Almost every person at one time or another in life experienced pain in the spine in the lumbar region. The loin is the part of the back that begins where the ribs end. Pain can bother a person, starting from adolescence, and continue throughout adulthood. From pain in the spine in the middle of the back affects up to 80% of people in one or another period of their lives.
Usually there are pains in the spine in the lumbar region for the reasons for which people themselves are to blame:
The intensity of back pain can vary from sharp and stitching to dull. Pain may be permanent or intermittent. Acute lower back pain may appear suddenly after an injury or a heavy load. Chronic back pain is pain lasting more than three months. If the spine in the lower back hurts for a long time, what should I do? See your doctor if back pain lasts longer than 72 hours.
Intervertebral disc herniation
Why does the spine hurt? Back pain that occurs after excessive exercise or heavy lifting is often a pain from tension. However, sometimes these actions cause damage and rupture of the disc or hernia. With a hernia of the intervertebral disc, inflammation of the sciatic nerve occurs, and this can cause back pain.
Eighty percent of people have hernias, especially closer to fifty years. This disease is serious, and it is necessary to treat it, at least at home, at least in a hospital, depending on the severity.
Symptoms may not always appear immediately, since the lower part of the spine is its most mobile part. It is worth paying attention to the symptoms that are the precursors of a hernia:
- you cannot bend over - you are worried about pain in the spine in the middle of the back or limited mobility;
- one of the lower limbs freezes or goes numb;
- it is painful to step on the foot while walking (when the sciatic nerve is pinched);
- can't sleep on a particular side.
Hernia symptoms
Why is pain in the spine and back not immediately felt? The fact is that until the nerve is affected, inflammation, swelling and muscle spasm appear when the process is already running, and a hernia has appeared. Here are the symptoms a person experiences with a hernia:
- Severe pain, which increases with increasing load and gradually spreads to the buttocks and legs.
- Legs lose sensation.
- The functions of the pelvic organs are impaired.
- There are problems with the intestines.
- Urinary incontinence may occur.
- Sometimes the mobility of the lower half of the body is lost, which leads to disability.
Can this be avoided? Sure. It is often necessary to listen to the body and treat spinal diseases in a timely manner.
Causes of hernia
Here is what can cause ailment:
- Improper lifting and carrying weights.
- Spinal injury
- Prolonged sitting or standing.
- Genetic predisposition.
- A lot of weight.
Examination and treatment
The doctor can detect large hernias during palpation, in other cases you will be sent for an additional examination:
- magnetic resonance imaging (allows you to get an image of the body by the thinnest layers and identify the exact dimensions of the hernia);
- ultrasound examination (will detect the exact location of the hernia and its size);
- X-ray
- urine and blood tests.
The choice of treatment by a doctor depends on several factors: the size of the hernia, its location and the general condition of the patient. In some cases, along with drug treatment, surgery can be performed. But in the early stages, medications, physiotherapy, massage, physiotherapy exercises are usually used. Medications are usually prescribed for severe pain to block a nerve or relieve cramping and swelling.
Surgery as the best way to get rid of a hernia
During the operation, the damaged area of the intervertebral disc is removed and replaced with a titanium one; the grown bone growths and processes (osteophytes) are removed. Sometimes microdisectomy is performed - the entire intervertebral disc is removed. Patients rarely agree to this operation, since after a while a hernia forms again. With hydroplasty, the damaged disc is washed out, after anesthetizing.
Hernia Prevention
Instead of treating, it is better to do prevention:
- perform simple physical exercises every morning;
- to swim;
- do special exercises to strengthen the back;
- observe the daily routine;
- at least once a year to do a massage course;
- learn how to properly lift weights;
- lead a healthy lifestyle and prevent weight gain.
Folk remedies for the treatment of hernia
Such methods bring only temporary relief from pain in the lumbar spine, you can not rely on them and ignore a visit to the doctor.
Rubbing the mixture of mummies with honey and fir oil will help for some time to forget about back pain.
Mix goat fat at room temperature with one fresh yolk and add a few drops of iodine. Make a compress on the sore spot.
A decoction of nettle and chamomile will help for some time to eliminate inflammation and reduce pain.
What is sciatica?
Radiculitis is an inflammation of the nerve endings caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that goes through the buttocks and extends down the back of the leg. Pressing or pinching the sciatic nerve causes shock or burning lower back pain. It happens that people feel as if the pain goes down through the buttock and shoots the entire leg, right to the toes. If the spine hurts in the lumbar region on the left, then it will be given to the left leg.
The cause of the development of radiculitis is considered a change in the intervertebral discs. By age, discs may become thinner, deform, shift, hernias occur. Gynecological problems in women, heavy loads, severe hypothermia can lead to radiculitis.
