Every person sooner or later faces a problem likelow back pain.According to statistics, more than half of sick leaves are issued precisely for this diagnosis.
Causes of low back pain
The most likely cause is various diseases of the spine - osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, radiculitis.However, there are other factors:
- Pathologies of internal organs;
- Kidney diseases, gastrointestinal tract, urological problems;
- Excessive stress on the spine;
- Oncological diseases of organs located close to the lumbar region
Diagnosis for low back pain
If alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor to rule out life-threatening conditions - they are very rare, but they do happen.Diagnosis involves several steps:
- General and biochemical blood test - will show the presence/absence of an inflammatory process in the body
- X-ray diagnostics – aimed at studying the condition of intervertebral discs
- MRI of the lumbar spine - will allow you to closely examine the spine, spinal canal and determine the presence of stenosis
- Ultrasound is a modern method that allows you to identify diseases without the use of harmful radiation.
Based on the research results, the patient will be offered a consultation with a highly specialized specialist - a neurologist, vertebrologist or chiropractor, who will prescribe additional treatment.
Pay attention!
Treatment for low back pain is generally therapeutic.All procedures are performed only in the area where the pain originates.Surgery is only indicated when there is a real threat to life.
Low back pain in women
Among the fair sex, lower back pain is quite common.It can be caused by both musculoskeletal disorders and concomitant diseases, including gynecological ones.
Pay attention!
According to statistics, back problems in women are 10% more common than in men.However, the number of requests for medical help (among women) is 5% lower
Causes of back pain in women:
- Spine problems - scoliosis, kyphosis, osteochondrosis, protrusions and herniated discs caused by increased stress, sedentary work, hypothermia, as well as genetic predisposition
- Periodic female conditions – menopause, menstruation, pregnancy
- Inflammation of the pelvic organs, diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system
- Rarely – neoplasms in the lumbar spine
Low back pain in men
Back problems are the most common disease of the stronger sex.Pain, as a rule, occurs unexpectedly and is accompanied by severe attacks.
Main reasons:
- Injuries are typical for men who lead an active lifestyle.The consequences of damage may not appear immediately, but after some time.
- Muscle inflammation - occurs with increased stress, heavy lifting or injury.
- Spondyloarthrosis – compression of the nerve roots in the spinal canal
- Weight issues – extra pounds place additional stress on the back, creating constant tension in the muscles
- Excessive fatigue – remaining in the same position for a long time – more often, specificities of professional activity
- Diseases of the prostate, liver, kidneys
Low back pain treatment
Modern medicine offers a large number of ways to treat low back pain, both in hospitals, with the help of medication, and without medication to the affected areas.
Relieving low back pain with medication
In most cases, with back diseases, there is no obvious threat to life.Discomfort is caused only by pain that limits physical activity.
To alleviate the condition, the following are prescribed:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – reduce swelling and pain;
- Chondroprotectors – to improve the condition of intervertebral cartilage;
- Hormonal drugs - used for blockades.They relieve pain more quickly and retain the effect for longer;
In addition to injections and tablets, local therapy can be used - gels and ointments.But with severe pain, they are ineffective.
Important!
The nerve endings responsible for the basic functions of our body pass through the spine.Damage to them can lead to irreparable consequences.Therefore, the qualifications of the doctor carrying out the treatment should not be questioned.This is the key to your health!
Treating low back pain with physical therapy
All procedures aimed at relieving pain and eliminating the causes of its occurrence are prescribed by a doctor based on the test results.
All types (depending on the nature of the disease) of massage, manual therapy, acupuncture - acupressure at the source of pain - have proven themselves very well.They relieve stress and speed up blood flow.
Important!
For certain diseases, such as intervertebral disc herniation, massage is performed under X-ray control or is completely contraindicated!
Physiotherapy and kinesiotherapy are also excellent for low back pain.This treatment consists of applying loads evenly to the damaged areas of the back.By relaxing one part of the spine and creating tension in another, an ideal load balance is achieved.
Forced stimulation and muscle heating - electrophoresis, UHF, magnet - are very popular.Such manipulations can be carried out with or without the use of anti-inflammatory ointments and gels.
Important!
In the case of confirmed cancer or in remission, physical therapy with forced stimulation is contraindicated.
Take care of your health, do not overcool, control stress - this will help prevent the occurrence of lower back pain.If back problems cannot be avoided, don't be afraid to seek qualified help.Solving a problem in its early stages is much easier than dealing with a chronic illness.