About 80 percent of adults experience low back pain, and if you have a problem, know that you are not alone. This is fixable. The main thing is to understand the origin of the pain, but there can be many factors. We have collected 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 form. So, there is dull, constant or intermittent pain and there is a sudden sharp attack, after which a person has difficulty moving. The pain may appear suddenly due to heavy lifting, may 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 with physical activity (training, swimming, fitness, yoga).
In most cases, lower back pain is sharp and short-lived or less severe, but lasts from a few days to a few weeks. In such cases, a person still does not lose his activity, his ability to move and use in everyday life.
Subacute pain is pain that lasts after an acute period and lasts 4 to 12 weeks. If after this period the pain still persists, it is called chronic. Sometimes treatment can help relieve chronic lower back pain. But in some cases the pain persists despite medical and surgical treatment.
So, lower back pain, the causes of which are often age-related and related to wear and tear on the joints, discs and bones of the spine or mechanical pain:
1. Sprains
This can cause severe back pain. Stretching occurs due to improper rotation or lifting of something. And also due to heavy lifting or excessive stretching. These conditions can cause back muscle spasms, which also cause pain.
2. Wear of the intervertebral disc
One of the most common causes of back pain. A manifestation of this is the loss of the integrity of the disk, cracks appear. In a young and strong back, the discs allow the lower part to bend, bend and twist. But over the years, the elasticity of the discs decreases and they lose their ability to absorb shocks.
3. Hernia
May occur due to heavy lifting, poor posture, accident, sports injury and so on. There is fluid in the center of the lumbar disc; for various reasons it can come out and irritate the nerve root that is nearby. There are many nerve fibers in the wall of the disc and a cracked 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 causes pain, tingling, 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 presses on the nerve root.
5. Sciatica
Compression of the sciatic nerve that travels through the back and extends down 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 sandwiched between the disc and the adjacent bone, a person may feel tingling and severe weakness in the legs. By the way, 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 low back pain, a person may experience tingling or weakness in the legs when walking. And also with loss of sensitivity.
7. Scoliosis and other skeletal disorders
A person usually does not experience special problems with the curvature of the spine before middle age.
Low back pain is not often associated with serious medical conditions. However, you should be aware of their existence in order to have time to consult a doctor in a timely manner. Defeating 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), the intervertebral discs (disc) or the sacroiliac joints (sacroiliitis).
2. Tumors
Sometimes a tumor appears in the back (and at certain stages, of course, there will be pain and other symptoms), but most often these are metastases that have spread due to cancer in other parts of the body.
3. Cauda equina syndrome
Disease, sometimes accompanied by a ruptured disc. This is because the disc material is pressed into the spinal canal and compresses the bundle of lumbar and sacral nerve roots. In connection with this disease, a person may have problems with urination and intestines.
4. Abdominal aortic aneurysm
This occurs when a large blood vessel that delivers blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs dilates abnormally. In addition, low back pain may be a signal that the aorta is enlarged and at risk of rupture.
5. Kidney stones
Stones can cause severe pain in the lower back (usually on one side).
Other factors and causes that can cause lower back pain:
- Inflammatory diseases of the joints.For example, arthritis, spondylitis, spinal inflammation.
- Osteoporosis. This is a bone disease that is accompanied by a decrease in bone density and strength, which can lead to vertebral fractures.
- Endometriosis.Female disease that may be accompanied by pain in the pelvis and lower back.
- Fibromyalgia.Pain syndrome accompanied by muscle pain and fatigue. It is chronic.
What to do with back pain?
First, you need to understand the causes of the pain. What can help one condition will not (or perhaps even worsen) another. And in some cases, urgent hospitalization is required. 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 on your back after a certain period of time
Many back problems can be solved (or alleviated) by avoiding heavy activities. However, rest for more than a few days is not recommended, as prolonged inactivity can make treatment difficult.
2. Limited activity
This means staying active but avoiding actions and attitudes that increase the pain. For example, if long periods of sitting in the car or at the desk worsen the pain, then set a timer to get up every 20 minutes and gently walk or stretch. Minimizing the actions and positions that aggravate the pain will help prevent or relieve painful spasms and speed up the healing process.
3. Cold / heat therapy
A warm bath, heating pads, 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 the swelling. It is important to protect the skin during the procedures to prevent tissue damage.
4. Pain medications
The most common over-the-counter medications are anti-inflammatory drugs that relieve back pain caused by swollen nerves or muscles. And also 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 helpful: the more flexible the muscles, the better the back can move without injury. It is advisable to start small - stretch the muscles of the lower back, buttocks, thighs, legs for 20-30 seconds and stop stretching if you are in pain.
You also need to strengthen the abdominal, thigh and buttock muscles that support the spine. Low-impact aerobic exercise increases blood flow and promotes healing of injuries without concussion. For example, you can train on stationary bicycles and elliptical trainers, walk and swim.
In fact, any exercise that keeps the heart cycle healthy for a long time is good for the body. Regular physical activity is essential to maintain freedom of movement and flexibility of a healthy spine.