Symptoms of radiculitis
Especially severe throbbing pain in the spine in the lumbar region appears with lumbar radiculitis. It is this part of the back, consisting of five vertebrae, that experiences the main load. This type of radiculitis is most common. What symptoms can you feel? They are similar to symptoms of other spinal problems: burning, numbness, leg pain and weakness, tingling in the legs.
The pain appears in the gluteal region, in the hips, and then along the limb, which is on the affected side, passes through the nerves to the foot. Such a patient walks with difficulty, it is difficult for him to find a comfortable position while lying and sitting. The pain can be any: aching, sharp, dull. It may appear unexpectedly. The muscles immediately become weaker, and the legs lose their sensitivity.
How to treat sciatica
Treatment of radiculitis can begin only after identifying the cause through diagnosis. The doctor must conduct a neurological examination - checking reflexes, sensitivity, activity. An x-ray will help to find out how much degenerative changes have occurred in the spine, and computed and magnetic resonance imaging will give a clear picture of the condition of the roots and show how badly damaged nerve fibers.
The choice of treatment will depend on how severe and acute pain in the spine is in the lumbar region, whether sensitivity is impaired and whether there are other changes in the body. Sciatica can usually be treated with conservative methods. In order to stop the pain, reduce inflammation, relieve swelling, prescribe medications. A course of physiotherapy is also prescribed, which will increase blood circulation and thereby reduce pain.
Drug treatment begins with anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, muscle relaxants, vitamins (group B).
Also use:
- Massage. Helps to improve blood circulation, thereby reducing swelling and pain.
- Physiotherapy.
- Medications (anti-inflammatory non-steroidal) help relieve inflammation and pain. Can be replaced with candles. For severe pain, injections are used that are injected directly into the damaged area.
- Acupuncture.
- Ointments with a warming property.
- Pepper heating patch.
- Vitamin B Injection
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a very serious disease that can lead to serious complications and even disability. Several factors play a role here: the general condition of the body, its willingness to resist infection, and changes in bones.
This disease can be caused by streptococci, staphylococci, Escherichia coli or salmonella. Osteomyelitis can also be a complication after tuberculosis, syphilis and some other diseases. The bacteria can get into the bone in two ways: with an open injury (open fracture, a gunshot wound) or due to inflammatory processes in the body itself (deep caries, tonsillitis, etc.).
The clinical picture of osteomyelitis
Symptoms of the disease begin with high fever, throbbing pain in the spine in the lower back, chills. The person feels bad, complains of bone pain, and the site of the lesion is very painful. There is redness and swelling at the site of the affected bone. White blood cells are significantly elevated. In the early stages, an x-ray may not reveal signs of the disease, only after eight to ten days, a thickening of the periosteum and fragility of the bone are visible. These symptoms can occur in any part of the spine. They are also a common cause of pain in the spine in the area of the shoulder blades. Treatment can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Osteomyelitis treatment
Previously, before antibiotics were used, a quarter of the cases of the disease were fatal. Now osteomyelitis, which begins acutely, can also lead to death. With timely treatment, the patient's condition improves rapidly, but still the disease can last for weeks.
There are three principles for treating osteomyelitis:
- the fight against the pathogen with a high dose of antibiotics;
- surgical intervention to open and remove pus;
- increase immunity.
Is the cause of back pain your job?
Work that involves lifting weights or involves being in one position for a long time can cause injury and lower back pain. Even prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable position can cause lower back pain. Stand on your feet for hours on end? It can also cause lower back pain. The best way to prevent back pain is to know that you are in danger.
Why does the spine hurt? Work that can cause pain:
- Airline employees
- surgeons
- nurses and medical professionals;
- bus and taxi drivers;
- warehouse workers;
- construction workers;
- farmers;
- firefighters and police;
- wipers;
- mechanics;
- office workers (e.g. telemarketing, archive clerks, computer operators).
Lighten your burden!
Does the spine hurt? What to do? Carrying a suitcase, briefcase, or bag can strain your lower back. If you must carry a heavy load, consider using a wheeled bag. By reducing the amount of weight that you wear, you reduce the force of pressure on the spine. Help your children keep their backs healthy by making sure their backpacks aren't overloaded. A heavy backpack can provoke back problems in your children in the future.
Workouts that can cause lower back pain
Most sports back injuries are sprains or spasms of the muscles surrounding the spine. Serious conditions or complications may have similar symptoms to normal sprains or overstrains. The most common sports injuries occur after repeated excessive twisting of the spine or compression or flexion. Sports such as running, football or volleyball can often cause lower back pain. Golf, in which twisting is often repeated, can also provoke back pain.
