Diseases of the musculoskeletal system that cause lower back pain
Spinal disease is characterized by limited mobility and chronic pain in the lumbar region.
The most famous pain syndromes in the lower back:
- Lumbago or lumbago. Acute pain occurs suddenly. Stiffness and muscle tension persist for a long time. In addition to osteochondrosis, pain can occur due to displacement of discs in the lumbar region.
- Radiculitis . The nerve roots in the spinal cord become inflamed. The pain syndrome usually does not have an acute onset and may be a symptom of spinal tuberculosis or osteochondrosis.
- Sciatica (sciatic nerve is compressed). Pain in the lower back is paroxysmal and often moves to the sacrum and the back surface of the lower extremities. In women it is observed due to inflammation of the appendages.
But the most common pathologies that are accompanied by pain in the lumbar region are:
- Spondylosis . This is thinning of the vertebrae in the lumbar region. At the same time, the ligaments weaken and bone growth begins, which narrows the spinal canal. The growths compress the nerve endings, which causes numbness in the legs, a feeling of weakness and nagging pain. Often there is a displacement of the vertebrae and discs in this area, which leads to the development of pathologies of other vertebrae that are located below. The functioning of the bladder and rectum may be impaired.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis . The disease manifests itself as loosening of joint tissue. The pathogenesis involves nerves and severe pain, as the nerve roots of the spinal cord are pinched.
- Hernia . The intervertebral cartilage protrudes, violating its integrity and squeezing the nerve roots. The joint loses its functions. The pain often extends to the legs.
- Ankylosing spondylitis . The joints that are responsible for the mobility of the spinal column are affected.
- Stenosis . Chronic inflammation narrows the spinal canal and compresses the nerves in it. Not only pain appears, but also cramps. At rest, the pain disappears, but with any load it returns again.
- Scoliosis . In severe cases, with muscle spasm and the presence of a hernia, intense pain appears in the lower back.
The causes of pain are not always diseases of the musculoskeletal system. To make sure of this, provocative tests are carried out to determine the exact cause of lower back pain. .
Diseases of the genitourinary system
Pain in the lumbar region is sometimes associated with diseases of the genital area or pathologies of the urinary system. This is indicated by fever, intoxication, weakness, appetite and sleep disturbances, and rapid weight loss. Pain on one side or throughout the lower back may, for example, be a sign of pyelonephritis (unilateral or bilateral, respectively) - an inflammatory pathology of the kidneys. Signs of genitourinary diseases:
- pain in the urethral area;
- yellow, greenish, brown discharge;
- change in urine color;
- frequent or infrequent urination;
- false urge to urinate;
- increase in the volume of the lower abdomen;
- menstrual irregularities;
- itching, pain, swelling in the perineum.
If such symptoms appear, you should urgently consult a doctor: many gynecological and kidney diseases are life-threatening and require hospital treatment, in some cases surgical treatment.
Other reasons
Lower back pain happens:
- Mechanical . Appears or intensifies in the evening, after a working day. After rest, it decreases or disappears altogether. This pain is often observed in older people. It is caused by structural abnormalities in the back.
- Inflammatory . Morning stiffness is accompanied by painful sensations that disappear after light exercise or taking anti-inflammatory drugs. The cause is considered to be inflammatory spondylopathies.
In addition to the main causes of pain in the lumbar region, there are also secondary factors that arise due to concomitant pathologies. These include:
Rachiocampsis: | Failure of metabolic processes that changes the bone skeleton: | Infectious diseases: | Autoimmune pathologies: |
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Other pathologies:
- Malignant neoplasms near the spinal column.
- Spinal injuries.
- Painful sensations of a psychogenic nature or after a stroke.
- Gastrointestinal diseases.
- Lower back pain is common during pregnancy and menstruation.
- Inflammation of the ovaries.
- Renal colic.
- Venereal problems.
Recipes from traditional healers
To treat lower back pain, traditional healers recommend drinking plenty of fluids. Pure water, chamomile and rosehip tea, berry and fruit compotes will help quickly remove the end products of inflammation, waste and toxins from the spine. Infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs are used as a drink in folk medicine. Useful plants contain biologically active substances with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic properties.
How to cure back pain with healing infusions:
- pour 3 tbsp into a thermos. spoons of lingonberry leaves, St. John's wort and marigold, pour a liter of boiling water and leave for about an hour. Strain, drink the aromatic infusion instead of coffee and tea;
- Place a handful of dried rosehips, blueberries and junipers in an enamel or glass container, pour in 2 liters of hot water. Simmer in a water bath for 30-40 minutes, strain and drink 0.5 cups of infusion before each meal.
Back pain can be relieved with a compress or ointment made from natural products. How to prepare the potion:
- Melt 3 tbsp in a water bath. spoons of natural honey, cool and mix with 2 tbsp. spoons of pharmaceutical alcohol.
- Carefully add 100 ml of Vaseline into the mixture and rub into the damaged areas of the lower back.
