Low back pain is a problem that many people face, regardless of gender and age. Soreness in the lower back significantly worsens a person’s quality of life and limits freedom of movement. So why does lumbalgia arise, what is it? What symptoms should I look for?
Lumbalgia - what is it?
Acute or chronic pain in the
lumbar spine is commonly called lumbalgia
. Interestingly, pain can be associated with exposure to various factors. Some experts associate this condition with the ability of a person with upright posture, since in this position the load on the lower back increases. And if we take into account that most people have weak back muscles due to a sedentary lifestyle, it becomes clear why both elderly and young people suffer from this ailment. By the way, statistical studies confirm that men are more prone to such a disease.
Lumbar Lumbalgia and its main causes
In most cases, this condition is associated with certain diseases of the spine. In particular, lumbar osteochondrosis is almost always accompanied by a similar clinical picture. Scoliosis, spondylarthrosis, spinal stenosis, diseases accompanied by deformation or degeneration of the spinal structures - all this leads to lower back pain.
By the way, an acute attack of lumbalgia can be caused by trauma, shock, hypothermia, falling and lifting weights.
What are the symptoms of lumbalgia?
The subacute form of the disease is accompanied by a sudden attack of acute pain in the lumbar spine. It is difficult for the patient to sit, stand, and even more so walk - he can take a comfortable pose only lying on a flat, solid surface. As a rule, an attack passes after 4 to 5 days.
There is chronic lumbalgia. What it is? This form is accompanied by periodically occurring pain and heaviness in the lower back. Unpleasant sensations are not so intense, but appear much more often. Long sitting, walking (especially in uncomfortable shoes), carrying loads, physical exertion - all this is accompanied by rapid fatigue and a feeling of heaviness in the lumbar spine. As a compensatory reaction, there is a persistent muscle spasm, which severely limits the amplitude of movements - after a few days the patient can already lean forward with difficulty.
Lumbalgia Treatment Methods
Only a doctor knows why lumbalgia occurred, what it is and what treatment methods will be effective. Therefore, do not self-medicate - it is better to contact a specialist immediately. Naturally, research will be needed to help determine why the disease arose.
Lumbalgia also needs symptomatic treatment. In an acute attack, the patient needs complete rest. Analgesics and sometimes novocaine blockades are used to eliminate pain. In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular ibuprofen and paracetamol, are prescribed to patients.
As soon as the attack weakens, you can begin to strengthen and corrective therapy. Regular exercises in therapeutic gymnastics will help strengthen your back muscles. Manual therapy, massage and reflexology eliminate muscle spasm and restore freedom of movement. In some cases, it is recommended to wear special corsets that remove the load from the lower back.