Improved Posture for Relieving Back Pain
The back does not feel tension when we stand correctly and do not stoop. Sitting with the right support for the lower back, with your shoulders back and a footrest, can prevent lower back pain. Proper balance and comfortable shoes when you are standing can also minimize the risk of lower back pain. Wear comfortable shoes with a small heel if you're on your feet all day. At home or at work, make sure work surfaces are at a comfortable height. Warming up and stretching before training or other difficult physical activity will help to avoid injuries. Do not attempt to lift heavy objects or bend your back while lifting. Lead a healthy lifestyle, stop smoking and lose weight. So you can eliminate the main causes of back pain in the lumbar region.
Will bed rest help with back pain?
Doctors often recommend that you continue your daily life as soon as possible. Studies suggest that strict bed rest can even increase the intensity of pain. Bed rest can also lead to secondary complications, such as depression, decreased muscle tone and blood clots in the legs. You should try to keep moving, avoiding actions that significantly aggravate the condition and increase back pain. By staying active, those who suffer from spinal pain in the lower back can gain more flexibility and faster recovery.
Yoga for back pain
If the back pain does not disappear after three months, yoga can help with this. In a recent study, it became apparent that people who had been doing yoga for 12 weeks experienced fewer symptoms of lower back pain. Conventional stretching exercises helps just as well. Make sure your instructor is experienced in teaching people with back pain and will change postures for you as needed.
Massage therapy for lower back pain
Studies have shown that massage treatments can help relieve chronic lower back pain. Massage procedures can return people to their usual daily lives and reduce pain in the spine in the middle of the back when bending. Massage therapy is limited and will not be the most effective solution for patients with spinal complications, injuries or disk problems, as the massage focuses on the release of muscle tension, and not on the structure of the spine itself.
Acupuncture to relieve lower back pain
Acupuncture can be quite effective for chronic lower back pain. With acupuncture, thin needles are inserted at various points in the body.
Practicing acupuncturists hypothesize that when these thin needles are inserted into the skin and then stimulate nerve endings by twisting or tapping, endorphins, serotonin and acetylcholine, which are needed to relieve pain, are released into the blood.
Unofficial evidence suggests that acupuncture can be an effective painkiller. Scientific and clinical studies are currently underway to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy.
Pain relievers for back pain
A wide range of drugs is used to treat both acute and chronic lower back pain. Analgesic medicines are specifically designed to minimize pain. These include acetaminophen and aspirin, as well as prescription opioids such as codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be used to relieve pain and inflammation. These are ibuprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen sodium.
There are also many gels and sprays that can soothe back pain. They are applied to the skin and warm it, or, conversely, cool the areas where pain is felt, thus muffling it. Analgesics can reduce inflammation and increase blood flow, which also alleviates pain.
Injections to relieve lower back pain
Epidural steroid injections are needed to quickly reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Injections are for short-term use and should not be used for a long period of time, as they can worsen pain in the long run.
Is an operation necessary?
Back surgery is often the last resort when all other treatment options have been tried. Surgical intervention can be considered as an option to relieve severe pain in the spine in the lumbar region caused by serious injuries of the musculoskeletal system or nerve compression due to displacement or collapse of the vertebrae.
Back surgery often has a long recovery period, and some patients may lose mobility and flexibility after surgery. It is also important to note that not all surgical procedures are successful. Thus, it is important for patients to talk with their doctors and to know all the risks associated with the procedure before surgery on the back.
Diseases
What other diseases can be hidden behind a common symptom when the back and spine hurt in the lower back? Here are some of them:
- Spinal stenosis develops when the spinal canal is excessively narrowed.
- Spinal arthritis, also called spinal osteoarthritis or spondylosis, is a common degenerative change in the spine. It affects the facet joints of the spine and can contribute to the development of bone spurs.
- Spondylolisthesis occurs when the overlying vertebra slides forward relative to the underlying vertebra.
- Vertebral fracture is often caused by some kind of trauma (for example, a fall).
- Osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection that can develop in one of the bones of the spine.
- Spinal tumors represent abnormal cell mass growth and are diagnosed as benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancer).
How to relieve pain?
If you have recently injured your lower back, there are several ways you can relieve pain.
For the first 24-48 hours, use ice wrapped in a towel or cloth. Ice helps reduce swelling, muscle cramps and pain. After that, switch to heat. Heat helps warm and relax diseased tissue.
Warning: never apply a cold or heat source directly to the skin, always wrap it in something.
Medications such as Ketorolac or Diclofenac, used as directed, can help reduce inflammation and pain. If bed rest is no longer required, you may need to change your daily routine to allow your lower back to recover. For pain in the spine and back, which doctor should I go to? First you can visit a therapist, and then a neuropathologist.