In clinical practice, back pain is a fairly common syndrome. It affects the lumbar spine, while the patient feels a "belt" pain. This is how degenerative, musculoskeletal and dystrophic pathologies manifest themselves in the form of osteochondrosis or spondylarthrosis.
Low back pain - causes and symptoms
In medicine, the following causes of low back pain are traditionally distinguished:
- Infectious and inflammatory processes of the spine;
- Muscle cramps or pinched nerves;
- The formation of an intervertebral hernia;
- Metastases of 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, at the end of pregnancy, women may experience discomfort in the lumbar spine.
Low back pain can be acute or persistent (chronic). They can also be "wandering", that is to say, appear in another organ, but give to the lower back.
Sharp pain strikes suddenly, it has a piercing character, can interfere with movement and give to the lower extremities and hips. The patient has a forced body position and limited mobility.
Acute pain is diagnosed when:
- stretch the long back muscles;
- fracture of the spine and exit of the intervertebral discs;
- facet syndrome (clamping of the nerve root, without displacement of the vertebral discs);
- epidural abscess (immediate hospitalization of the patient is necessary, since 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 gluteal muscle, weakness of the lower limbs, the formation of bone growths.
The patient may present with postural disturbances, intermittent claudication, deformity of the feet.
Chronic back pain occurs when:
- osteochondrosis;
- ankylosing spondylarthrosis;
- metastatic and intradural tumors.
Diagnosis and treatment of back pain
The real cause of back pain can be diagnosed by CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), x-rays, or ultrasound of internal organs. The first two methods provide a comprehensive assessment of the condition of bones and soft tissues, an x-ray shows the integrity of the bones and the presence of neoplasms, and an ultrasound indicates diseases of the organs and their systems.
The therapeutic course is prescribed only by the attending physician, depending on the diagnosis, it may include: taking painkillers, hormonal drugs, a course of physiotherapy or manual therapy procedures, exercise therapy. If the pain is caused by displacement of the discs or develops against the background of osteochondrosis, it is effective to wear a rigid fixation brace. It greatly relieves the lumbosacral region, preventing muscle surge and the formation of spasms. A good therapeutic effect is given by blockages - special injections into the intervertebral joints. 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 need to regularly perform physiotherapy exercises, take a course of massage and physiotherapy. It will help relieve muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and relieve tightness.
General recommendations for pain in the sacro-lumbar spine:
- observe bed rest. In this case, the bed should be with a hard, level surface. Strictly exclude soft down mattresses.
- wear a supportive bandage. It is especially important for pregnant women in the third trimester.
- pain relievers are allowed.
- rub your back with ointments with heating and anti-inflammatory components. In no case should it be cooled too much, it is better to wear a woolen scarf or a warm belt when the pain is exacerbated.
Low back pain during pregnancy
If we are talking about lower back pain during pregnancy, then it is associated with a change in the center of gravity of the female body due to the development and growth of the fetus. Also, as a result of hormonal changes (excessive production of relaxin), the hip-sacral joints relax, which disturbs the balance. An enlarged abdomen and excessive arching of the spine increase pressure on the lower back. The muscles are constantly overloaded, which becomes the main 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 do not appear until the second trimester, and it is approximately from the fifth or sixth month. It can be alleviated by strengthening the muscles with a series of special exercises. And the sooner you start training your back muscles, the easier it will be to support a healthy child.