Every person sooner or later faces a problem likelower back pain.According to statistics, more than half of sick leaves are issued precisely because of this diagnosis.
Causes of 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 the organs located near the lower back
Diagnosis for low back pain
If alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor to rule out life-threatening conditions - they are very rare, but they happen.Diagnostics involves several stages:
- General and biochemical blood tests: will show the presence/absence of an inflammatory process in the body
- X-ray diagnostics – aimed at studying 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 allows you to identify diseases without the use of harmful radiation.
Based on the research results, the patient will be offered a consultation with a highly specialized specialist - a neurologist, vertebrologist or chiropractor, who will prescribe further treatments.
Be careful!
Treatment for low back pain is often therapeutic.All procedures are performed only in the area of the source of pain.Surgery is indicated only when there is a real threat to life.
Back pain in women
Among the fair sex, back pain is quite common.It can be caused by both musculoskeletal disorders and concomitant diseases, including gynecological ones.
Be careful!
According to statistics, back problems in women are 10% more common than in men.However, the number of requests for medical assistance (among women) is 5% lower.
Causes of back pain in women:
- Spinal problems - scoliosis, kyphosis, osteochondrosis, protrusions 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.Pain, as a rule, occurs unexpectedly and is accompanied by severe attacks.
Main reasons:
- The lesions are typical of men who lead an active lifestyle.The consequences of damage may not manifest themselves immediately, but after some time.
- Muscle inflammation: Occurs with increased stress, heavy lifting, or injury.
- Spondyloarthrosis: pinching of the nerve roots in the spinal canal
- Weight problems: extra pounds put a strain on the back, creating constant tension in the muscles
- Excess fatigue – staying in the same position for a long time – more often, specificity of professional activity
- Diseases of the prostate, liver, kidneys
Treatment of lower back pain
Modern medicine offers a huge number of ways to treat back pain, both in hospitals, with the help of drugs, and without drugs on the affected areas.
Relieve back pain with medications
In most cases, with back diseases, there is no obvious threat to life.Discomfort is caused only by pain that limits physical activity.
To alleviate the condition, the following are prescribed:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: will reduce swelling and reduce pain;
- Chondroprotectors – to improve the condition of the intervertebral cartilage;
- Hormonal drugs - used for blockages.They relieve pain faster and maintain the effect longer;
In addition to injections and tablets, local therapy can be used: gels and ointments.But, with severe pain, they are ineffective.
Important!
The nerve endings responsible for the basic functions of our body pass through the spine.Their damage can lead to irreparable consequences.Therefore, the qualifications of the doctor carrying out the treatment should not be doubted.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 the examinations.
All types of massage (depending on the nature of the disease), manual therapy, acupuncture - acupressure on the source of pain - have proven to be very effective.They relieve stress and accelerate blood flow.
Important!
For some diseases, such as intervertebral disc herniation, massage is carried out under radiographic control or is completely contraindicated!
Physiotherapy and kinesitherapy are also excellent 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 of muscles - electrophoresis, UHF, magnet - are very popular.Such manipulations can be performed with or without the use of anti-inflammatory ointments and gels.
Important!
In cases of confirmed cancer or in remission, physiotherapy with forced stimulation is contraindicated.
Take care of your health, do not overcool, control stress - this will help prevent the onset of 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 disease.