About 80 percent of adults experience low back pain, and if you have a problem, know you're not alone. This is fixable. The main thing is to understand the origin of the pain, but there can be many factors. We have put together the main causes of low back pain that can cause back problems. How to alleviate the disease? There are ways.
Back pain can occur at any age and with any physical fitness. So, there is dull, constant or occasional pain, and there is a sudden acute attack, after which the person has difficulty moving. Pain can appear suddenly due to heavy lifting, it can develop with age due to changes in the spine or as a result of an accident. A sedentary lifestyle is also a significant cause of low back pain. Especially when the daily routine is not diluted by physical activity (exercise, pool, fitness, yoga).
In most cases, low back pain is acute and short-lived or less severe, but lasts from a few days to a few weeks. In such cases, the person still does not lose his activity, ability to move and serve himself in everyday life.
Subacute pain is pain that lasts after an acute period and lasts 4 to 12 weeks. If the pain persists after that period, it is called chronic. Sometimes treatment can relieve chronic low back pain. But in some cases, the pain remains despite medical and surgical treatment.
So, lower back pain, the causes of which are often age-related and related to wear and tear of joints, discs and bones of the spine or mechanical pain:
1. Sprain
This can lead to severe back pain. Stretching occurs due to improper turning or lifting of something. And also due to heavy lifting or excessive stretching. These conditions can cause cramps in the back muscles, which also cause pain.
2. Carrying the intervertebral disc
One of the most common causes of back pain. The manifestation of that is the loss of the integrity of the disk, cracks appear. In a young and healthy back, the discs allow the lower part to bend, bend and twist. But with age the elasticity of the discs decreases and they lose the ability to absorb shocks.
3. Kila
It can occur due to heavy lifting, poor posture, accidents, sports injuries, etc. There is fluid in the center of the lumbar disc; it can come out for various reasons and irritate the nerve root that is nearby. There are many nerve fibers in the wall of the disc, and a ruptured wall can cause severe pain.
4. Radiculopathy
This condition occurs due to compression, inflammation and / or damage to the spinal root. Moreover, pressure on the nerve root results in pain, numbness, or a tingling sensation that spreads to other parts of the body associated with that nerve. The problem can occur if the central spinal canal narrows or the hernia tightens the nerve root.
5. Sciatica
Compression of the sciatic nerve that travels through the buttocks and extends to the back of the leg. This compression causes shock or burning pain in the lower back, combined with pain in the buttocks. And also in exceptional cases, when the nerve is squeezed between the disc and the adjacent bone, the person can feel numbness and severe weakness in the legs. Otherwise, this condition occurs due to a tumor or cyst that presses on the sciatic nerve or its roots.
6. Spinal stenosis
In the case of this disease, in addition to pain in the lower back, a person may feel numbness or weakness in the legs when walking. And also with loss of sensitivity.
7. Scoliosis and other bone disorders
A person usually has no special problems with curvature of the spine until middle age.
Low back pain is not often associated with serious medical conditions. But you still need to be aware of their existence in order to have time to see a doctor in a timely manner. Defeat of the diseases listed below is possible only with medical help. This:
1. Infections
These are not causes of lower back pain, but can affect the vertebrae (osteomyelitis), intervertebral discs (discitis) or sacroiliac joints (sacroiliitis).
2. Tumors
Sometimes a tumor appears on the back (and at certain stages, of course, there will be pain and other symptoms), but most often these are metastases that have spread to other parts of the body.
3. Cauda equina syndrome
The disease is sometimes accompanied by a ruptured disc. This is because the material of the disc is pressed into the spinal canal and compresses the bundle of roots of the lumbar and sacral nerve. In connection with this disease, a person may have problems with urination and bowel movements.
4. Abdominal aortic aneurysm
This occurs when the large blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs becomes unusually dilated. In addition, lower back pain can be a signal that the aorta is enlarged and there is a risk of rupture.
5. Kidney stones
Stones can cause severe lower back pain (usually on one side).
Other factors and causes that can cause back pain:
- Inflammatory diseases of the joints.For example, arthritis, spondylitis, inflammation of the spine.
- Osteoporosis.This is a bone disease that is accompanied by a decrease in bone density and strength, which can lead to vertebral fractures.
- Endometriosis.A female disease that can be accompanied by pain in the pelvis and lower back.
- Fibromyalgia.Pain syndrome, accompanied by muscle pain and fatigue. It's chronic.
What to do with back pain?
First, you need to understand the causes of pain well. What can help one condition will not lead to (and perhaps even worsen) another. And in some cases, urgent hospitalization is needed. Therefore, be sure to listen to the body's signals and, if necessary, consult a doctor or take appropriate measures.
Ways to deal with low back pain:
1. You can rest your back after a certain period of time
Many back problems can be solved (or alleviated) by avoiding strenuous activities. However, rest for more than a few days is not recommended, as too long inactivity can make treatment more difficult.
2. Restricted activities
This means staying active but avoiding actions and attitudes that increase pain. For example, if long periods of sitting in a car or at a table increase the pain, set a timer to get up every 20 minutes and walk slowly or stretch. Reducing pain-worsening activities and postures will help prevent or alleviate painful cramps and speed up the healing process.
3. Cold / heat therapy
Warm baths, warmers, body wraps are suitable for relaxing tense muscles and improving blood flow. If your back pain is due to inflammation, you can try applying ice or cold compresses to reduce swelling. It is important to protect the skin during the procedure to prevent tissue damage.
4. Pain medications
The most common over-the-counter medications are anti-inflammatory medications that relieve back pain caused by swollen nerves or muscles. And in some cases, an analgesic can help. B vitamins, muscle relaxants, various gels and ointments are effective.
5. Physiotherapy
Usually part of the treatment of low back pain. Stretching is beneficial: the more mobile the muscles, the better the back can move without injury. It is recommended to start small - stretch the muscles of the lower back, buttocks, thighs, legs for 20-30 seconds and stop stretching if it hurts.
You also need to strengthen the muscles of the abdomen, thighs and buttocks that support the spine. Low-impact aerobic exercise increases blood flow and promotes wound healing without concussions. For example, you can use stationary bikes and elliptical trainers, walk and swim.
In fact, any exercise that maintains the heart cycle for a long time is beneficial for the body. Regular physical activity is necessary to maintain freedom of movement and flexibility of a healthy spine.