Severe back pain in the lower back: possible causes, symptoms, doctor's advice and treatment

It is impossible to independently determine the cause of pain in the lower back.Pain in the back and lower back is called lumbago.It is felt in the lower back accompanied by muscle spasms and additional unpleasant symptoms.Acute lower back pain can be felt for a variety of reasons and can last from a few minutes to several months.As a result, a person begins to get used to sharp pains in the lower back and back.But if you don't seek help from your doctor in time, the person's health condition will deteriorate and the chances of recovery will decrease.It is important to consider the causes of low back pain and treatment.

Description of the lesion

Severe pain in the back and lower back is a common condition that appears in more and more people.

In most cases, the pain syndrome appears in the lower back, because the lumbar spine is characterized by its mobility and sustains the weight of the human body.Back pain in the lumbar region can occur as a result of lifting heavy objects or turning sharply.

In some cases, unpleasant symptoms in the lumbar region appear over time due to regular exercise or incorrect posture.In some cases, it is not possible to determine the cause of the pain syndrome.The pain is most severe when there is a load below the waist or after being in an uncomfortable position after a long trip in a car for a long time.In most cases, if a person sleeps on a hard surface for a while, back pain in the lower back goes away.

Most often, the pain lasts for a few days or weeks, then the general well-being of the person and the condition of the lower back are restored.You can recover by taking painkillers and optimizing daily physical activity: rest only in the first days and then it returns to normal.But in some cases, discomfort and discomfort in the lower back indicate the onset of a chronic disease that requires complex treatment.

A person's mood also plays a special role in this process.Due to pain, the general condition of the patient can worsen, but according to statistics, a person in a good mood recovers faster than a depressed person.

The main causes of the syndrome

The condition of the back directly depends on the functioning of the bones, nerves, muscles and joints.Finding the cause of most pain is extremely difficult.Severe diseases or injuries to the spine are rare.

In most cases, back pain in the back appears due to minor injuries, muscle strain, muscle tension and the beginnings and beginnings of the muscles, nerves and inflammatory process.Unpleasant back symptoms can occur suddenly or develop gradually.Causes of back and back pain:

• very sudden movement: bending or turning to the side;
• lifting and carrying heavy objects, long bending of the body;
• incorrect posture when walking or working at a table;
• Severe muscle tension in the back;
• long drives in a car without a break.

In some cases, pain in this area appears for no reason, for example, in the morning after waking up.

Key factors

There are factors that can cause severe back and lower back pain.Experts define a large number;They can have a negative impact on the back.The main ones include:

• Heavy weight - in this case, the spine is very overstressed.To determine the effect of body weight on the spine, the total body mass index should be calculated.
• Smoker - this can have a negative effect on the tissues of the back, which causes pain.
• Carrying a child - in this case, the woman's spine is subjected to severe stress, which only increases as the size of the abdomen increases.
• Long-term use of drugs that reduce bone density, such as corticosteroids.
• Psycho-emotional overstrain, stress - regular anxiety causes severe tension in neck and back muscles, causing pain.

Major diseases

Diseases that can cause lower back pain include:

1. Osteochondrosis and its complications, for example, spinal hernia, is a degenerative process in which the intervertebral cartilage is destroyed.Such diseases appear in elderly people, especially those who experience severe stress on their backs.
2. Spared ligaments and muscles - most often occurs after prolonged physical activity or sudden movement.
3. Some types of arthritis are an inflammatory disease of the joints, which, in addition to pain, can lead to stiffness in the joints and problems with mobility in the morning.
4. For example, pyelonephritis can cause lower back or left-right back pain.

To carry out diagnostic activities

Severe back and back pain can be managed at home by taking special medicines purchased at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription.Clinical therapy is generally not required.

If back pain radiates to the lower back and causes severe discomfort, the patient should definitely visit a doctor.He will conduct an examination and prescribe treatment.

If back pain on the left side of the lower back prevents the patient from resting and moving normally, you should consult a doctor at home.

