Up to 80% of people suffer from lower back pain.For some it can be one or more episodes in a lifetime, while for others the pain becomes chronic.There are many reasons that cause pain, so you should definitely consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.Each condition must be considered individually to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
What causes pain
The likelihood of developing lower back pain increases due to a number of factors.
Age and poor physical fitness
The first problems with the lower back are felt between the ages of 25-45.With age, the pain tends to intensify and become chronic due to the aging of the spine.
If the muscles that support the spinal column are not sufficiently developed and strengthened, it can lead to spinal diseases.Pain in the lower back often occurs in physically unprepared people who have lifted a heavy object.
Overweight and heredity
Obesity puts additional strain on the lumbar region.
There is a genetic predisposition to diseases.For example, if one of your relatives has a history of spondylosis or radiculitis, you may be prone to the same pathologies.
Working conditions
If your job involves lifting heavy objects, you can injure your back.Also, prolonged sitting can lead to lower back pain, especially in people with poor posture.
Backpack
Try to weigh the child's backpack.If it weighs more than 20% of the baby's weight, then carrying it causes muscle tension and lower back pain.
Other household reasons
Pain in the lower back can occur during daily activities:
- lifting a heavy box, carrying heavy bags of groceries;
- rearrangement of furniture;
- lifting weights in the gym;
- turning the back during sports (golf, tennis, contact sports);
- during agricultural and construction works.
Spine problems, radicular pain and herniated disc
A common cause of back pain is disease or injury to the muscles, bones and/or nerves of the spine.
Radicular pain occurs due to pinching, herniation, when there is direct irritation of the nerve.For example, with sciatica, the pain syndrome is acute, accompanied by numbness in the area of the leg, which is innervated by the affected nerve.
Hernias develop as the spine degenerates or thins.The gelatinous central part of the disc protrudes from the central cavity and extends from the nerve root.Intervertebral discs begin to degenerate by the 3rd decade of life.A herniated disc occurs in a third of people over the age of 20.However, only 3% of them cause discomfort in the lower back.
Spondylosis and narrowing of the spinal canal
It occurs when the intervertebral discs lose moisture and volume with age, causing the disc height to decrease.Even minor trauma with spondylosis can cause inflammation and damage to the nerve root.This can lead to classic sciatica without a ruptured disc.
Spinal disc degeneration combined with lower back joint disease can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal.These changes cause pain.The narrowing of the canal is clearly visible on the X-ray.A person with spinal stenosis may have lower back pain that radiates down both lower extremities.Symptoms may worsen after prolonged standing or walking even short distances.
Cauda equina syndrome and musculoskeletal pain syndromes
This is an emergency condition in which the spinal cord itself is compressed.The disc expands into the spinal canal, which compresses the nerves.The person suffers from pain, possible loss of sensitivity, bowel or bladder dysfunction.This can lead to the inability to control urination: urinary incontinence or the inability to initiate urination can occur.
Musculoskeletal pain syndromes cause significant symptoms and include myofascial syndromes and fibromyalgia:
- Myofascial pain is characterized by sensitivity in localized areas (trigger points).The range of motion in the involved muscle groups decreases.Relief often occurs when the involved muscle group can relax.
- Fibromyalgia causes diffuse pain and tenderness throughout the body.Patients are concerned about general tension, fatigue and muscle stiffness.
Muscle or ligament sprains, bulging or ruptured discs
Repeated lifting of heavy objects or sudden awkward movements can strain the muscles in the back and spine.If a person is in poor physical condition, constant stress on the back can cause painful muscle spasms.
The discs act as cushions between the bones in the spine.The soft nucleus of the disc can bulge or rupture and put pressure on the nerve.But it is possible to have a bulging or ruptured disc without back pain.The disease is often discovered incidentally when an X-ray of the spine is performed for some other reason.
Arthritis, arthrosis and osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back.In some cases, arthritis in the spine can cause the space around the spinal cord to narrow.This condition is called spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis in the spine can cause compression fractures if the bones become porous and brittle.
Spondylolisthesis and skeletal disorders
A condition in which a bone in the spine falls out or moves out of its normal position.This can cause lower back pain and stiffness, as well as numbness and tingling in the extremities.
Skeletal disorders, a condition where the spine curves sideways (scoliosis), can also lead to back pain.It usually occurs before middle age.
Infectious inflammatory processes
Bone infections (osteomyelitis) of the spine are a rare cause of lower back pain.Inflammation of the nerves in the spine can occur when the nerves become infected with the herpes zoster virus, which causes herpes zoster.It can occur in the thoracic region, causing symptoms in the upper back, or in the lumbar region, causing pain in the lower back.
Spondylitis can cause stiffness and pain in the spine, which is especially pronounced in the morning.Ankylosing spondylitis usually starts in people during adolescence and young adulthood.
Tumors and other causes
Benign and malignant tumors (as well as metastases) can cause pain in the lower back.
Pain that occurs due to organ abnormalities in the abdomen, pelvis or chest can also be felt in the back.For example, appendicitis, aneurysms, kidney disease, kidney infections, bladder and pelvic infections, and ovarian disease can all cause lower back pain.This pain is not associated with physical activity and occurs suddenly.If it occurs, you should immediately contact a medical facility or call an ambulance at home.A normal pregnancy can also cause back pain.While carrying a baby, you may experience pelvic strain, nerve irritation, and lower back strain.
Preventing back pain
For prevention, experts recommend the following methods:
- Exercise regularly.Moderate exercise is suitable: walking, swimming or cycling for 30 minutes a day.Yoga helps relieve muscle tension, strengthen muscles and improve posture.
- Before exercising, working out at home or working in the garden, do a short warm-up with stretching.
- Do not bend the lumbar spine or slouch while standing or sitting.Poor posture increases stress on the lower back.
- At home or at work, make sure that work surfaces at home or at work are at a comfortable height for you.The chair should support your back well.Don't sit for too long, take a break now and then to walk around.
- Wear comfortable shoes with a low heel.
- Sleeping on your side with your knees slightly bent can help open up the joints in your spine and relieve pressure, reducing curvature of the spine.
- Try not to lift too heavy objects.If you must carry weights, you must lift them by pushing off with your legs.You cannot bend or arch your back - it must remain straight.
- Do not overeat to maintain an optimal weight.In order to support the bone system, there must be an adequate intake of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D.
- Stop smoking.Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower part of the spine, which can contribute to the development of degenerative processes.
When to see a doctor
If you associate the appearance of pain in the lower back, for example, with lifting heavy objects, then your health will return after rest.You can take a pain reliever.
You should see a doctor if:
- the pain does not go away for several days or becomes more intense;
- there is radiation to the abdomen or radiation to the legs;
- increased body temperature;
- there was severe lethargy and weakness;
- if you have recently experienced severe weight loss for no apparent reason;
- defecation and urination became uncontrollable and spontaneous;
- a sports, car or home injury has occurred.
As you can see, the list of reasons for back pain in the lumbar region is extensive.In less than 1% of people, the cause of pain in the lower back is a tumor, infectious processes or problems with internal organs.