinated drinks as well as sweets, spicy, fatty and fried foods.
exercises for the spine
With a little discomfort, as well as for the prevention of such in the area of the back, it is recommended to carry out a set of exercises:
- Lie on your back, place your hands along your body, bend your legs a little at the knees. The legs lean to the right and the body in the opposite direction. In this position, they freeze for 5 seconds and then return to their original position. Turn in the other direction in the same way. You need to complete 10 approaches;
- Kneeling, place your hands on a chair in front of you. Then bend and arch your back as much as possible. Perform up to 10 approaches;
- Lie on your back with your arms/legs straight. First, the right leg is lifted about 15 cm off the floor and held up until a feeling of fatigue appears. Repeat the same with the left leg. You need to complete 5 sets with each leg.
Back pain prevention
To reduce the risk of problems, you need to follow a few simple rules:
- Less sitting time;
- In sedentary work, every hour do a little warm-up for the spine, limbs;
- Lift/carry weights correctly - keep your back straight, don't lift suddenly, divide the load into parts;
- Perform exercises to strengthen the muscular corset (support for the spine);
- The mattress should be moderately hard to adequately support the lower back;
- Watch your posture, don't slouch;
- Approach the wall more often, touching it with your heels, buttocks, shoulder blades. You need to stay in this position for 3 minutes;
- It is recommended to practice sports to strengthen the muscles that support the spine: walking, skiing, wushu / qigong gymnastics, swimming, yoga;
You must not practice running, boxing, tennis, martial arts, skiing, horseback riding.