This remedy is also used for therapeutic compresses for back pain. To do this, the mixture should not be rubbed, but distributed in a thin layer on the skin. You need to put plastic wrap on top and then wrap yourself in a warm scarf. The duration of the procedure is 3-4 hours.
Treatment for lower back pain usually occurs at home. Only when an acute inflammatory process is diagnosed is the patient hospitalized in a hospital. Depending on the cause of the pathology, therapy takes from two weeks to several months. But if you follow medical recommendations, recovery significantly accelerates, as evidenced by reviews from recovered patients.
Infusions of medicinal herbs relieve a person from lower back pain, cleanse the spine of waste and toxins
Vladimir, Samara:
“One morning I simply couldn’t get out of bed, I even thought that I was paralyzed. But the pain refuted this assumption; it was so strong that it radiated to my legs. We were treated in the hospital with injections of Movalis and Mydocalm, and then took them at home for about a week. The pain went away on the second day, but the doctor ordered treatment until a victorious recovery.”
Marina, Moscow:
“My pain intensified gradually, as I suspect, after swimming in a cold river. My lower back simply couldn’t straighten and I had to go on sick leave. I followed all the doctor’s advice, drank Ibuprofen and Sirdalud, smeared myself with Voltaren, and put mustard plasters on my back. I was cured in five days.”
Valery, Salsk:
“The doctor warned that pain is not the worst thing. During the diagnosis, it turned out that my vertebrae were rapidly collapsing. I took Teraflex for about a year and rubbed Honda into my back. For pain, I took Nise with Omeprazole. After a new examination, the neurologist was pleased that no new damage was found.”
Associated symptoms
Pain in the lumbar region differs in severity: acute - has a shooting character and occurs suddenly; chronic - the pain is dull and aching and can last for several months.
Often the pain appears periodically, that is, it takes a recurrent course.
Certain types of pain are characteristic of a specific injury to the lumbar structure.
Local or local . Appears due to damage to the joints, ligaments, and musculoskeletal system. Such pain is clearly localized, generally not severe, but constant. Changes when body position changes.
Reflected or reflex . Divided into two types:
- Pain is caused by diseases of the internal organs. It radiates to the buttocks and thighs. The painful sensations are deep and aching. Even in a calm state it does not go away.
- Pain syndrome causes damage to the sacrum. The pain is dull and continuous. It radiates to the groin and buttock area.
Radicular pain . Appears due to damage to the nerve roots of the spinal cord. The pain is quite intense, radiating from the spinal column to the periphery. It usually radiates to the legs, right down to the toes. It gets worse from the slightest exertion, even from coughing and sneezing.
Fibromyalgia or muscle pain . Caused by a protective muscle spasm. Occurs in many pathologies of the spine. With prolonged muscle tension, aching and even cramping pain appears.
Video: “Acute lower back pain: why does it occur?”
Diagnostic features
If there are no additional symptoms, you should consult a neurologist or orthopedist. In other cases, the help of other doctors is necessary. To begin with, you can visit a therapist, and if necessary, he will refer you to additional consultations with specialized specialists. Diagnosis of this ailment must be comprehensive. Typically it includes:
- radiography, MRI, CT of different parts of the spine;
- examination by a gynecologist;
- taking a smear;
- Ultrasound of internal organs and blood vessels;
- urine and blood tests.
X-ray and other images can reveal abnormalities in the spinal column: inflammatory processes, formation of osteophytes, thinning of intervertebral discs, displacement of the vertebrae. Tests and ultrasound provide information about the condition of internal organs, help detect the presence of inflammation and establish the nature of its origin.
Treatment of lower back pain
The method of eliminating lower back pain is selected based on the causes and severity of the disease that caused the pain syndrome. Conservative treatment is usually prescribed. although surgical intervention cannot be ruled out.
Symptomatic therapy
The following drugs are used:
Anti-inflammatory drugs . Quite effectively relieve inflammation and eliminate pain. |
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Analgesics |
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Muscle relaxants |
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Gels and ointments |
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Compresses |
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Drugs that reduce degenerative processes in cartilage tissue |
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Sometimes therapeutic blockades are prescribed. Painkillers are injected into trigger points. Typically, the analgesic is injected into the epidural cavity of the spine.
Surgical
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The absolute indication for surgery is “cauda equina syndrome ,” that is, fecal and urinary incontinence, as well as numbness in the perineal area.
Surgical treatment is required if lower back pain persists for more than six months and begins to radiate to the lower extremities. But before deciding to undergo surgery, the presence of a hernia should be confirmed at a localized level. For this purpose, neuroimaging studies are carried out.
Exercise therapy and massage
Therapeutic exercises are also considered treatment. Physical exercise strengthens the muscular frame of the back , increases blood circulation and improves muscle tone. Exercise therapy is intended both for therapeutic therapy and for the prevention of pain in the lumbar spine. Naturally, exercises are selected individually, taking into account the severity of the pathology.