When examining the condition, the doctor asked the person to sit, stand, walk, bend over, raise his legs, and also determine the range of motion in the back.It will also ask for information about recent illnesses or injuries, lifestyle, job characteristics and also ask the following questions:

1. When did the pain start?
2. Where is the pain?
3. Have you hurt your back before?
4. How does the pain syndrome manifest itself?
5. What is the reason for how much the pain gets stronger or weaker?

During the examination, the doctor will try to rule out possible infection and fractures, since such manifestations rarely occur.If there is a problem with the diagnosis, the doctor may send the patient for additional diagnostic measures: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-ray of the spine.A urine test is performed to rule out kidney disease.

In many cases, the pain in the spine is eliminated already on the third day of treatment.If the therapy does not improve the condition and the pain lasts six weeks (chronic process) or a serious disease has caused the lesion, then the doctor refers the person to a specialist.In most cases, treatment for back and back pain is prescribed by a neurologist.In addition, other doctors can join in examining the patient's condition: an osteopath, a chiropractor and a reflexologist.

Basic treatment methods

Treatment of pain syndrome will depend on its duration and severity, as well as the individual characteristics of the person.In most cases, pain can be relieved with simple home remedies.

The main methods of treatment:

• Mobility.In the past, doctors believed that it was important to make peace with pain in the lower back.It has already been established that the pain goes faster in patients who start moving earlier.Complete rest and bed rest only in the first days of acute pain, prevent and prevent normal movement.In this case, the person should sleep on a hard and level bed.After the situation returns to normal, you should return to a normal lifestyle and previous loads and previous loads, adding more and more mobility every day.Over time, the person will be able to walk normally around the house or visit public places.But he will try to avoid something that can cause some discomfort and pain again.After a few days, a person can return to work without waiting for severe pain in the back, and to get away completely (of course, if the person's work does not involve stress on the lower back). Early mobility will help to restore the condition and reduce the severity of pain.
• Taking painkillers.When associated with pain in the lower back or directly above the waist, doctors prescribe pain relievers.The products help relieve pain and inflammation.Depending on the severity of the lesion, a specialist can prescribe different forms of these drugs: injections, tablets, local preparations - ointments, gels and creams against back pain.Most initial treatment involves injections.After experiencing a pain syndrome, medication is stopped and, if necessary, tablets or special ointments are started.Such drugs have a number of contraindications, so before you start taking them, you should consult a doctor and study the instructions.Pain relievers are best taken after a meal, after milk.
• Muscle streamers- Medicines that help relieve muscle spasms and relax muscles.They increase the pain syndrome of severe tension in the spinal muscles, for example, an acute stage of osteochondrosis or a herniated disc.Muscle relaxants also have different side effects;For example, purchases while driving are prohibited.It is important to consult a doctor first.
• Hot and cold compress treatment.In some cases, the pain can be relieved by taking a warm bath or applying heating pads to the painful area of the body.You can improve your general condition with cold or a bag of frozen vegetables.But you must remember that you should not apply ice to the skin, as this can result in frostbite.Previously, a cold object should be wrapped in a towel and then applied to the affected area of the body.You can also alternate between cold and heat, or applying ice or a heating pad to the body.
• Choose a sleep state.Changing your sleeping position will help relieve tension and pain.If the patient is used to sleeping on his side, he should pull his legs to his chest and place a pillow between his legs.If he sleeps on his back, a pillow should be placed under his knees, this will ensure a natural curve of the lower back.
• Body relaxation- This is a very important component in the fight against severe back pain on the left side of the lower back, because severe discomfort and extreme pain syndrome only worsens.As experience shows, people in a good mood recover faster, and their pain is less chronic.There are special methods that help a person relax and forget about the anxiety behind you for a while.To do this, it is recommended to perform special breathing exercises and collect simple exercises with alternating tension and relaxation of the muscles in the body.
• Physical activity following a healthy lifestyle.It is important to address the root cause of severe back and lower back pain to prevent recurrence.The most common pain in this area, a person, poor posture and regular emotional outbursts include excess weight.In this case, an active and healthy lifestyle, for example, if you start to walk more or visit the pool, a positive effect can be achieved.The main thing is to choose the activity that you like the most.In some cases, classes are held under the guidance of an instructor.Most exercise sets are used to strengthen the back muscles and ensure straight posture and stretching.
• If the pain syndrome does not go away within 6 weeks of treatment, then it automatically goes to the chronic stage.In addition to painkillers and a muscle relaxant, you should start complex treatment in this case.

