Today, back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek professional advice. According to some data, at least 80% of the adult population has it at least once in their life, and every year at least 4-9% receive qualified advice about it. Painful sensations in the back, just above the lumbar region, are common complaints. In this article, we will discuss what problems in this area can cause pain, how they are identified, and how to deal with them.
Some Possible Causes of Pain
The main part of back and lumbar pain cases are musculoskeletal pains that can be caused by osteochondrosis, myositis and intervertebral hernia. However, it can be caused by other pathologies, as well as certain conditions of the human body. Let's look at some common reasons.
Osteochondrosis
Or according to the term accepted in the international classification of diseases today - dorsopathy. These are dystrophic changes in the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs, compensating the load on the spine, providing shock absorption during movement, vibration loads, etc. . In most cases, a pathological genetic predisposition, as well as a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity.
Myalgia
These are muscle pains that can be caused by various reasons. The upper part of the lower back contains muscles that hold and stabilize the spine. Therefore, the cause of painful sensations in them is various diseases of the spine, as well as increased physical activity, hypothermia, etc.
Intervertebral hernia
This is one of the complications of spinal osteochondrosis, in which the integrity of the intervertebral disc is broken and the watery core inside it protrudes into the spinal canal. Depending on the size of the hernia and its location on the back, sharp shooting pains can occur, sometimes spreading to other parts of the body and limbs (with pathology above the lower back, it can be a leg or an arm).
Diseases of internal organs
Back pain is not always a symptom of spinal problems. Often it can also be a symptom of pathologies of internal organs: gastric and duodenal ulcers, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, urolithiasis, kidney diseases, etc. However, it does not always cause pain in the abdomen, side or other area where the affected organ is located. .
Age-related changes
With age, the structure of the spine undergoes a number of changes, especially noticeable with a sedentary lifestyle and reduced load. They belong to the ligamentous apparatus, muscles and bone tissue. Osteochondrosis and arthrosis, together with muscle atrophy and loss of ligament elasticity, can periodically cause pain in the lower back.
Pregnancy
Back pain is not always a symptom of any pathology. For example, late pregnancy can also cause this condition in women. According to available data, 90% of pregnant women complain of back pain and 50% of discomfort localized specifically in the lower back. But why does this happen? The reasons are physiological changes in the biomechanics of the pelvis and spine. In most cases, pain can occur in women who have previously experienced back problems
Types of painful sensations
For diagnosis, it is important to understand what kind of pain a person feels. Back pain from the waist up is girdle, pain, pulling, dull, sharp, etc. can be. Feelings are only additional information used in diagnosis. You should not completely trust them, you should only diagnose yourself based on this information.
Some possible diagnostic methods
During a specialized consultation, information about the history and symptoms is collected. But this is not enough: additional examinations are needed to make a more accurate diagnosis. The expert can either limit himself to one of them or appoint several of them.
Radiography
This is a diagnostic method based on the use of X-rays. With the help of such an examination, it is possible to identify fractures, osteochondrosis of the spine, spondylosis, neoplasms, as well as curvatures and other disorders. When performing radiography, the image of the organ under study is projected on film or paper only in one projection - this method is less informative than X-ray CT and MRI.
X-ray computed tomography (X-ray computed tomography)
X-ray CT is similar to radiography in the technology used: it is also based on X-ray radiation. However, as a result of such diagnostics, a 3D image is obtained, which is available for layer-by-layer study, rather than 2D. For this, stronger ionizing radiation is used, which should not be used very often. RCT can be performed with or without contrast, which provides a clearer image and increases the success of diagnosing certain diseases.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic method that allows obtaining a multi-layered image in several projections, but has nothing to do with the use of X-rays. It is based on magnetic resonance and is therefore safer than X-rays and CT scans, but is not suitable for patients with permanent metal structures in the body. In addition, this study is noisier and longer. Like CT, MRI can be done with contrast to make a more accurate diagnosis of certain diseases.
Ultrasound
This technique is based on the principle of echolocation and, as a rule, is used to diagnose diseases of internal organs if the symptoms give reason to suspect their presence. It is highly informative and safe in the study of organs and tissues. An ultrasound of the spine is also performed, but is extremely rare.
Laboratory diagnostics
A general blood test with ESR-leukocyte formula can be prescribed to diagnose the presence of an inflammatory process, infection or tumor. If you suspect pathologies of internal organs in the future, additional laboratory tests may be prescribed.
Other diagnostic methods
If a specific nature of the pain or internal organ diseases are suspected, other examinations may be prescribed until the diagnosis is made and the cause of the pain is determined.
Treatment of upper back pain
The most important step in getting rid of back pain is to seek professional advice. After diagnosis, exclusion of diseases of internal organs, serious pathologies of the spine, and non-specific definition of pain, the following can be recommended:
- Taking NSAIDs.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for internal and local use are often used to eliminate non-specific back pain, osteochondrosis, hernias and other pathologies. The category of such drugs includes the active ingredient - nimesulide;
- taking muscle relaxants.They are designed to combat muscle spasms, thereby improving mobility and reducing pain;
- taking other drugs.The set of medicines for diseases of the internal organs or back pain during pregnancy will probably be different;
- physiotherapy and exercise therapy.During the acute period, various physical procedures may be recommended to relieve pain and speed recovery. These include, for example, electrophoresis with analgesics, pulsed currents, ultraviolet radiation, massage, exercise therapy, as well as mineral baths, mud therapy, etc. ;
- surgical intervention.Surgery for herniated discs may be indicated if other pain relief methods do not work for a long time and may be indicated based on the results of an MRI, X-ray, or X-ray.
Some Possible Preventive Measures
Since risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal low back pain include heavy physical work above the lumbar region, a sedentary lifestyle, as well as frequent bending of the body, heavy lifting and vibration, it is recommended to minimize these factors. as a preventive measure. If your back already hurts above the waist, you should not immediately load your muscles with gymnastics and especially sports - you should first get a qualified consultation to rule out pathologies.