In clinical practice, back pain is a fairly common syndrome. It affects the lumbar spine while the patient feels "belt" pain. Thus degenerative, musculoskeletal and dystrophic pathologies are manifested in the form of osteochondrosis or spondyloarthritis.
Low back pain - causes and symptoms
In medicine, the following causes of back pain are traditionally distinguished:
- Infectious and inflammatory processes in the spine;
- Muscle cramps or tight nerves;
- Formation of an intervertebral hernia;
- Spinal or spinal metastases;
- Scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis;
- Circulatory disorders (stroke, paralysis);
- Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (atypical manifestation of inflammation of the appendix, obstruction of the biliary tract and intestines);
- Diseases of the kidneys, reproductive organs;
- In some cases, during late pregnancy, women may experience lumbar discomfort.
Low back pain can be acute or persistent (chronic). They can also be "woven", d. m. th. arise in another organ, but give it to the lower back.
Acute pain strikes suddenly, has a piercing character, can impede movement and give the lower extremities and hips. The patient has a forced body position and limited mobility.
Acute pain is diagnosed when:
- stretching of long back muscles;
- spinal fracture and rupture of intervertebral discs;
- aspect syndrome (nerve root constriction, without displacement of the vertebral discs);
- epedural abscess (immediate hospitalization of the patient is required, as there is a high risk of spinal cord compression);
- dystrophic abnormalities of the hip joint.
Chronic low back pain is characterized by loss of sensation, "lumbago" in the gluteus muscle, weakness of the lower extremities, the formation of bone growths.
The patient may experience postural discomfort, intermittent claudication, deformity of the legs.
Chronic back pain occurs when:
- osteochondrosis;
- ankylosing spondylitis;
- metastatic and intradural tumors.
Diagnosis and treatment of back pain
The true cause of back pain can be diagnosed with CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), x-ray or ultrasound of internal organs. The first two methods provide a comprehensive assessment of the condition of bones and soft tissues, an X-ray indicates bone integrity and the presence of neoplasms, and an ultrasound examination shows disease of their organs and systems.
The therapeutic course is prescribed only by the attending physician, depending on the diagnosis, may include: taking analgesics, hormonal medications, a course of physiotherapy or manual therapy procedures, exercise therapy. If the pain is caused by dislocation of the discs or develops against the background of osteochondrosis, it is effective to wear a rigid fixation corset. It significantly relieves the lumbosacral region, preventing muscle overwork and spasm formation. A good therapeutic effect is given by blockade - special injections into the intervertebral joints. They relieve pain and relax muscles.
In severe cases, surgery may be required. It is very important not to self-medicate, but to seek qualified medical help in a timely manner.
During the rehabilitation period, you should perform regular physiotherapy exercises, undergo a course of massage and physiotherapy. This will help relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow and relieve tightness.
General recommendations for sacro-lumbar back pain:
- observe bed rest. In this case, the bed should have a firm and flat surface. Strictly exclude soft and down mattresses.
- wear a support bandage. It is especially important for pregnant women in the third trimester.
- Pain relievers are allowed.
- rub the back with ointments with warming and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Under no circumstances should you refresh it, it is best to wear a woolen scarf or a warm belt during a pain exacerbation.
Low back pain during pregnancy
If we talk about back pain during pregnancy, then they are associated with a change in the center of gravity of the woman's body due to the development and growth of the fetus. Also, as a result of hormonal changes (excessive production of relaxation), the hip sacral joints relax, which upsets the balance. An enlarged abdomen and excessive arching of the spine increase the pressure in the lower back. The muscles are constantly overloaded, which becomes the main cause of pain.
The risk group includes girls who before pregnancy had problems with thigh joint muscle development, impaired posture, osteochondrosis and spinal pathology of a neurological nature. Painful sensations do not appear earlier than the second trimester, and this is approximately from the fifth or sixth month. It can be relieved by strengthening the muscles with a special set of exercises. And the sooner you start training your back muscles, the easier it will be to endure a healthy baby.