Treatment for chronic pain

In this case, doctors prescribe the following measures to patients:

• Manual therapy is performed by a chiropractor or osteopath and includes the use of various methods of therapy, massage and mobilization.
• Alexander Technique - Helps to remove severe tension in muscles, teaches a person how to hold the body position and move correctly in different situations.This technique will help you learn to maintain body balance and straight posture.
• Acupuncture sessions are an ancient Chinese treatment method, during which fine needles are inserted into various parts of the body to reduce pain and normalize a person's condition.
• Taking antidepressants.Such drugs are prescribed to the patient if painkillers and other treatment methods do not give positive results.Doctors recommend taking small amounts of tricyclic antidepressants.Such remedies were originally created to relieve depression and nervous system problems, but they also work to suppress certain types of pain.
• A session with a psychiatrist.A positive effect can be obtained from such a procedure when other treatment methods do not help.Severe back pain in the lumbar region is a real condition.The way a person is treated can make it stronger or, conversely, significantly weaken it.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help relieve back pain on the right or left side by changing your attitude.According to statistics, people who undergo psychotherapy sessions experience less severe pain.In this case, a person is motivated to lead an active lifestyle and regular exercise, which leads to a decrease in pain.

To carry out the operation

Most often, surgery is the only way to treat back and back pain, and all other methods have no effect.Surgery is used when the pain syndrome is so strong or constant that it prevents the patient from working or even resting.The chosen method of surgical intervention will directly depend on the type of pain syndrome and the reason for its occurrence.

For example, if there is a herniated back, the doctor prescribes a discectomy.Currently, doctors can operate through minimal incisions using specialized microsurgical instruments.Such operations are complex, but characterized by minimal trauma.

Spinal Fusion is a complex and extremely rare surgical intervention.Its results do not always meet expectations.For example, after surgery, a person may continue to have severe back pain below the waist.

With spinal fusion, the overall mobility of the spine is significantly reduced, because several vertebrae are fused to each other during the operation.At the end of the rehabilitation period, the bones are completely melted and do not affect the nerve endings located near them when a person moves.It helps relieve severe back pain in the left and right lumbar region.Before deciding to undergo surgery, the patient should be informed about all possible complications and positive effects of therapy.

Additional treatment

When dealing with acute and chronic lower back pain, other alternative treatment methods can be used, the effect of which has not been proven in medical practice.The main non-traditional treatment methods include:

• Laser treatment - minimum power lasers affect the inflamed area of the body and cause tissue regeneration;
• Treatment with interference currents - the lower back is exposed to medium and low-frequency currents that increase the production of endorphins (pain-relieving hormones), as well as active regeneration of damaged tissues;
• Ultrasound treatment - in this case, an ultrasound wave directed at the back surface is used: it relieves pain, provides tissue restoration and active healing;
• Electrical stimulation of the electrodes on the surface of the skin - electrodes attached to the surface of the skin deliver electrical impulses that stimulate the active production of endorphins, thus helping to stop the transmission of pain signals throughout the brain;
• Lumbar stretching - these are special pillows, bolsters and corsets used to maintain the position of the spine;
• spinal traction using specialized devices and training sets;
• Inserting a special needle into the spine - drugs are injected into the intervertebral spaces.