You can highlight the most useful exercises that are performed 10 times, avoiding overwork.
- While standing, bend your body in all directions.
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart and turn your body left and right.
- Get on all fours. Do the well-known “Cat” exercise.
- Lie on your back, bend your knees. Raise and lower the pelvis with a gradual increase in amplitude.
- Lie on your back, straighten your legs. Bend your legs and pull your knees toward your chest.
- Swing your legs while standing on all fours.
The positive results from gymnastics are reinforced by therapeutic massage . It improves blood circulation, and if necessary, can quickly relieve acute lower back pain. Massage movements have a beneficial effect on the flexibility and elasticity of ligaments. Sometimes, and only with the permission of a doctor, a combination of massage and bath is allowed. But this is prohibited if the pain worsens.
Physiotherapy
The procedures are highly effective and successfully relieve pain in the lumbar region.
The following methods can be distinguished:
- Use of ultrasound (phonophoresis). Reduces swelling and has an analgesic effect.
- Electrophoresis using novocaine and calcium.
- Aplipulse therapy. It has a vascular-trophic and analgesic effect.
- Electrical muscle stimulation. Improves blood circulation and relaxes the muscular system.
- Reflexology.
- Paraffin treatment. Restores metabolic processes and improves lymph flow.
- Mud therapy and balneotherapy.
Procedures are prescribed strictly individually, based on clinical symptoms.
The use of folk remedies
For pain in the lumbar region, folk recipes significantly improve your well-being. In order not to harm your health, it is advisable to consult your doctor in advance. There are many effective remedies that can eliminate pain (temporarily).
Popular compresses:
- Mix vinegar and honey in equal proportions. Place the resulting mixture on a cabbage leaf and apply it to the lumbar area, which should then be wrapped in a warm cloth.
- Grind dry burdock leaves and pour boiling water over them. The paste is applied to the sore spot.
- Soften the boiled potatoes and mix with horseradish. Apply the compress to the lower back.
- A chopped onion is applied to the sore spot.
- Mustard powder is diluted with warm water and spread on the lumbar region.
Rubbing:
- Warmed honey.
- Tincture of burdock or eucalyptus.
- A mixture of cologne, iodine, red pepper and valerian.
Infusions taken orally:
- Add crushed cinquefoil root to 500 ml of vodka. You should insist for at least a month. Take one spoon three times a day.
- A handful of wheat is soaked overnight. In the morning, coriander is added and the mixture is boiled in a cup of milk until it becomes thick. Should be consumed twice a day.
Folk remedies are an addition to the main treatment. They significantly improve well-being and reduce pain.
Stop deceiving yourself
Before reading further, I will ask you one question: are you still looking for a magic device that can restore your joints the first time, or are you hoping for the Russian “maybe it will blow through”?
Some people soothe the pain with anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving tablets, ointments from advertising, and put blockades, but this does not cure the joints.
The only remedy that will somehow help is Arthropant.
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Disease prevention
To avoid the recurrence of pain in the lumbar region, we recommend that you strictly follow three main rules:
- Exercise regularly.
Exercises should be of a general strengthening nature. They evenly affect all muscle groups, including those in the back and abdomen. It is recommended to practice them daily for at least twenty to thirty minutes. Morning exercises, jogging, swimming in the pool or walking briskly are suitable.
- Maintain water-salt balance.
A person is recommended to drink up to three liters of fluid per day. Pure mineral water is suitable for this. Carbonated drinks, coffee and tea are bad for the kidneys and do not saturate the body.
You should drink more water in the first half of the day. After 20.00 it is better to reduce the amount of water consumed, because this is fraught with swelling and pain in the kidneys.
- Eat right and visit a doctor.
Review your daily diet. You should reduce the amount of fatty, fried and smoked foods or eliminate them altogether - it is better to add healthy dishes and products. The healthiest one is the one that is steamed or boiled. The daily diet should contain as many foods as possible that are rich in the vitamins, microelements and minerals necessary for the body.
It is recommended to undergo annual medical examinations, which include a complete examination of the body. Women should regularly visit a gynecologist, men - a urologist. The health of children should be monitored at the level of educational institutions - well-established medical examination will help to identify the disease in time and begin treatment as early as possible.
The main condition for maintaining a healthy spine is the right lifestyle!
Prevention will prevent lower back pain from getting the best of you again.
In addition to these three rules, there are several more that are also recommended to be followed:
- Watch your posture.
- Avoid uncomfortable postures when working while sitting. The knees should be higher than the level of the pelvis. You need to sit on a low chair or put a stand under your feet. It is better if a small pillow is placed between the lower back and the back of the chair (chair).
- When working in an office environment, you should move regularly. Once an hour, take breaks for a short five-minute exercise.
- You need to sleep on a hard orthopedic mattress.
- Lift weights correctly. This is done by bending the knee joints. You need to sit down to the object, bending your knees, while keeping your back straight.
- When carrying a load, it is worth distributing the load between both hands.
Back pillow