Every person, sooner or later, faces a problem likelower back pain.According to statistics, more than half of sick leave is granted 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 very close to the lumbar area.
Diagnosis of low back pain.
If alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor to rule out life-threatening diseases;They are very rare, but they occur.The diagnosis involves several stages:
- General and biochemical blood tests - will show the presence/absence of an inflammatory process in the body.
- X-ray diagnosis - intended to study the condition of the 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 makes it possible to identify diseases without the use of harmful radiation.
Based on the results of the research, 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 usually therapeutic.All procedures are performed only in the area of the source of the pain.Surgery is indicated only 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:
- Problems with the spine: scoliosis, kyphosis, osteochondrosis, bulges and herniated discs caused by increased stress, sedentary work, hypothermia and 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.The pain usually appears 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.
- Spondylarthrosis: pinching of the nerve roots in the spinal canal.
- Weight problems: Extra pounds put additional strain on your back, creating constant strain on your muscles.
- Overfatigue – staying in one position for a long time – more often, specific characteristics of professional activity
- Diseases of the prostate, liver, kidneys.
Low back pain treatment
Modern medicine offers a large number of methods for treating low back pain, both in hospitals, with the help of medications and without medication in the affected areas.
Relieve low back pain with medications
In most cases, with back diseases, there is no obvious threat to life.The discomfort is caused solely by pain that limits physical activity.
To alleviate the condition, the following are prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: will reduce swelling and reduce pain;
- Chondroprotectors – to improve the condition of intervertebral cartilage;
- Hormonal medications: used for blockages.They relieve pain faster and maintain the effect longer;
In addition to injections and tablets, local therapy (gels and ointments) can be used.But, in case of severe pain, they are ineffective.
Important!
The nerve endings responsible for the basic functions of our body pass through the spine.Damaging them can have irreparable consequences.Therefore, the qualifications of the doctor performing the treatment should not be questioned.This is the key to your health!
Treatment of low back pain with physiotherapy.
All procedures aimed at relieving pain and eliminating the causes of its occurrence are prescribed by the doctor based on the results of examinations.
All types of massage (depending on the nature of the disease), manual therapy, acupuncture (acupressure on the source of pain) have proven effective.They relieve stress and accelerate blood flow.
Important!
In certain diseases, such as intervertebral disc herniations, massage is performed under radiological control or is completely contraindicated.
Physiotherapy and kinesiotherapy are also great for lower 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, optimal load balance is achieved.
Forced stimulation and warming up of muscles (electrophoresis, UHF, magnet) are very popular.These manipulations can be performed with or without the use of anti-inflammatory ointments and gels.
Important!
In case of confirmed cancer or in remission, physical therapy using forced stimulation is contraindicated.
Take care of your health, don't get too cold, control your stress;This will help prevent the appearance of lower back pain.If back problems cannot be avoided, do not be afraid to seek qualified help.Solving a problem in its early stages is much easier than dealing with a chronic illness.