The specialist may send the patient to a "pain school", where the patient is taught to cope with pain independently, do special exercises and lead an active and healthy life.Such institutions primarily deal with group therapy, recreation and psychology.

Preventive measures

A healthy and strong back is the best solution to avoid any pain.For this reason, the most effective prevention will be regular physical activity in a rational amount, proper posture and lifting of heavy objects.

If a person has temporary back pain that radiates to the lower back, then he should take the following preventive measures:

• Get rid of excess weight: a lot of extra pounds can have a negative effect on the lower back, causing additional stress;
• Use proper and comfortable shoes with low heels, which will distribute the load evenly on the foot and not exceed the spine when moving;
• It is also important to stop moving suddenly, as this can cause muscle strain;
• Learn to deal with stress, depression, nervous breakdown, stop worrying too much, because all this causes pain.

Types of exercises for the back

A set of exercises is a good way to prevent and reduce lower back pain, but if the pain persists for more than 6 months, it is very important to consult a doctor before starting exercises.

Walking and strengthening Swimming will help improve muscle condition and relieve the spine, eliminating possible sprains.Pilates and yoga will help strengthen your back muscles and improve flexibility, but they should be done under the strict supervision of a professional trainer.

The most common simple exercises for back pain that can be performed at home are:

1. Wall Squats - To do this, you need to straighten, put your feet shoulder width apart.Next, do a squat until the body is in a 90 degree bend position.
2. Alternate leg raises.To perform the exercise, you should lie on the floor and start lifting your legs one by one without bending them.The exercise is repeated 5 times.
3. Pelvic lifts.The exercise is performed in a supine position.First, the knees are bent and then the pelvis rises with tension in the abdominal muscles.While performing the exercise, it is important to keep your back straight.Repeat 5 times.

At first, the exercises are performed several times a day, over time, depending on how the person feels, the number of approaches increases to six.This complex helps to warm up and strengthen the back muscles.People often injure their lower backs during everyday activities, such as lifting heavy objects or cleaning the house.Warming up your muscles thoroughly before working out will help prevent injury.

Pain due to osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disease of the articular cartilage that binds the vertebra.Due to this disease, there are cases where the roots of the spinal cord are pinched causing pain.People over the age of 30 are especially susceptible to this condition, and recently the lesion is often diagnosed in young people.

The main cause of pain in the back and lower back is lifting heavy objects, monotonous work in an uncomfortable position (for example, in the garden).Osteochondrosis can occur as a result of a long trip without stopping when a person is constantly sitting.

No person is immune from such a disease.It can be identified by the following symptoms:

• back pain;
• pain in the lower back, on the right (or left) side of the back pain, the pain radiates to the leg;
• Pain intensifies only with changes in position and loading of the lower back;
• A person may experience a strong burning sensation and painful Lumbago;
• After being in an uncomfortable position for a long time, it is difficult to change it due to severe anxiety;
• The sensitivity of the chest and legs decreases, a feeling of goosebumps occurs;
• Problems with sweating appear, the lower extremities become cold.

If a person is sure that the pain syndrome comes from the spine, he should perform the following therapeutic measures:

• Use a special woolen belt or scarf, tie it around the lower back;
• lie on a hard and flat surface;
• start taking anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Apply anti-inflammatory ointment for back pain in the lumbar region.

It is important to remember that rescuers should not be taken on an empty stomach, as it irritates the mucous membrane and can cause ulcers and gastritis.If a person is not sure about the cause of pain in the back and lower back, it is important for him to see a doctor - it is very dangerous to take anti-inflammatory drugs for diseases of the stomach and pancreas, because they can only aggravate the general condition.

What is prohibited?

In no case should the patient try to "correct" on his own - this can only increase the pain syndrome and cause great harm.If you have an acute form of osteochondrosis, you should not take a hot bath or visit baths and saunas.

After warming up, a person may feel an improvement in his condition and feel relief from pain, but after that his health condition will only worsen.If pain in the back area occurs often, it is important to perform an MRI and get help from a neurologist.